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"The Sadness I Admire" from Even Sleepers
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Even Sleepers
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CD Review

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Even Sleepers
LEAH CALLAHAN
2 1/2 stars
reviewed by levavaran

There is absolutely no doubt that Leah Callahan is a very talented singer-songwriter. The evidence is on every track of Even Sleepers. Her vocal styling changes maybe two or three times during this nine song disk, first bringing to mind an authentic hybrid of Mary Hopkins and Rickie Lee Jones, then during the definite highlight of the album, “Shocking Pink”, she sings much like Melanie circa 1971 Brand New Key era. Leah finishes with a Suzanne Vega style a cappella rendition on ‘Strip Mall”

The problem with this album has absolutely nothing to do with Leah’s ability as a singer. On the opening track, “Valentine”, I am lightly pulled in by the accordion or melodica sound and her Mary Hopkins vocal sound. Basically on tracks 2 through 7 there is (at least in my opinion) a sameness from song to song. The arrangement and instrumentation is quite sparse. Sometimes Leah’s voice is accompanied only with a miked acoustic guitar, sometimes a piano or bass with nary a drum set to be found. If Leah intended Even Sleepers to be a songwriter's’demo to show off her vocal talents, she was successful. I don't think this is the case since Leah has been steadily releasing material since 1996. If this is a stand-alone CD release, it doesn’t cut it (at least in my opinion). I'd like to hear a fuller and more complete backing band and more variation in songs. Maybe with a full band this will all work out and Leah Callahan will be next to take over as female pop star champion. One thing’s for sure –she can sing!!!

Genre: Cabaret Style Pop
Released: 2003

 01/15/04 >> go there
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