"Independence Meal" by Alix Olson

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

At first I didn't think this CD met the criteria for this site since I read that it was spoken word, not necessarily music, but once I played it, I realized it's perfect fit. There is music, though not performed by Alix Olson, but by a few other musicians, Pamela Means on guitar for one. The songs also include bass, drums, and even violin.

Her voice is powerful, her words even more so. She speaks of social injustice, war, corporate bullshit, etc. This is something, I for one, can get behind. Yes, it's political, and if you don't agree with her views, it may rub you the wrong way. But if you do agree, it will empower you…make you happy that there are people speaking out about these things. I just wish more people would hear it. Because it seems that the only ones who do are those who already believe and agree.

The music matches the word perfectly. Dynamic, emotional, and raw.

"United We Stand/Together We're Falling…"

If you like Ani DiFranco's collaborations with Utah Phillips you'll like this one too.

Posted on December 14, 2003