The Finest Thing

The Finest Thing

The Finest Thing

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
With her breathy, fragile voice and introspective lyrics, Lori Carson has released several albums in what might be called the conventional singer-songwriter mode, and the opening title track of The Finest Thing, a gentle ballad, might lead you to think this is another album in that vein. But Carson has also worked with avant-rockers the Golden Palominos and music saboteur Bill Laswell. That's what gives The Finest Thing a gritty edge with distorted hissing, amp buzzes, and strange aliasing that must be intentional for an artist of her experience. Centered largely on plaintive acoustic guitar ostinatos with touches of electric guitar, occasional trumpet, and spare keyboard, The Finest Thing yields quiet reveries, sometimes with lyrics, but more often by casting wordless ghost vocals into the abyss. She's clearly listened to the early ambient music of Brian Eno and "Grey World" sounds like an homage to Music for Airports. In an age of supralingua divas like Lisa Gerrard and Azam Ali, Carson's "La-La-La-Ohh" vocalizing can sound trite, but there's an appealing intimacy to The Finest Thing, like pages from a personal scrapbook: rough edges, sketchy drawings, and a bit of insight into a mind at work. --John Diliberto

The Finest Thing,Lori Carson,Meta,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter
The Finest Thing
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Fine Things
  • Wonderful
  • bleak to say the least
  • Simply Beautiful!
  • Truly *The Finest Thing*
 The Finest Thing
Lori Carson
Manufacturer: Meta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional FolkTraditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Where It Goes
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  4. Stars
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ASIN: B00023P4W4
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

  1. The Finest Thing
  2. She Can't Decide
  3. Long Walk
  4. Hold On To The Sun
  5. Glimmer
  6. Grey World
  7. Coney Island Ride
  8. Long Walk (End)

Amazon.com

With her breathy, fragile voice and introspective lyrics, Lori Carson has released several albums in what might be called the conventional singer-songwriter mode, and the opening title track of The Finest Thing, a gentle ballad, might lead you to think this is another album in that vein. But Carson has also worked with avant-rockers the Golden Palominos and music saboteur Bill Laswell. That's what gives The Finest Thing a gritty edge with distorted hissing, amp buzzes, and strange aliasing that must be intentional for an artist of her experience. Centered largely on plaintive acoustic guitar ostinatos with touches of electric guitar, occasional trumpet, and spare keyboard, The Finest Thing yields quiet reveries, sometimes with lyrics, but more often by casting wordless ghost vocals into the abyss. She's clearly listened to the early ambient music of Brian Eno and "Grey World" sounds like an homage to Music for Airports. In an age of supralingua divas like Lisa Gerrard and Azam Ali, Carson's "La-La-La-Ohh" vocalizing can sound trite, but there's an appealing intimacy to The Finest Thing, like pages from a personal scrapbook: rough edges, sketchy drawings, and a bit of insight into a mind at work. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fine Things.......2005-11-11

This is one of my favorite cd's of the past couple of years. Such beautiful arrangements of vocal and non vocal tracks -- all evocative. Carson has an uncanny lyrical sensibility not usually heard on pop music's illiterate landscape. "Coney Island Ride" is a perfect example -- very Joni Mitchell. This cd will not disappoint if your looking for a quiet, soothing listen.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2004-12-25

I'm pretty new to Lori Carson. Actually I discovered her music with this album and purchased her previous ones after. The reviewer below is 200% wrong, I bet he put his point after one listen. Pretentious??? Why? Because it's mostly instrumental? This is a stupid statement. It's not pretentious by any mean, it's a space, relaxing, magnificent music that goes deep in a flow of memories, images and emotions. And anyone at least sensitive would notice that this new album is the logical evolution of her style. Lori doesn't even sound like the conventional songwriter in those previous records, to the contrary of what the amazon editorial reviewer says: the way she performs her songs leaves space to the senses, it sounds fragile, sensual, subtle and moving. It's pretty more a physical thing than a brainy one. And an album like "Everything I Touch Runs Wild" is like the soundtrack of a love story. THE FINEST THING is looking for the essence of what you need in music. This is the music you need when the words don't help. This is music replacing the words. This music SPEAKS, and is far to be bleak. Sometime in his life an artist miss words, but the emotions remain, and the music wants to marry the silence, or a blue evening sky. On THE FINEST THING, the music sounds like the peaceful, wonderful kingdom of a new-born baby: he doesn't have the words yet, but he's open to a heartfelt paradise. Life is that wonder.

1 out of 5 stars bleak to say the least.......2004-12-23

Listening to her now makes you think that any sort of maturity in her music stalled with "Shelter". This album, apparently representing deep meditations can be simply compared to the pretentiousness that is ridiculed in past SNL's "deep thoughts by jack handey"
Perhaps she would do well to collaborate with some evolved musician who can distance the music a bit from their deep thoughts or painful self-reflections. Snore........!
I would say this album is typically the self-indulgent, self-referential style that that seems to be part of her recent artistic make-up.
There is little to nothing to take away from her music, nor anything that enhancies your experience of music. It non-inclusive, and hence leaves you feeling a bit desserted and cheated at the end.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful!.......2004-07-20

This is a much different CD from Lori Carson's other CDs. It shows another side to Carson's music that I was thrilled to hear! The songs' emotional music trigger deep thoughts and speak to your soul... As always, Lori Carson's amazingly beautiful voice and powerful lyrics made songs like "Hold On To The Sun" specially great! Another one of my favorites on this album is "Glimmer". Finest Thing is a brilliant work of art that keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys good music!

5 out of 5 stars Truly *The Finest Thing*.......2004-06-28

"Quick as you wish you could make it last, it goes that fast." -- lyrics from the song "The Finest Thing."

That's how I felt after listening to the marvelous new CD by Lori Carson. Luckily, I have my own copy and can listen as often as I want!! ;-)

Lori Carson has made another wondrous CD of beautiful, soul-touching music. "The Finest Thing" is a truly unique collection of ethereal, haunting and entrancing songs.... I love it!!!

While somewhat of a departure from her previous discs == i've read that lori calls the tracks 'meditations' == "The Finest Thing" manages to fit nicely among her other recordings, while at the same time going deeper and pushing different sonic edges. Her voice and singing have never been better!

IMHO, it's more than worth the price for the title track alone and a lush recording of the rare tune "Glimmer." Some of the songs remind me of a soundtrack to a movie, and brings to mind her standout contribution to the "Crazy/Beautiful" soundtrack, "I want to believe you." (One of my favorite Lori songs.)

Lori's always contributed amazing songs to movie soundtacks (See her awesome collection "Stolen Beauty"), but this CD makes me want to hear her score a film all the way through.

All in all, definitely a must-have for any music lover.
Midnight Brew
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Previous reviewer makes good comments, but...
  • Cooking Red Hot With Heart & Soul!!
 Midnight Brew
George Kahn
Manufacturer: Playing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00008WFH7
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Tracks:

  1. Swiss Cheese
  2. Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing
  3. A Bop For Billy
  4. I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Featuring Eric Marienthal)
  5. Otro Tu
  6. Midnight Brew
  7. Out Of Time (Featuring Tierney Sutton on Vocals)
  8. Night Shadows
  9. Some Other Time
  10. Open House
  11. Night and Day (Featuring Justo Almario)
  12. 12 Short Years

Album Description

Jazz lost its way when people stopped dancing to it. Back in the 40's, Jazz was America's pop music. Then musicians got too hip, the playing got too far out, and the music left the groin and moved to the cerebrum. Big mistake. George Kahn's music covers a wide spectrum of jazz, from bebop to standards to funk to Latin to "smooth" jazz. The idea that holds it all together is that the groove comes first, last and always. The melody supports the groove. The solos stay in the groove. This music grooves - and you can groove with it.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Previous reviewer makes good comments, but..........2007-02-21

this CD doesn't blow one away, but it is a nice effort. It does
have a good mix of songs and styles, and keeps the beat moving in
a straight forward, main stream jazz style. I picked it up for a song
and play it as background music with my family in the evening.
A nice CD, but nothing to write home about.

5 out of 5 stars Cooking Red Hot With Heart & Soul!!.......2006-03-06

If you love piano with some sass and soul and a touch of sincerity then you are about to fall in love with the talent of George Kahn! He works his musical magic on this cd with the help of equally super-talented musicians Eric Marienthal, Bobby Rodriquez, Karl Vincent, and M. B. Gordy.

This is a very well-produced jazz experience. Wait until you hear Steve Wonder's "Don't You Worry "Bout A Thing". It will blow the top off of your head! "A Bop For Billy" cooks. Each musician is highlighted in this song. Feast your ears to the soulful tribute for Marvin Gaye with "I Heard It Through The Grapevine." Larry Koonse on guitar is so funky! Marvin would have been blown away! "Otro Tu#" is complexly gratifying...one of the finest compositions I have experienced! One listen will simply wow you. The number dedicated to Dave Brubeck "Midnight Brew" must have thrilled him. Tierney Sutton sings a gorgeous vocal on a special song "Out Of Time". Justo Almario adds jazzy variety with the flute on "Night Shadows". The finale (bonus track) is a swingin' tribute to John Coltrane called "12 Short Years".

This cd has everything from bop to soul to Latin sounds to smooth jazz. The sounds of each song flow sweetly into the next. If you can't experience George Kahn live, then this cd is a recommended treat. And a musical journey you will want over and over!
Political Pop
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Political Pop
    Matt Angus Thing
    Manufacturer: Black Potatoe Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00026RGZO
    Release Date: 2004-05-11

    Tracks:

    1. Brings You Down
    2. Right Beside You
    3. Caught onto You
    4. Stand
    5. President's Son
    6. Sweet
    7. If
    8. Understand
    9. What You're Hearing
    10. Folsom Prison
    11. Jenin
    12. Randy's Equation
    13. All Right

    Album Description

    Roots Rock at it's finest. A dynamite mixture of Soul, Folk, Blues, Rock, and Gospel. Solid rythyms, smoking guitars - a fluid and graceful sound that is complimented by special guests Levon Helm(The Band), members of The Harlem Gospel Choir, and Bernie Worrell(Parliment Funkadelic).
    Makingsenseofmadness
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Makingsenseofmadness
      Zinc
      Manufacturer: ZINC
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000CA8PGE
      Release Date: 2005-07-26

      Tracks:

      1. Morning After
      2. Inside
      3. Help Me Help Myself
      4. Falling
      5. More Than Friends
      6. Sorry
      7. Arrows at the Sun
      8. Fantastic
      9. Lost
      10. Faded
      11. Greatest Mistake
      12. Trouble with You
      Going Home / Self Assessment
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Going Home / Self Assessment

        Manufacturer: Catskills Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD
        ASIN: B0007OIQ6E

        Product Description

        Song listing: 1. Going Home, 2. Going Home (Pepe Deluxe Remix), 3. Self Assessment featuring Rahsheed AKA Maylay Sparks, and 4. The Finest Thing (A Skillz and Krafty Kuts Remix).
        Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances

          Manufacturer: Reader's Digest
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000CD98K8

          Product Description

          Styles may come and go but the natural musical style of the incomparable Mills Brothers never loses its appeal. Small town boys from Ohio, they took the lively vigor of New Orleans jazz, added the danceable beat of "Swing" and the close harmony of barbershop quartets to create a unique warmth and magic that many groups have tried to imitate but never equalled! Enjoy 60 original recordings and live performances; the music that gave us the memories we'll cherish forever...Paper Doll; Across the Alley from the Alamo; You Always Hurt the One You Love; Till Then; I Love You So Much It Hurts; I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm; Someday; Gloria; I Wish; When You Were Sweet Sixteen; The Glow-Worm; Daddy's Little Girl; You Didn't Want Me When You Had Me (So Why Do You Want Me Now); Lazy River; How Blue?; I May Be Wrong But I Think You're Wonderful; Release Me with Count Basie; Sunny with Count Basie; April in Paris with Count Basie; You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You; Bye Bye Blackbird; Cab Driver; Don't Be a Baby, Baby; She Was Five and He Was Ten; I'll Be Around; Standing on the Corner; Yellow Bird; Tiger Rag; Dinah with Bing Crosby; Nobody's Sweetheart; I Heard; Sweet Sue Just You; St. Louis Blues; It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing); Swing It, Sister; The Flat Foot Floogie with Louis Armstrong; Sweet Adeline; Bye Bye Blackbird; Sleepy Head; (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You; More!

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