"In keeping with Eternal Otter Records' aesthetic of creating lovingly packaged albums, each CD case is but one piece of a giant splatter painted canvas. Consequently, the artwork on each package is unique, dark, and mysterious- like the music contained within."
~Will Ethridge/Eternal Otter Records
The album is currently available by email request and by clicking these links
Brief History:
Traveling from the woods of Fort Kent, Gabrielle Raymond began playing solo shows around Portland, Maine accompanying her voice with sometimes an accordion, piano, or an acoustic guitar. Her talent was immediately recognized by everyone. She got together with Ian Riley in the wee months of 2006, and soon recorded a five song EP with Frank Hopkins of Sweet Dream Recording Studios.
Monday, February 05, 2007 - Frank writes in his blog:
"so wow. this has been a long time coming.... Wallagrass's own Gabrielle Raymond, fronting the amazing Anna's Ghost along, with Ian, came in this weekend to do basic tracks on their debut ep... it sounds frickin' great and we haven't done vocals or mixed it yet. I'm super stoked about these guys, check 'em right here on myspace. I'm probably going to upload a track from this session into my demos, once it's mixed.. it's a great example of what good players in a good room with good ears can achieve.
It's never about the gear, people.
Although gear is cool, too."
After releasing the EP Jacob Pike became the bands bass player, and soon James Hayward the electric guitarist. The addition of haunting bass melody groove, and electric guitar harmony made Anna's Ghost's maudlin sound more dynamic, and rock influenced. The entire album had been recorded and finished in the fall of 2008 with James Hayward's electric guitar tracks, and special guests Anna Maria Amoroso on violin, and playing cello. James moved out of the country to live with his wife around this time, and Chris Moulton (former singer of The Cambiata) began playing guitar and singing backup vocals. We notified James that we may end up replacing some of his electric guitar parts with Chris's and he was okay with that. The following summer of 2009 the album was completed.
Thank you so much to everybody. We love you.
~Gone like a ghost
From Eternal Otter Records Blog Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Best of 2009 (Local Albums)
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Although you would think that it would be difficult for a local scene to compete with the breadth of releases on the National Scale, I strongly believe that Portland is responsible for some of the greatest music in the world right now. I realize I might be biased but I've long been a lover of music and have lived in many different cities, and simply no place has ever compared to the talent and creativity of Portland. I would place at least half the following albums above my 1 national choice. Anyway, read what I think and please get your hands on anything that sparks your interest.
1. Of Art and Intention - Dilly Dilly
Dilly Dilly's debut LP reached new sonic and emotional heights only hinted at on her 2007 EP (Akidleadivy), and it became one of Portland's most talked about albums of the summer. Then Dilly abruptly called an indefinite hiatus on her music career. Thankfully she left us these 12 amazing songs- including new takes on Akidleadivy's "Doo Write" and "Rival" (now fleshed out by Alias' precise production), the anthemic "Come What May", the emotionally devastating but strangely uplifting "AlossAlone", and the interplanetary electro come-on "Alien Dance Queen". This album still doesn't exist in physical form, but can be downloaded for free (or by donation) at dillydillymusic . Let's hope this isn't the last we hear from Dilly Dilly.
2. Anna's Ghost - Anna's Ghost
Yes, I'm plugging a release from my own label, but I wouldn't have put this album out in the first place if I didn't think it was one of the best artistic statement of the year. Like many others, I was a big fan of Anna's Ghost debut EP, and this follow-up was well worth the wait. In a city full of great female vocalists (Aly Spaltro, Colleen Kinsella, Erin Davidson, Sontiago, etc), I think Gabrielle Raymond's vocal delivery might be the best and most underrated. Her voice can both wrap around your heart ("Magdalene") or rip out your spine ("Good Enough"). Of course, she is also joined by her dark lieutenants, Ian Riley on drums, Chris Moulton on guitar, and Jake Pike on bass. They alternately sound like a four-member death squad ("He is in the Walls") and a demented carnival of skeletons ("After the Snow"). Sometimes they just sound skeletal, like on the haunting closing track "Comeback" ("when you come back we'll all be dead..."). An album to take to your grave.
For the entire top ten check out Eternal Otter Records blog.
September 18, 2009 - Sam Pfeifle wrote this review in the Portland Phoenix:
A DARK CARNIVAL Anna's Ghost are maturing, developing, and opening up.
As almost always seems to be the case, I have to start the "fall preview" by detailing this upcoming weekend, which promises to be one of the most active of the year. Last week, I discussed the new DEAD SEASON record, to be released September 19 with a show at the Asylum, but that's just the beginning. We'll also see ANNA'S GHOST release their self-titled full-length debut (complete with new lineup) September 18 at the Empire; ERIC BETTENCOURT releases his second full-length in roughly six months September 19 at the Empire; and BOREAL TORDU release their third full-length September 18 at One Longfellow. That's a busy weekend.
Anna's Ghost, released on Will Ethridge's Eternal Otter Records, may be the most exciting of the bunch, a follow-up to a well-received EP from 2007, but much more than that. In the meantime, duo Ian Riley and Gabrielle Raymond picked up some help from former Cambiata front man Chris Moulton and Dead Man's Clothes bassist Jake Pike. And while signing on Moulton and not having him do much vocally is a little like buying a Porsche and never taking it out of the driveway, there's no mistaking that the quartet have meshed well.
The band have retained the dark carnival atmosphere of their debut, but moved beyond it, developing a disturbed and disturbing indie rock that is both operatic and bare-bones, enchanting and repellent. There are times, actually, where it's hard to say whether Moulton might actually be singing, as Raymond apes some of the ultra-emotive vocal acrobatics that were his signature with the Cambiata. Raymond pitches and rolls, like a writhing mental patient in a straight-jacket fighting for freedom. And if there are times when she seems to move below her natural range, it's also true that her guttural chant can be as electric as Annie Lennox's.
Best is when the band allow themselves to open up. "He Is in the Walls" opens with a somber minute-long meditation before launching into a guitar vamp that's worthy of the Queens of the Stone Age riff from "No One Knows." At song four, it offers excellent mid-album pacing adjustment. "After the Snow" starts with carnival bounce on the piano, picks up a rippling pairing with the drums, and finishes in an accordion-fueled waltz: "Hold the switchblade far from me/The truth is the blade will make us bleed."
Once again recording with Frank Hopkins, they've created a sound that's so painfully close that you feel every note in your gut. As Moulton's fingers scrape the strings on "Comeback," a banjo mixed to the deep background, it's hard not to believe Raymond when she promises, "When you come back, we'll all be dead."
Then again, not everyone's into the morose and maudlin. Luckily, Boreal Tordu return with Les Chevaliers, a disc that's not quite as irresistibly bouncy as their last, La Bonne Vie, but delivers a joie de vivre nonetheless. This time around, there is just one song in English from the Acadian throwbacks, but, no matter, they supply English translations in the liner notes for every tune. If you're someone who pays attention to the lyrics, it's true that French lyrics can be distracting (I keep hearing nonsense English phrases), but there's no mistaking the emotions being conveyed, and the playing is first-rate."
2007 EP Reviews:
"One of the best five EP's of the year. With a shuffling, rambling gypsy sort of sound, Anna’s Ghost are original and interesting in the vein of Regina Spektor or the Decemberists, with a rocking Modest Mouse flavor when they feel like it."
"The five songs on their EP are often dark, or at least unnerving, with Raymond leading songs like a cross between Feist and Tina Turner. Contrasted with the stark squeak of Riley’s calluses skipping up and down the acoustic guitar’s fretboard on the opening “Limbs Will Grow,” Raymond opens strong, then gets positively electric harmonizing with herself in the tune’s second half."
"It’s almost a shame her vocals are distorted in “Blood on Our Hands,” but the production from Frank Hopkins jibes with the song’s mix of melancholy, fear, and regret: “The pit of my stomach tells me to freeze up/And hide in the dark.” “The Businessman” is also dark and brooding, full of found noises and left-hand piano, before it kicks in to a show-tuney narrative about one of those stereotypical money men who just doesn’t feel fulfilled. There’s “no trace of a little kid/Who loves his mother/Wanted so desperately/To be his dad.” You know, in real life, I find most of the rich businessmen I meet are pretty damn happy, really. But that doesn’t make for the best song, I’ll allow."
"That darkness, however, is overshadowed by the themes in “Anna,” which seems to trace loosely the diary of Anne Frank. Raymond’s “been starving for weeks/In an attic full of creaking floor boards/A uniform hunts my dreams/and shuns me from my religion.”
"Anna’s Ghost have a good feel for organizing their disc, however, and they finish on a high note. 'Love (part 1)' shows them at their most versatile. Gabriel accompanies Riley’s electric guitar with a lovely accordion, aping the melody of Alphaville’s 'Forever Young' and bending her voice every which way."
She may be in a 'roach-infested apartment,' but the crescendoing drums and backing vocals in the finish, accented with a pinch of trumpet, make the place seem pretty livable."
There is currently a search for two types of bands for record label consideration.
*** Note: PLEASE IDENTIFY IF YOU ARE IN GROUP 1 OR 2 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR RESPONSE. Emails are being reviewed by different representatives.
1. A Pop/Rock/Commercial band with female lead. Band must consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums. Lead vocal, followed by backing vocals, in that order, is a plus as it relates to other members of the group. Average age of the band cannot exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
2. A Modern Rock band with male lead. Must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band. Average age of the band cannot exceed 23 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
XXX - If you meet the minimum qualifications as described above. Email a link for your MySpace Page and if applicable, a link for your website to: recordingartistsearch@gmail.com
Only send one email with your links. Due to the volume of responses normally received for these types of opportunities. After review of your material, you will only be contacted if there is an interest in attending one of your shows by a label representative. As such please to not send any follow up emails regarding selections. If you were not contacted back, there was not an interest.
Thank You.
PS: Before You Enter Any MySpace Contests You Might Want To Also Review The Website At: www.st
Just got your album today and I have to say, it's really one of the best albums I've heard this year. Let's do something video-wise. This album will be blasting in my car and around my house for months to come.
"Be Here Now" Festival Scheduled for Starks, ME, August 14-16
Starks, Maine -- The hill at Harry Brown's Farm will come ALIVE
with music, giant puppets, belly dancing, and fire twirling three days during tie "Be Here Now" Festival this August.
Organizers hope to build on the success of “Harry Hoe-Down,” the first festival held on the site this season, where thousands of people braved the late June rains to bring to life Harry Brown's vision of “free people assembling freely.” An icon of Maine's counter-culture, Brown has been hosting festivals on his land for nineteen years to support efforts to legalize marijuana in Maine.
Founding member and former front man of John Brown’s Body Kevin Kinsella returns to Southern Cali August 1 to perform with Elijah Emmanuel and the Revelations. Come out and show some love!
A typical Kevin Kinsella set includes his new original reggae, 10 Ft. Ganja Plant music and classic JBB songs.
great music. i was wondering how your voice would sound singing Alaska by the cambiata. you have such an amazing voice. and well since they are quitting i;d like to see a tribute to them and thought you'd be the perfect to do so. and i enjoy your music. -rudy-
moshin at metal thursday last night.. the back of aarons head (one of my friends)bashed into mine! .. i was drinkin enough whisky to not feel it and wanted to continue but aaron pulled me aside and noticed how much I was bleeding and I needed to get stitches! so he got me ice and him and morgan brought me to the ER. lol but it was totally an accident..aaron feels so bad he sair he will pay my co-pay. but shit happens and its perfectly like along my eyebrow line
Incredible stuff I'm hearing... Annas Ghost is a tribute to the great hidden talent in Maine. I feel like I've been missing out! Anyway, I can't say enough for this band. Hope to hear you live very soon.
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