"Out in the Dreamtime" by Phoenix Coleman

a Review by Amy Producer of Collected Sounds

The first thing that struck me when listening to this CD is the part the horns play on the first track. It makes this a very fun, jazzy feel but with a little bit of an atmospheric sound as well. I wasn't sure what to expect from the rest of the CD, but I was surely surprised.

Coleman's voice reminds me a lot of Sarah (?) from Two Loons for Tea.

"Blood" has some nice guitar work in the intro and makes nice use to backing vocals.

The guitar or "Riverside" is gorgeous as well and her voice shines beautifully.

"28" is a nod to Portishead and the like. With the distorted voice and funky sounds, she and her musicians are sounding more like Two Loons here as well. Really cool song.

"Bluebird" has some nice piano playing, which is always a way to my heart. This is probably my favorite song on the recording. Not just because of the piano either. It's just a really pretty song and her voice is lovely.

"Bay Song" is a great folk song. Makes me want to sing along. I can imagine Dar Williams or other big folkies singing this song. It even uses a fiddle!

I also really like "Seven and Four". It's got an interesting melody line that goes places you wouldn't expect which is always refreshing to me. Her voice soars here.

On "Molly Sue" Coleman is doing her best Janis Joplin and I must say she kicks ass.

The fact that Phoenix Coleman touches on so many genres here (pop, rock, folk, jazz, trip-hop) I would say that it is the rare person that would love every song on here, but being someone who does like all those genres, I think it's a great recording.

Posted on May 9, 2004

Comments:

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: Amy, I couldn't have put it any better myself. Phoenix Coleman's "Out in the Dreamtime" has quickly become my CD of choice for whatever mood i am in. It moves me to tears with Riverside, and coerces me to singing along with "Bay Song". Such diversity is rare these days, thus making Coleman all the more unique.
name: vikkers

---

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: Amy, I agree wholeheartedly. Ever since I got OITDT I have kept it in constant rotation in my CD player. I agree that most people wouldn't be able to digest the multi-genral element of the CD, but, even I who am not particularly in to all those genres can't stop listening to the whole thing. Listen to it a few more times, it will envelop you.
name: Shwag