With the standard-issue, off-center, extreme close-up of the album cover showing off the singer/songwriter's equally regulation-issue nose ring and lank hair, it's forgivable if one's first reaction to Serena Ryder's debut album is "Oh dear, not another Alanis Morissette clone." Learning that Ryder is a precocious 21-year-old from Ontario (as Morissette once was herself) doesn't exactly help, but prepare for a shock. Unlikely Emergency not only isn't awful, it's genuinely really good. Ryder's voice and guitar are backed by ...
Read More
With the standard-issue, off-center, extreme close-up of the album cover showing off the singer/songwriter's equally regulation-issue nose ring and lank hair, it's forgivable if one's first reaction to Serena Ryder's debut album is "Oh dear, not another Alanis Morissette clone." Learning that Ryder is a precocious 21-year-old from Ontario (as Morissette once was herself) doesn't exactly help, but prepare for a shock. Unlikely Emergency not only isn't awful, it's genuinely really good. Ryder's voice and guitar are backed by Toronto art pop gadfly Hawksley Workman (who produces and plays drums), and a pair of his regular cohorts, bassist Derrick Brady, and ex-Waltons keyboardist Todd Lumley, but this is Ryder's show all the way. Possessor of a startlingly soulful and commanding voice -- the closest point of comparison is '80s electro-soul powerhouse Alison Moyet, and she absolutely blows away that pretender to the throne Joss Stone -- Ryder delivers her own songs (mostly mid-tempo rock with occasional folk and jazz touches) with unshakeable authority and then casually tops herself with a sterling a cappella rendition of the Etta James standard "At Last." The album isn't perfect -- on the weakest track, the overwrought "Skin Crawl," Ryder does actually sound a lot like Morissette, and that's never a good thing -- but with inventively weird songs like the voice-and-drums holler "Sing Sing" and catchy pop tunes like "Just Another Day," Unlikely Emergency has the depth and range of a seasoned pro. ~ Stewart Mason, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Unlikely Emergency to cart. $5.20, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Isadora.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!