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Sierra Swan is the daughter of Billy Swan, who
had a pop hit with "I Can Help" way back in 1974. But
while her dad's music can best be characterized as neo-rockabilly,
the younger Swan leans toward the serious singer/songwriter end
of the musical spectrum.
One of her primary artistic models is Aimee Man, who co-wrote
and sings on "Get Down to It." But unfortunately, this
track sounds the other way around - as if Swan is actually singing
with Mann on one of her CDs. If this were the only track where
Swan seemed to be Zelig-ing somebody else's art it wouldn't be
such a bad thing. But it happens again with "Lucky Scar,"
which already has a bad-pun-for-a-title strike against it. This
time, Swan sings it in K.D. Lang's languid, faux-western
style. And even though Lang didn't come along for this particular
cowgirl ride, it sure plays out like a track by that angel with
a lariat. Swan is a little too close to her idols for comfort.
Swan saves the best for last with "Mother." It's about
a mother who dies (Swan's mom, perhaps?), where the singer wonders
aloud if this parent is sitting up there with Jesus, Joseph, and
Mary. It's not clear if Swan share's this woman's faith, but it's
a moving track nonetheless.
Obviously, Interscope believes in Swan big time because Linda
Perry's name is all over this disc's credits. In the past,
Perry has also helped write for and/or produce high profile gals
such as Gwen Stefani, Pink, and Christina Aguilera.
But whether her songs are piano-driven ("Dr. Loverboy"),
string-propelled ("The Ladder"), or rocking ("Shakedown"),
Swan's unique voice never quite emerges out of the mix.
To borrow the name of a soft drink, the real Sierra is sadly
missed here.
-Dan MacIntosh
Track Listing:
2. Don't Say
1. Copper Red
3. Get Down to It
4. Dr. Loverboy
5. The Ladder
6. Ladyland
7. Trouble Is
8. Lucky Scar
9. Shakedown
10. Just Tell Me
11. Mother
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