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Golden State Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The California-born, classically-trained Yalie makes her major-label debut, after a trio of independent solo acoustic releases. Todd is backed by a full band on this Mitchell Froom-produced album, and some of the tracks here are actually new, fleshed-out versions of songs that appeared onThe California-born, classically-trained Yalie makes her major-label debut, after a trio of independent solo acoustic releases. Todd is backed by a full band on this Mitchell Froom-produced album, and some of the tracks here are actually new, fleshed-out versions of songs that appeared on those earlier albums, including "Digital." Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. With its subtle textural enhancement, the album renders the esoteric pleasures of Todd's compositions and highly individual songs considerably more accessible.
  2. Both her songs, mature and articulate, and the quality of her voice, airy and haunting a la Nico (but not as dark), are of uncommon quality.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    She's utterly beguiling, a fresh presence at last in singer-songwriter land. [Jun 2003, p.95]
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    A spartan showcase for her stern, breathy voice and luxuriant melodies, both of which can be beguiling. [20 Sep 2002, p.106]
  5. It's probably a smart move for Columbia to release a reconfigured sampler of her early songs to catch people up on her talent. Yet, as an ardent fan, it's hard for me not to feel a little let down.
  6. Uncut
    50
    Her simple, repeitious music is predominantly listless and washed out. [Jun 2003, p.102]
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. JenniferB.
    Mar 24, 2004
    10
    Her writing is amazing....the many layers she achieves with her powerful voice and words is an inspiration and unique:)
  2. Jun 15, 2011
    6
    I'd heard some of these songs in more simpler versions on previous efforts ("Digital" "Independence Day" etc). Here, with Sony's touch, theseI'd heard some of these songs in more simpler versions on previous efforts ("Digital" "Independence Day" etc). Here, with Sony's touch, these older songs are "beefed up" with mixed results. Songs written for this album ("88 Ways) fare much better as they may have been written for this larger sound. It's definitely a good listen, with a marked departure from previous albums. Expand
  3. Victor
    Aug 21, 2004
    1
    This performer is a victim of her pretentious press--"classically trained"? If that's true, one might expect her to have more than a This performer is a victim of her pretentious press--"classically trained"? If that's true, one might expect her to have more than a three-note range. Anyone can be classically trained. Faint praise indeed. Vapidly pompous music. Expand