Cheryl Wheeler - Sylvia Hotel

Since her first independent EP appeared in 1983, Cheryl Wheeler has been keeping her fans content and more than confounding critics who might prefer to pigeonhole her. This gifted singer/songwriter can shift from deep irony to deeper emotion in the space of a single measure. On Sylvia Hotel, Wheeler's comic brio is particularly abundant. Witness her tongue-twisting, starchy paean to the potato (to the tune of the "Mexican Hat Dance"!)--this is most definitely roots music with a difference. Then there's "Meow," an ode to her master-slave relationship with a saucy, self-loving feline: "I see you in Memphis on the Nile in the spring / Swinging through some palace doing your Egyptian king thing," Wheeler growls. But there are also several beautifully serious songs--such as "His Hometown," a keen tribute to some stronger roots, and "Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi"--that wreak emotional havoc on listeners' hearts. Leavened with essential humor, abiding images, and sublime harmonies (courtesy of Lucy Kaplansky), Sylvia Hotel should break Wheeler out once and for all. --Kerry Fried Amazon.com

A Terrific CD of Charming, Thought-Provoking Songs

One of the most insightful, eloquent, and fun songwriters working today, Cheryl Wheeler is a treasure to listen to on Sylvia Hotel, whether she's singing a thoughtful ballad like "If It Were Up to Me," a touching tribute like "His Hometown," or a fun bit of wordplay like "Potato." Her serious songs don't evoke sadness as much as consideration, and her more light-hearted tunes are always well-crafted reminders that we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. It's only life, after all.

I can't tell you if Sylvia Hotel is her best, worst, or what-have-you -- I like pretty much everything she writes and sings. What I CAN tell you is that if you enjoy singer/songwriters with a brain who can write smart lyrics that sound deceivingly simple and clear, you'll like this album. And, in fact, you'll probably end up buying more of her CDs once this one has infused itself into your brain.

Lastly, I will say that listening to the "Samples" on the product page may help you decide IF you already know you like Cheryl. If you're not really familiar with her style yet, though, those Samples don't really do her justice because a lot of her charm comes through in the storytelling, which takes a little longer than the Samples allow. April 18, 2006

Subservient to a cat

Women may think they can control of their lives these days, but it seems that this is not the case when it comes to their pet cats, if Cheryl's tribute to her own cat (Meow) is to be believed. In this song, Cheryl acknowledges that her purpose is to do whatever her cat wants. Another great song (If it were up to me) is about people finding all sorts of things to blame for the problems in American society but Cheryl would remove guns.

Two live cuts show Cheryl's sense of humor at its best. The first (I'm unworthy) takes a satirical look at all the expectations heaped on people in the modern world - of course, there's no way that she will ever be able to do them all. The other (Potato) is an ode to the plant that grows so that may eat it in various forms.

The other songs here demonstrate Cheryl's softer, poetic side. She describes a man who is happy with his life in one place (His hometown) but also sings about life on the road (Lighting up the mighty Mississippi). The other songs are sad ballads of depression and loneliness, all of which Cheryl sings superbly. However, it is the lighter songs that really stand out from this album.

This may not be Cheryl's strongest album but it is still a great album that should please Cheryl's fans. July 9, 2005

You won't believe your ears when you hear this...

I live in Colorado and was just down the street from Columbine High School when the shootings occurred. It was an overwhelming time for many of us, in Colorado and elsewhere, and it was hard to find ways to deal with the confusion and anger and frustration. Shortly after the shootings several radio stations started to play a song called "If It Were Up To Me". I'd never heard it before, but I rushed out and bought a copy of Sylvia Hotel. It is a powerful song with an even more powerful message and for me, it was perfect for that whole horrible incident. It expressed my confusion and frustration. I don't know the answer to these horrible things happening in our world, but I have some thoughts on how we can at least try to fix it! (I won't ruin the power of the song by giving it away...)

While I bought the album for just one song, the rest of the album has hooked me and I can hardly pick out a favorite song over the rest. "But the Days and Night Are Long", "Sylvia Hotel", "Rainy Road Into Atlanta" and "Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi" are some of my favorite ballads ever--and I LOVE ballads! Meanwhile, Cheryl shows some wonderful versatility with fun songs like "Potato" and "Unworthy". If you've ever attended a Lilith Fair, if you own an Indigo Girls, Natalie Merchant, or Joan Armatrading CD, or if you just want to hear some really great music by a really talented musician, buy this CD! April 5, 2002

Disappointed by this one

I love Cheryl Wheeler but this is the first CD of hers I have not played over and over again. I suppose maybe if I did it would grow on me, but I have not as nothing really caught my attention, other than the title as I like the Sylvia Hotel. Nothing much to say about this one, I'm afraid. April 3, 2002

One of the best female singer songwriters

Wheeler has such a beautiful and expressive that even if she wasn't a singer-songwriter she would have a career in Music. She is also a great performer, and a funny woman, making all this together, an artist you can't resist.

This is Wheeler 5th release and not much different than her previous releases. Her songs are mostly personal, about being an everyday woman, an average person living in a crazy word. In But The Days And Nights Are Long, she sings:

Life is short, but the days and nights are long
Time will heal all the wounds
Someday soon I'll be rising, I'll be strong..."

In an anti-gun song, which is, as it should be the most rocking song, If It Were Up To
Me, she makes a list of the reasons that make people kill, but accuses the guns:

Maybe it's the movies, maybe it's the books
Maybe it's the bullets, maybe it's the real crooks
Maybe it's the drugs....
...
Maybe It's the fertilizer, maybe it's the nose rings
Maybe it's the end, but I know one thing
If it were up to me, I'd Take away the guns.

A very effective song, that could convince some people (am I still too optimistic, at my
age?) and may save a few life. A must listen for every congressman, tired of
impeachments and other apples.

Sylvia Hotel is a great addition to a brilliant career, by one of the most significant
female singer-songwriters of American music. October 24, 2001

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