Finishing School is the first solo project for singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sasha Bell. She's been an integral member of the Ladybug Transistor and the Essex Green but this is her chance to be in charge. Not surprisingly (in part because her compatriots from those two fine groups help out here), the finished product, Destination Girl, sounds quite a bit like those bands. The record blends country influences (the lilting "Reno," "Page 16"); baroque pop leanings (the driving "Hair," the lovely mid-period ...
Read More
Finishing School is the first solo project for singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sasha Bell. She's been an integral member of the Ladybug Transistor and the Essex Green but this is her chance to be in charge. Not surprisingly (in part because her compatriots from those two fine groups help out here), the finished product, Destination Girl, sounds quite a bit like those bands. The record blends country influences (the lilting "Reno," "Page 16"); baroque pop leanings (the driving "Hair," the lovely mid-period Kinks-influenced "Rowan's Theme"); Byrds-ian jangle pop (the title track); British folk-rock (the very Sandy Denny meets the Everly Brothers ballad "Day Is Over"); and good old indie pop balladry (the soft and dreamy "Morning Light"), and ends up near the top of the chamber pop class. All the songs are fully arranged, bursting with flutes, keyboards, strings, and percussion topped by Bell's sweet, unadorned vocals. The best songs on Destination Girl -- the melancholy and beautiful "Destination Girl," "Day is Over," and the charming "Silent Space" -- rank right up there with the best moments of the Ladybug Transistor and the Essex Green, which is high praise indeed, and, again, not at all surprising. So, despite one moment of less than wonderful songcraft (the overly long but still pretty good "New Sensation"), this is a very strong debut. And just in case you get the idea that the record is derivative because of all the comparisons mentioned here, put your mind at ease; Bell is very adept at synthesizing her influences and coming up with a sound all her own. This is highly recommended not only to fans of the Marlborough sound, but also to anyone who likes melodic and thoughtfully arranged pop. ~ Tim Sendra, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Destination Girl (With Bonus Dvd) to cart. $3.00, good condition, Sold by HPB-Red rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Telegraph Media.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Destination Girl (With Bonus Dvd) [Audio Cd] Finishing to cart. $7.79, very good condition, Sold by Bound Matter rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Aurora, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Telegraph Media.
Add this copy of Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt to cart. $23.64, new condition, Sold by Music Fiendz rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from South Hackensack, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Track And Field Records.