Holly McNarland - Sour Pie

Brutal

Made during a time when "chick" rock with attitude was the big thing, this album makes other stuff in the genre laughable. Far to dark to ever get much radio play it seems to sadly remain an obscure masterpiece.
Every song on this album is perfect. The song writing, structure and melody lines are on par with the beatles IMO but the subject matters dive into the darkest aspects of modern emotional life.
The anger and contempt ooze from the speakers. If you can ever see holly live, do it. Drive 300 miles if you must. The power of her voice is never quite captured when recorded. The last time i seen her live she was playing to about 30 people and even then was singing with such intensity at times she pierced the ear and drowned out the entire band. December 1, 2004

SHORT BUT SWEET.

This was a recommendation from Amazon 18 months ago and I can't praise it highly enough. Holly has a wonderful voice, full of emotion, raw and beautiful. After hearing this CD, especially "! won't stay" I decided that I must learn how to play guitar. Check out her other CD's "Stuff" & "Live Stuff", but this one is my favourite. It is short only 6 songs long + extra version of "Mr 5 Minutes" after the last track, but as they say, Big things come in small packages.
I have played this to many of my friends who have then gone off to buy it.
Apparently she has a new CD due out in May and I, for one, can't wait. Please do youself a favour BUY THIS CD. February 5, 2002

Good Stuff!

I love to find new music, so I always take the tour Amazon has to offer as far as "if you like this person, try listening to this". This is how I found Holly. I am partial to depressing female vocalists and Holly fit the bill perfect. Her lyrics are a little strange and sometimes don't make sense, but overall the listening experience is worthy. The music is great and her voice is outstanding! I found myself playing certain songs over and over again just because they sound so good. Crank it up, sounds best when LOUD! April 20, 2001

Great introduction to a great artist

This is an incredible set of songs, and an incredible performer, that I wish I had found earlier. I am saddened that McNarland has not gained more prominence--I found her completely by accident while browsing a used CD web site. The simplicity, emotion, and sometimes raw recordings lends a wonderfully characteristic style to the music that I have enjoyed with every listening.

As someone that enjoys Alanis, Sarah McLaughlin, Natalie Imbruglia, and Supreme Beings of Leisure, Sour Pie was an instant favorite for me. It has prominent vocals, controlled intensity, and refreshing originality in every track.

The recording quality has some issues, such as the distorted vocals in I Won't Stay, but this seems to add to the diamond in the rough nature of the album.

I personally enjoy Sour Pie more than Stuff, since it seems to have more unique and characteristic songs, and vocals with more intensity and emotion. The songs on Stuff do seem to be much more polished and professional, but the addition of more instruments just seems to distract from McNarland's great presence and vocals.

A great album, and a great musician... January 28, 2001

Sour Pie

Holly McNarland's Sour Pie is probably one of the most compelling albums out there. This EP is short, but full of emotion, lyrical genius and uniqueness, and extraordinary vocals. This CD will definitely stay one of my favorites for a long time. January 29, 2000

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