Indigo Girls - Swamp Ophelia

Reflecting the growth Amy Ray and Emily Saliers experienced during the late '80s and early '90s as songwriters and as performers, Swamp Ophelia finds the duo feeling more experimental, and also more relaxed. Guests like Lisa Germano (violin, mandolin), Jane Scarpantoni (cello), and Jane Siberry (vocals) assist in creating a satisfying and full sound. Songs like the romantic "Power of Two" and Amy's solo venture "Fare Thee Well" would do Jackson Browne proud. The Roches add a lovely vocal layer to "Reunion," and bongos and percussion give the bouncy "Least Complicated" an interesting texture. The darker tones of "Dead Man's Hill," with its haunting melodica and tom-toms, provide needed contrast to the lighter moods in the collection. Their harmonies are a delight, and the closer, "This Train (Revised)," is a wonderful, energetic nod to Woody Guthrie.--Lorry Fleming Amazon.com essential recording

 There's life down below me, though
I like a few of the songs off this CD, but it is by far their best effort. For me it was very much same song, second verse. I appreciate that their laid back lyrical style has persisted over decades, now, but beyond about three tracks on this CD, I found it boring. Just not for me. August 16, 2007

 10 best albums ever
The Indigo Girls have consistently churned out great album after great album throughout their career, but Swamp Ophelia holds as their best album. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have very distinct writing styles, yet each serves as a compliment to the other. Amy's guts as a vocalist and a songwriter shine on "Reunion" & "Fugitive". Emily's gift of melodic guitar and intricate harmonies flow on "Mystery" & "Least Complicated". On Swamp Ophelia, the diverse writing styles of the girls is blended seamlessly from track to track. Swamp Ophelia's showcases are "The Wood Song" & "This Train Revisited" - two songs that couldn't be more different, more powerful, nor more perfect to represent their writers and the glorious album they appear on. Amy & Emily, thank you both for the wonderful music you create & thank you for this classic album. June 29, 2007

 God, I love this album
I rediscovered this record while I was studying for an exam. I'd forgotten how textured and yet melodic it is. Truly one of their very best; they haven't rocked this hard since then. (No, the forgettable "Despite Our Differences" doesn't count.) Who can forget the insane rockout on "Touch Me Fall" and the wonderful "This Train Revised"? Then there are the classics "Least Complicated" and "Power of Two". Pure perfection. February 10, 2007

 Best IG Album by Far
I own every Indigo Girls album there is and this is by far my favorite. When I got my first CD player in high school this was the first CD I got for it and it is unbelieveable. The music is just beautiful and the lyrics absolutely inspired. My particular favorite:

But what it takes to cross the great divide
Seems more than all the courage I can muster up inside
But we will get to have some answers
When we reach the other side
The prize is always worth the rocky ride.

The Wood Song was one of our graduation songs and the lyrics are just magical. I could listen to this CD every day and never get tired of it over 10 years later. February 10, 2006

 Still amazing after all these years....
There are some albums that just define a period of your life, and "Swamp Ophelia" takes me back. I cannot believe it's been over a decade since its realease! It still sounds bright and fresh to me, even though I can sing the entire album by heart (and do. Loudly). "Least Complicated", "Power of Two," "Mystery," and "Language or the Kiss" are all standouts, but my favorite is definitely "The Wood Song" -

"What it takes to cross the great divide seems more than all the courage I can muster up inside
But you get to have some answers when you reach the other side
The prize is always worth the rocky ride."

If you want to own an IG album, check this one out. It might not be loaded with the hits of some earlier releases, but I think you'll find yourself falling in love. It just works so well as a whole - a beautiful melding of talents and songs. December 8, 2005

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