Pauline Alexander - Thoughts For The Masses

Published Saturday 26th March 2011
Pauline Alexander - Thoughts For The Masses
Pauline Alexander - Thoughts For The Masses

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 105322-17551
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Pete Townsend

This debut album from the Glasgow based singer/songwriter will instantly have you tugging your ear as in the charade game, 'sounds like'. Comparisons to Eva Cassidy, Carol Carpenter and Julie Fowlis are inevitable, particularly when one of the two cover songs is Sting's "Fields Of Gold", which Eva Cassidy made her own. Pauline's interpretation of the song and her version of Lennon's "Imagine", are far more than straight covers. As with the rest of the material on the album, Pauline's voice captivates the listener. Using simple arrangements with mainly guitar and keyboard, the music is almost understated, allowing the voice to take prominence. "Sunday Night" is a perfect example of how the instruments are used to showcase the voice rather than compete for attention. The catchy "Seven Notes" quickly attaches its self to your ears and you'll find yourself humming the tune long after the album has finished. Lyrically, the album tackles some sensitive issues in domestic abuse and mental illness but this doesn't make for a sombre or downbeat listening experience.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Robert Auld in Glasgow @ 00:24 on May 21 2011

Exellent album and what a voice. Comparisons are many Mary Black to Karen Carpenter. Pauline simply oozes emotion and power in the words of her songs. If you want to hear an album that will knock you dead then you can't do much better than this.Well done Pauline.



Posted by James Stevenson in Glasgow @ 18:29 on Apr 12 2011

Some of us here in Glasgoware already aware of Pauline. But not enough of us. She IS very talented, and deserves to be better known. Very good article you wrote on her. Please keep up the good work,
James Stevenson
ps I am a musician and songwriter (PRS member), myself, so think I know talent when I hear it, as you good people obviously do =)



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