"Live" by Blame Sally

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Often, live albums are not the best way to judge a band or musician. I find that unless you already know and love the songs (as is the case with me and Ani DiFranco's live recording "Living In Clip" which I still love) the "live" aspect sometimes takes away from the performance what with all the clapping and "wa-hoo-ing".

But this is a very nice live album. The crowd doesn't play a major part here but we still get to see what this band sounds like live.

Bay Area's Blame Sally seems like a fun group of women. Just reading their bios and their official site made me want to go to happy hour with them. The music projects this too. The lyrics are sometimes humorous, sometimes heartfelt and always well-written. The music is fun, funky, pop-y, jazzy and rockin'.

They take turns singing lead writing the songs and all play an instrument.

All the songs are cool, but I especially like "Grape" which has a bit of a ragtime feel and features Jeri Jones' growly, sassy voice. And "The Night is Mine" with it's calypso/island beat.

This is a talented group of women playing good music.

Posted on February 8, 2003