Amazon.co.uk Review: The delicate, folksy Emiliana Torrini you hear on Fisherman's Woman might not be one you know if you heard her previous record, 1999's Love In The Time Of Science. Recorded with Roland Orzabel of Tears For Fears, it was a pleasant enough listen, but did little to distinguish this Italian-Icelandic chanteuse from the trip-hop competition. Fisherman's Woman, however, is quite different: debuting a rustic edge possibly prompted by the acclaim that met "Gollum's Song", a track that Torrini contributed to the score of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, these tracks harness her gentle, honey-sweet vocals to finger-picked acoustic guitar, gentle wisps of piano, and the chime of xylophone.
The work of Nick Drake is a common reference point for music like this, but here it's certainly valid: shades of Pink Moon haunt the perimeter of tracks like "Lifesaver", simultaneously eerie and exquisite in its quiet beauty. The album highlight, meanwhile, comes with "Honeymoon Child" – a track written with Bill Callahan of American lo-fi institution Smog that's as enigmatic – and consequently, as strangely fascinating – as anything he's ever performed himself. --Louis Pattison
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Emotional
I put this CD on at work recently, and was embarrassed when I found myself struggling to choke back tears. When you bear in mind that this is a collection of songs by someone who has lost someone close to them, and is trying to tell herself that they have just gone on a long fishing trip, it is so poignant and moving. Gets me every time. Such a lovely lady too. Saw her at a very intimate gig a few years ago, she was incredibly cute and funny.
Rating: - breath of air
I had reservations about buying this album unheard, but I am delighted with it.
It's not just good; it stays good no matter how often you play it.
Emiliana's voice is as clear as Icelandic air (sorry, but I had to say it)yet as intimate as a lover's voice on your pillow.
Buy it. You won't regret it.
Rating: - lovely
With an elfin voice as clear and articulate as cut glass, you need to have a heart of stone not to fall under Torrini's spell. These lovely intimate acoustic numbers are perfect little gems that will burrow under your skin, enter your life, and stay with you. Highlights? Most of the songs are great, but my personal favourites are the cheery Sunny Road, the moody Lifesaver (complete with creaking wooden boat), the eternally optimistic Nothing Brings Me Down. Some future classic tunes here. 4 1/2 ... Read More
Rating: - addendum
I heard the track 'next time around' whilst listening to last.fm having entered Cara Dillon's name to find similar music. This track is a blast from the past. I know the original Sandy Denny version much better [..]. An interesting contrast, Sandy gives this song a much more brooding interpretation. But hats off to anyone who is willing to promote Sandy's music. I like this, if you do too, I strongly recommend you look out Sandy Denny, especially 'The North Star Grassman and the Ravens'.
Rating: - Ghostly, beautiful, uplifting, haunting.
This album will haunt you like a little friendly ghost that sits in your head and makes you smile randomly from time to time. Buy it. It's her best yet.
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