Worth A Download:
Ilsabe O'Connell, 'The Dollar Store' -- "An adorable and completely clever country tune about all the needless stuff you can buy for a buck." --Craig Curtice, RochesterInsider.com
This from L. Keane of hybridmagazine.com:
Ilsabe O'Connell has a fetchingly beautiful voice; it's timbre is crystal clear with just a hint of accent and whiskey that makes it draw the ear like a warm blanket on a very cold day. And today is a cold day. Little Lost Cause is a collection of acoustic guitar driven songs that remind me of the better moments of Lori Carson's career. O'Connell's songs are heartfelt and emotional, full of the bittersweet beauty that so much of today's new alt-folk lacks. "Nothing I Don't Like" is an exercise in songwriting perfection, drawing lines like: "The love that you make/ is a little insincere/ it's a postcard that says/ 'Wish you were here'". Her voice attains the dirty angelic quality of Lucinda Williams at many times on the album, but never more prominently than when she coolly sings those twisted love/hate lyrics. There are a few upbeat numbers hidden among the brilliant dirges of the record, like the quirky "The Dollar Store", with its musical compliment of shuffling drums and hilarious lyrics. Pay careful attention to the Dolly Parton-esque inflections and old school Waylon Jennings guitar solo. The album hits its stride on "Tonight On The Carnival Midway"; a track diced with moody lyricism and wonderfully melodic vocal lines that create a complete picture aided by delicate acoustic guitars, provided by the skilled hands of Eric Lugosch.
This is the first I've heard from Ilsabe O'Connell, but I hope that this will not be the last. I can always use the kind of music that speaks so directly to my heart, not only in lyric, but in tone and feeling. This is a bright talent that will hopefully continue to mature and grow her amazing songwriting to even more heights of glory.
Reviews (from Full-Albums.net):
No Lost Cause
This is my discovery of 2006. I know it came out in 2005 but I heard it first in 2006 and I'm very pleased I did too! This release from Ilsabe O'Connell stands for its itself and its individual approach, though I suppose, if you need comparisons, somewhere between Lucinda Williams, early Cowboy Junkies and (perhaps a little more contemporary) Jewel, though less mainstream and perhaps a little quirky. Great lyrics, distinctively sung, mostly quietly contemplative. And although based firmly in American folk-country singer-songwriter tradition it does have overtones of "Old Europe" in "Blow me Away" and "Old Konstanz". From plaintive sweet "Sehnsucht" at the start in "All That's Left" with the incredible musical saw, through the vaudeville feel of "The Dollar Store" and the sad story of the "Carnival Midway" with its lovely western walz-melody to the thought provoking and self questioning finisher "Little Lost Cause" all worth listening to. And I mean listening to, not just letting it tingle on in the background. It's worthwhile!
A pleasant blend of humor and reality
In her debut album, Ilsabe O'Connell develops her own voice reminiscent of best of female country/alternative vocalists - the sincerity of Lucinda Williams, humor of Christine Lavin and softness of Mary Chapin-Carpenter.
The Dollar Store will put a smile on your face with her witty lyrics, while Nothing I Don't Like might pull a bit on your heart. She presents us with an almost 3-D experience if we let her voice, melodies and message come through. Bravo. I can't wait to hear the next one.
A Fresh Mix of Poetry and Wit
Ilsabe O'Connell has the sad and lonesome sound of country and bluegrass singer Robert Earle Keene, Jr. (Lyle Lovett's college roommate) and the fresh feminine qualities of Nora Jones. She is a masterful poet to boot. The Dollar Store will make you laugh, and her plaintive renditions on many of the other tracks will make you cry. Little Lost Cause is a witty, soulful work of art you will enjoy listening to over and over.Roots Music Report:
What a way to make a debut. Ilsabe O'Connell's debut CD "Little
Lost Cause" is filled with well-written, heartfelt lyrics, excellent
musical accomplishment and beautiful vocals.
Ilsabe has a soulful, penetrating voice that is both pleasing to
the ear and perfectly suited for the songs she sings. That gripping
voice links her emotional outpouring to the emotions of the listener and
this link draws you into the song making you a part of it. What an
experience!
As a songwriter and storyteller, she demonstrates a unique talent.
Listen intently to the lyrics and you will find yourself absorbed in her
melancholy one moment and chuckling the next. Combine all of the above
with some skillful application of assorted musical instruments and you have
one fine CD.
Brenda Barbee - RootsMusicReport Staff Reviewer
Michael Hingston, Country Music People (UK), May 2006:
"(T)here is a strong Richard Thompson flavour in the grittiness of Nothing I Don't Like and especially in the melancholic circus imagery of Carnival where O'Connell sings like Linda Thompson (Richard Thompson's ex-wife and one-time musical partner). . .Overall this is a promising debut album."
[This was a rather mixed review-- Hingston especially likes the first four songs of the album, and has some tough but well-taken critiques of the rest. I myself especially like the first three paragraphs of the review, and the Richard Thompson reference, of course, thrills me to no end. -- io]
Illinois Entertainer:
Warm, haunting, and at times melancholy all describe singer-songwriter Ilsabe O’Connell’s appeal on her 12-track Little Lost Cause. The mother of two seems to have been influenced by Lucinda Williams’ recordings while honing her guitar chops at the Old Town School Of Music. A host of contributing musicians provide accompaniment that includes banjo, mandolin, and viola. An ode to cheap purchases adds whimsy on “Dollar Store.”
Mark Fisher (introducing an interview with me at 1340mag.com/ilsabe_interview.html)
"Ilsabe O’Connell’s Little Lost Cause was one undoubtedly one of the strongest independent releases of 2005 and certainly one of my favorites. Ilsabe’s soft Americana approach is both a breath of fresh air from the general music market and a gem in the Folk/Americana market. The album has a raw and honest feel to it that immediately beckons you closer and by the time the album ends you feel like you have taken the most wonderful journey.
