YOURZ
The main voice of this mostly-defunct four piece has so much character and grit, it would make even the most grizzled alt-country wanna-be curl up in the foetal position and cry like a baby. But they'd howl like a branded calf to know this voice belongs to a woman.
The only thing that bothers me about this band is, well, two things actually. First of all, I don't like their name. Not one bit. I think it's silly, shows little thought and is the last thing a band who sound the way they do should be called. I don't know if they were trying to be ironic or what but it obviously didn't work.
The second thing is the name of the album - Greedy Hen. There has to be some kind of in-joke going on here because this is the only reason I can see why they would choose to name their album this. And in-jokes simply don't work if the average joe punter (me) doesn't understand. (Mine says: it's also a chorus in one of the songs... can't remember which one and it seemed a bit incongruous as well)
Apart from this criticism, I actually dig *urgh* Greedy Hen a lot. As I mentioned, Mandy Pearson's voice is an aural treat, as is the rest of the band. Mostly recorded live in a local studio, Love Me drip with character and passion. It's just a crying shame they couldn't have picked a better name.
VERDICT: TURN IT UP
MINE
I gotta call it - this is a Forgotten Gem for me. I can't remember why or how I heard about Love Me or what possessed me to buy Greedy Hen (and isn't that a silly name for an album?) but this band has some great tunes.
A lot country and a bit rock, main singer Mandy Pearson has a lazy, husky drawl that only enhances songs like Sleepy Sunday and Turpentine. I'm not sure how to describe them, but there's a rawness to this recording that appeals to me. I did have some inner winces at some of the mix, but overall I wish there was more of Love Me to love. The album also features keyboards by Chris Abrahams from the Necks, and if you really want a head-fuck, listen to some of their shit.
VERDICT: TURN IT UP ...it ain't rock and roll if it don't look good in black
For more information: http://www.vitamin.net.au/ and search for Love Me in their Music list
