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Crystal Brandt
Bessie's Last Stand
Mungler Winslowe, 2004
by Dr. Christian Carey
Singer-songwriter Crystal Brandt combines a homespun sound with sophisticated songwriting on Bessie's Last Stand, bringing her formidable vocal chops to bear on affecting ballad and alt-country miniatures. Oftentimes, old style arrangements are spiced up with a palpable and charming energy; the rustic banjo strumming on "Fire and Brimstone" is combined with a soaring vocal chorus. "A Little Something" effectively uses overdubbing of Brandt's voice to create luscious harmonies; "Camera Girl" dovetails multiple vocal lines in a mobile swirl of activity. Brandt even has the de rigeur dramatic acoustic pop ballad (read "single") in "Like Water". But I enjoy her music best when she bucks convention, creating unassuming, poignant songs with a gentleness that is often quite touching.-November 2, 2004