It's easy to think of Eleanor Friedberger as just the primary singer of the Fiery Furnaces. However, her songwriting skills were on display even on Gallowsbird's Bark, where her song "Bright Blue Tie" was one of the lower-key standouts among the album's musical sleights of hand. It's not surprising, then, that Friedberger's solo debut Last Summer recalls the band's first album and expands on that song's lilting melody and wryly detailed lyrics. A few tracks feel like they were crowded out of the Furnaces' brimming catalog, ...
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It's easy to think of Eleanor Friedberger as just the primary singer of the Fiery Furnaces. However, her songwriting skills were on display even on Gallowsbird's Bark, where her song "Bright Blue Tie" was one of the lower-key standouts among the album's musical sleights of hand. It's not surprising, then, that Friedberger's solo debut Last Summer recalls the band's first album and expands on that song's lilting melody and wryly detailed lyrics. A few tracks feel like they were crowded out of the Furnaces' brimming catalog, particularly "Inn of the Seventh Ray," which boasts some jaunty pianos and travelog lyrics that are decidedly Fiery, and "Heaven," which makes Friedberger's knack for pop melodies literal by sounding like a '70s soda jingle. Meanwhile, the charm that makes the Furnaces' trickier moments ultimately winning shows up in spades on "My Mistakes" and "I Won't Fall Apart on You Tonight," perhaps the most accessible songs Friedberger has ever sung. Fortunately, though, Last Summer doesn't trace the lines of her work with her brother too closely. Instead, she reveals a softer, more personal approach that melds singer/songwriter intimacy with her innate wit. Her voice caresses lines like "he shaved off his beard/and saw The Girl Who Played with Fire " on the lovely "Scenes from Bensonhurst," and disparages "Glitter Gold Year"'s annus horribilus with a twist: "You said it wouldn't be so bad/But it's worse." Friedberger keeps most of her stories close to home, chronicling everyday New York adventures in "Roosevelt Island" and "One-Month Marathon," but the instrumentation she surrounds them with is far-flung. "Early Earthquake" is a potent reminder of how commanding she is with just a guitar and some percussion behind her, while "Owl's Head Park" fuses strings, synths, saxophone, and layers of vocals into something lush, sophisticated, and miles away from Friedberger's band. While Last Summer has enough ties to her work with the Fiery Furnaces to please fans, it gives Friedberger the time in the spotlight she deserves. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
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Add this copy of Last Summer to cart. $3.75, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge Records.
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Very 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 Last Summer to cart. $3.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge.
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Friedberger. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of Last Summer to cart. $4.10, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Last Summer to cart. $7.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge Records.
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Very 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 Last Summer to cart. $7.50, good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge Records.
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Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Last Summer to cart. $22.74, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Merge Records.
