| Edwards, Kathleen / Total Freedom |
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| Album: | Total Freedom | Collection: | General | |
| Artist: | Edwards, Kathleen | Added: | 08/2020 | |
| Label: | Dualtone | |||
Recent Airplay
| 1. | Oct 16, 2020: | KZSU Time Traveler Options Open | 4. | Oct 02, 2020: | KZSU Time Traveler Glenfern (Radio Edit) | |
| 2. | Oct 10, 2020: | Hanging in the bone yard Options Open | 5. | Sep 26, 2020: | Hanging in the bone yard Fools Ride (Radio Edit) | |
| 3. | Oct 09, 2020: | KZSU Time Traveler Birds On A Feeder | 6. | Sep 25, 2020: | KZSU Time Traveler Hard On Everyone |
| Album Review |
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| Francis D Reviewed 2020-08-19 | ||
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“Total Freedom” Kathleen Edwards Indie roots rock, pop and folk — with a hint of alt country. First album in eight years from the Canadian, who lives in a suburb of Ottawa, Ontario. After touring in support of her fourth album, 2012’s “Voyageur,” a weary Edwards “left” music. She opened a coffee shop called Quitters and happily worked long days serving local aficionados her many blends. Now, she’s back with a fabulous collection of songs. The catchy melodies are guitar-driven with some piano and other keyboards — plus Edwards’ honest, often-personal storytelling vocals. She’s an excellent songwriter and can do so much with her voice. Lots of really excellent tracks on this album! — Francis Highly recommended: 2, 5, 3, 1, 7, 9. FCCs on #1 and #7 (Radio Edits) 1. (4:30) Glenfern (Radio Edit) — Breezy, fast-paced rock with folk sensibilities. Storytelling vocals that take an honest look at the pluses and minuses of touring. *** 2. (5:33) Hard On Everyone — Jangly rock with a snappy beat. Velvety smooth vocals as Edwards spins tales about a past abusive relationship. Very War on Drugs-like arrangement. **** 3. (3:14) Birds On A Feeder — Gorgeous, pristine ballad about living in solitude. Acoustic guitar, layered with piano, synth and a gentle beat. **** 4. (4:15) Simple Math — Alt country-flavored tune. Shimmering keyboards or guitar effects. Quiet strummy guitar mixed with electric. Simple raw vocals. 5. (3:48) Options Open — Foot-tapping roots pop rock with a hint of slide guitar. Nice love song. Confident lead vocals, harmonized in the chorus. **** 6. (3:21) Feelings Fade — Simple, swelling ballad. Flowing synth strings. Strummed guitar. Melancholy vocals about love lost. 7. (3:30) Fools Ride (Radio Edit) — Tender and wryly evocative vocals, with a stop-and-go rhythm. Biting, bitter lyrics about “taking a fool’s ride.” Twinkling synths in the chorus. *** 8. (4:05) Ashes To Ashes Sweet and fragile tune about a friend’s passing. Fingerpicked guitar and a bit of banjo in the lead break. Breathy vocals in Edwards’ highest range. 9. (2:23) Who Rescued Who — Short, heartfelt tribute to Redd, her golden retriever. Also, acknowledgement of her habit of self-medicating with alcohol. Personal and pensive recollections set to a persistent beat. *** 10. (3:58) Take It With You When You Go — Deliberate, slow and sad closer. Piano ballad set to an almost march-like tempo. Reverbed vocals building to an anthemic finish. 11. (2:38) Dogs And Alcohol (Bonus Track) — Stripped-down version of #9 — with a simple strummed guitar and Edwards’ spare vocals. | ||
| Track Listing |
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