So Far by Monica Schroeder

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

When I first heard Monica Schroeder I thought it was Sarah McLachlan. That’s high praise from me since Sarah is a goddess (and the inspiration for this entire website). Now that I’ve heard Schroeder more I don’t “hear” Sarah anymore. But I still adore her voice. It really is incredible.

These songs are beautiful. Well written, expertly performed and professionally produced.

“City Lights” is almost mesmerizing. I picture that footage you see sometimes of a nighttime rainy city street with the cars whizzing by at high speed so the lights look like streaks. Does anyone know what I am talking about? That’s what is in my minds eye when I listen to that song. In fact, the album cover even looks a little like that.

“Last Song” is very Mclachlan-y. Just voice and piano. Minimal sound but maximum effect. I love it.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear a little more of an electronic edge to Monica's music as well. It's still a fairly acoustic-y record, but there are some nice layers that work very well with her music.

This is especially evident on "Love (Unconditional Edit)" which is downright eerie…and lovely of course. It sounds especially nice on headphones. Yum.

This is a great record from an artist that I honestly believe should be more popular.

Posted on January 29, 2007