more like kindred spirits... Patti Smith (Horses), PJ Harvey (Dry), The Pixies (live show), White Stripes (live show), Grace Slick (Monteray Pop), Tori Amos (Tales of a Librarian), The Kills (live show) ...to name a few
Sounds Like
Lyric-rich beat-driven original rock. Strong. Compassionate. Alive.
Susan Weber delivers her art with palpable emotion. Whether live on stage or in recorded form, with a full band or solo, Weber's true grit, bluesy swagger and first-person lyrical insight offers vivid, in the moment narratives and true, present tense clarity. Sounds like a mouthful? Sure is. Grafting vines as disparate as Gordon Downie, Patti Smith and Chrissie Hynde, her candor is what brings Monet's Orbit (also the name of her backing band) front-and-center for the listener.
We've said before that she is a huge local talent and we're not kidding; you know you're in for a treat when she goes straight for the jugular with the leadoff track "Buffalo" -- a finger wag at everything from The Culture of Fear and cult of personality in politics, to the military industrial complex and class warfare in society. It's an awful lot to cram into one song, but given Weber's successfully world-weary delivery, it says a great deal about her. And that's saying nothing of her very capable band and their unique ability to follow her every move.
Any songwriter who can find a way to invoke Agamemnon, Aphrodite, the Pharoahs, Columbine and can roll out a line like She is the child of Gaza stripping Walter Cronkite's paradigm is bound to draw in the listener. And with that voice that tonally suggests Smith in a post-punk flight of empowered reflection? Wow. Powerful Stuff. I don't get the progressive rock sensibility that some critics in town have shouldered her with; but that kick-in-the-breadbasket, tough Midwestern girl with a chip on her shoulder thing? Yes, definitely.
Monet's Orbit is a solid, 11-track effort that sinks and shudders and soars with harrowing spiritual nakedness. Highlights from this set include ""Take Me High," "Painted Moon" and a very direct "Carnival." But the set closer "She is Here" cinches it for this reviewer. Weber rides the rails of feminism with her protagonist's naked power bleeding, heading to a could-be-good, could-be-bad end. She can drown on ritalin/ She can drive a nine inch nail/ She can dream on borrowed time/ She will find her holy grail. Note to Trent Reznor: steer clear of the female subject in this song. The one in "She is Here" is likely to drive you to rhyme "hole" and "soul" yet again.
-- Peter Chakerian, CoolCleveland
CoolCleveland named MONET'S ORBIT a TOP TEN LOCAL ALBUM 2007.
I SEEM TO BE IN A TORCH SONG SAGA I CAN'T GET OUT OF IT ! LISTEN AND COME HEAR A GROWN MAN CRY!...OOHH STOP THE FRICKING DRAMA! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN!
Susan! Thanks so much for the really nice comment! I listened to your songs and really enjoyed them particularly "Carnival" - awesome! Keep in touch and Happy Spring!
just stopped to listen again!!! Sounds great !!!! I play on the 19(private party with my r&b band xcetera) but it is at 8pm so if the creek doesn't rise We will be there !!! Susan You Rock !!!! Later , Waddell
Real Friendship is something that comes from being kind We make good decisions on good information We make bad decisions on bad information With no information, we make lucky decisions
Hi Susan, thanks many to you for the friendship! You are a great music and a great soul! I have voted to you. I'm making you publicity and I have put to you in my top! You often come on my space. All the best! Daniele.
Hi I know its been awhile...But Greetings from Youngstown...I sure hope that you will remember me?..If I dont plug this ..how will anyone ever know?...Please let me announce that " DreamSong " is now at CD baby and you can hear the entire work for free...I know you will enjoy it as Its a mini-pop symphony in the tradition of " SGT PEPPER and SMILE" Hope you give it a chance...Wishing you all have a GREAT 08 ! Billy D
