Half Smile

Half Smile

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Hank Dogs' exceptional 1999 debut had the feel of an opening salvo that would ultimately prove to be the high watermark for the South London trio. With three years passing since its release, one could be forgiven for wondering if the father/daughter/second-wife trio had it in them to recapture the magic of their taut, tense entrée. Half Smile washes away such doubts from the start. With Piano, the mother of the clan, in the fore, Hank Dogs again serve up a set of songs that are striking in their rich detail and quiet menace ("Now I understand how maybe it's possible/ To want to hurt someone," she intones coolly on "Rise"). Musically, they stick with what's worked for them in the past, building their sound around interweaving acoustic guitars, here fleshed out slightly more than on their initial effort, but far from busy. Very much akin to Kate Rusby, another stunning U.K. folk upstart, this threesome proves the British folk scene is riding a wave that may just now be crashing on faraway shores. --Steven Stolder

Tracks:

Same New
Torture
Bed Of Rice
Half Smile
Let Alone Me
Women Who Love Too Much
Whole Way
Little Door
Singers
Belief
Hollywood
Rise

Amazon.com

The Hank Dogs' exceptional 1999 debut had the feel of an opening salvo that would ultimately prove to be the high watermark for the South London trio. With three years passing since its release, one could be forgiven for wondering if the father/daughter/second-wife trio had it in them to recapture the magic of their taut, tense entrée. Half Smile washes away such doubts from the start. With Piano, the mother of the clan, in the fore, Hank Dogs again serve up a set of songs that are striking in their rich detail and quiet menace ("Now I understand how maybe it's possible/ To want to hurt someone," she intones coolly on "Rise"). Musically, they stick with what's worked for them in the past, building their sound around interweaving acoustic guitars, here fleshed out slightly more than on their initial effort, but far from busy. Very much akin to Kate Rusby, another stunning U.K. folk upstart, this threesome proves the British folk scene is riding a wave that may just now be crashing on faraway shores. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Don't bother..........2005-06-28

Instrumentally very nice, but the mood is ruined by the singing and stilted lyrics. Pure pablum that doesn't live up to the hype. About as satisfying as light beer.

Best music most people haven't heard.......2004-07-04

Another superb album, as good as (if not better than) "Bareback". Some of the finest acoustic guitar and mesmerizing harmonies this side of the Moon. Enough said.

Another brilliant treasure.......2003-02-05

This is a stunning second album for this much under-rated and surprisingly unknown group. The Hank Dogs should be the staple of any good folk or alternative radio station. It is really a wonder that they are not well known!

When I first bought Half Smile, I was slightly dissappointed, but continued to play the CD. WAS I WRONG! This is a continuation of Bare Back in every sense of the word. Play them on a random selection and try to guess which song comes from which album. It's not possible. The harmonies are brilliant, the guitar work is stunning and the vocals are mesmerizing. Read the lyrics just for the poetic imagery.

Give the Hank Dogs a try, you won't be dissappointed and these CD's will find a permanent spot in your CD rotation.

Oh Wonder.......2003-01-28

The Hank Dogs sre special. I don't want to be specific about any particular song or melody. The voices are charmed. The songs are simple and compelling. Half Smile is as fine as BareBack.

A Joy.......2003-01-19

Totally original
completely contemporary
yet, "as old as the hills"
Wonderfull album: calm, yet full of ardour
one of the best recordings for quite a while.

Average customer rating:

Real Slow has universal appeal!

Real Slow
Eric Hansen
Manufacturer: Half Moon Full Star
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lucky
Hero In The Dark

ASIN: B00005CFHE
Release Date: 2000-11-25

Tracks:

Trouble
Suntan and a Cellular Phone
Let It Rain
Real Slow
Hello Billie Ann
Take My Hand
Charlie The Frog
I've Got You
We Lived In Paris
Gently
The Differences Between Us
Day After Tomorrow
Leap Of Faith
We've Got To Let Go
I Am I

Album Description

Half Moon Full Star Records produces Eric Hansen's music currently. It is an independent company that strives to put out quality music with a positive message for listeners of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Real Slow has universal appeal!.......2001-04-25

Real Slow is the cd that will rarely leave your cd player! Eric Hansen's alluringly rich voice, incredible guitar playing, superb songwriting and unique style leave you, at the very least, enlightened and inspired. You just feel real good while listening to "Real Slow". You will giggle and you will sob as you clap and dance along! FINALLY...a CD the whole family can listen to!!! Everyone enjoys! A breath of fresh air in the curious music world of today.

Average customer rating:

Half Smile
Weevil
Manufacturer: Wichita
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002AZTG8
Release Date: 2004-08-05

Tracks:

Half Smile
Lapsed
Half Smile (Video)

Average customer rating:

Half Smile
Hank Dogs
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001Z64V8
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

Same New
Torture
Bed of Rice
Half Smile
Let Alone Me
Women Who...
Singers
Whole Way
Little Door
Belief
Hollywood
Rise

Album Description

UK version with a differant sleeve & 2 bonus tracks. Finely crafted folk, a dash of Gram Parsons mixed in with Vashti Bunyan. Spinney. 2004.

Hot Productions Presents : Detroit Soul Vol. 14 FEATURING: Jimmy Ruffin & Brenda Holloway, Carolyn Crawford, The Monitors, Bettye LaVette, Pat Lewis, Barbara Randolph, J.J. Barnes, Saundra Edwards, Sisters Love, Barbara McNair, The Satintones, Frances Nero, Don't Wait Around - The Elgins, Benny Reeves And The Monitors, Chico Leverette, The Lewis Sisters

Average customer rating:

Hot Productions Presents : Detroit Soul Vol. 14 FEATURING: Jimmy Ruffin & Brenda Holloway, Carolyn Crawford, The Monitors, Bettye LaVette, Pat Lewis, Barbara Randolph, J.J. Barnes, Saundra Edwards, Sisters Love, Barbara McNair, The Satintones, Frances Nero, Don't Wait Around - The Elgins, Benny Reeves And The Monitors, Chico Leverette, The Lewis Sisters
My Smile Is Just A Frown Turned Upside Down - Carolyn Crawford, Cold As Ice - The Monitors, Jimmy Mack - Bettye LaVette, Separation - Pat Lewis, Soul Searching - Barbara Randolph On The Rebound - Jimmy Ruffin & Brenda Holloway , Crush On You - Saundra Edwards, Right Between The Eyes - Sisters Love, For Once In My Life - Barbara McNair Build A Foundation - J.J. Barnes , and Come Back And Start Again - Frances Nero, Don't Wait Around - The Elgins, Benny Reeves And The Monitors, Chico Leverette, The Lewis Sisters Half A Man - The Satintones
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000QUAK40