Kristin Hersh - Strange Angels

Strange Angels is a whispered testament, leaning on one voice and acoustic guitar, with occasional splashes of piano, cello, and strings. The result is far removed from Hersh's work with Throwing Muses, which packed it in 1996 after a decade of struggle and eight albums of coarse, uneven beauty. Along with her husband and kids, Hersh has made an even cleaner break from the past, leaving Boston for the solitude of the California desert near Joshua Tree. True to her new home base, Strange sounds like an album of folk songs written and sung under the clear night sky. When sung to children, lullabies are meant to induce sleep. When sung by Kristin Hersh to adults, they have the opposite effect. No matter how sweet or hushed the sound of Strange Angels, these lullabies disturb more than they comfort, jarring you awake when you're about to doze off, akin to what Hersh calls "cold water coming for the warm water junkies," but it can be oddly moving, too. --Keith Moerer Amazon.com

Sonic Eloquence

This has to be my favorite Kristin Hersh record. I love Throwing Muses and was happy to hear Kristin Hersh's solo efforts. This album doesn't disappoint. While some may prefer it to be rockier, there's something very comforting and cathartic in the gentle sweeps and waves of the songs. Is it for everyone? Probably not.

If you listen to PJ Harvey you'll understand the analogy that this is Kristin Hersh's "To Bring You My Love". If you don't listen to PJ Harvey, it's a very mellow/folky album, more conceptual.

There are some songs I like more than others. "Home", "Shake", and "Like You" are my current favorites, while "Some Catch Flies" if very hit or miss to me.

This is one of my all time favorite records. It's very fitting to very specific moods. Well worth the chance you'll be giving it. August 3, 2006

It's both strange and angelic.

I picked this album up because I'm a fan of "Throwing Muses", and I assumed her solo work would be something like that. Well, the similarities are there, but this is no "The Real Ramona". "Strange Angels" is pretty much an acoustic album, so it's not really alt-rock, as much as it is a folky singer/songwriter kind of thing. Overall it's good, just not great. Because it's only her singing and playing, many of the songs tend to sound the same, all good, just similar. I doubt this is her best release, but if you're a fan, especially of her voice and guitar work, you should love "Strange Angels". July 20, 2004

Steller!

Contrary to the first critic, Strange Angels is one of Kristin Hersh's finest works. Well, the cult of Kristin could debate this, but this one is my personal favorite. It's authentic, simple, and gorgeous. I've listened to this record religiously over the last couple years. It's nice warm blanket when faced with the pain of grief. 5 stars, no BS. Best tracks..."Heaven," "Shake," "Aching For You," "Rainy Gazeebo Tree," "Gut Pageant," and "Pale." February 26, 2004

Just terrible

What was I thinking? I heard a song from this CD about a year ago, wrote down the name and filed it for later. Finally made the purchase, and now I am stunned at how boooooooring it is! April 29, 2003

From One Strange Angel to Another

"Strange Angels" is some of the most beautiful musical work that I have ever experienced. I really liked Throwing Muses and when I heard they disbanded, and Kristin was going solo, I was a little apprehensive, but this work is so much more introspective and delicate. This album speaks to me because of the intoxicating melodies and manic depressive lyrics. Hersh may rival the McCartney/Lennon (writing) team for such beautiful lyrics!! This is my favorite CD for all of these reasons.This makes me want to be a songwriter. Thanks Kristin! November 9, 2001

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