5/29/2005 11:23:00 PM|||Robbie|||
Tracy Bonham emerged on the music scene during the onslaught of female singer-songwriters in the mid-90's. While some acts were definitely forgettable, Bonham's mixture of punk and rock-infused pop made a big statement, especially with her hit, 'Mother, Mother,' a biting 'Dear Mom' themed rock song whose accompanying video was in constant rotation on MTV.
A classically trained violinist, Bonham was studying music at Berklee in Boston and performing gigs in clubs by the time she released her EP, The Liverpool Sessions in 1995. A year later, Bonham had signed to Island Records and saw the release of The Burdens Of Being Upright.
The Burdens Of Being Upright was an album full of Bonham originals, and for someone who had only started writing her own songs for a couple of years prior, the tracks found on this album would lead the listener to believe otherwise.
Bonham's overall sound seemed to recall PJ Harvey's wildside, but countered it with Liz Phair's cool delivery and yet still managed to have its own identity.
'Mother, Mother', the lead-off track, garnered a huge buzz and allowed Bonham to ride a wave of press and promotion, accepting an invitation to perform at the first year of Lilith Fair and provided her with a pair Grammy nominations.
Although 'Mother, Mother' became Bonham's biggest commercial hit (so far), to many, she seemed doomed to carry the torch of a one-hit wonder. Subsequent singles, ('The One,' 'Sharks Can't Sleep') although worthy of radio, never stuck. And it probably didn't help matters that it took four years for the world to hear Bonham's next record.
Originally, Down Here was to be titled Trails Of A Dust Devil and was set for a 1998 release. Bouts with her record label were reported as the cause for the delay and when the album finally saw the light of day, it seemed to fade immediately.
But despite its invisibility in the world of radio, Down Here is superior to Upright in many fashions. Bonham seemed more focused and clear about who exactly she wanted to be in this crazy world of music. Her writing was stronger and the songs were even more enjoyable. Her biting wit was as sharp as ever and each song carried its own weight. Creatively, Down Here was no slump.
In 2003, Bonham released the barely mentioned Bee EP, which featured a live version of her song 'Freed' (previously released on Down Here)and four previously unreleased tracks, including a cover of Led Zepplin's 'Black Dog.'
The year was also spent performing with the experimental Blue Man Group, to which Bonham was asked to provide guest vocals on The Complex.
Light weight, too straight, no reaction.
I don't care if I'm not in fashion.
I will follow you.
-- Tracy Bonham
Set for release on June 21st, Bonham's third record, Blink The Brightest is her best and perhaps her most personal yet.
Playing most of the instruments on this album herself, Bonham acknowledges that the album's sheer imperfection at times, is what she intentionally went for. But one wouldn't know it in tracks like 'Something Beautiful,' which features Bonham in perfect form and encapsulates all the reasons as to why she should be heard: a great voice, intelligent songwriting and four minutes of well-constructed pop that doesn't wear itself thin.
For more information on Tracy Bonham, please visit her official site which offers even more information, song samples, photographs and more.
Downloads:
Tell It To The Sky
Second Wind
Eyes
Something Beautiful
WWW:
Tracy Bonham (official site #1)
Tracy Bonham (official site #2)|||111732645881015509|||'Brightest' Is Bestest