Movie rating: 4 Star

Eileen Rose - Long Shot Novena

After a patchily impressive debut album that wowed the critics but left most record buyers unmoved, Eileen Rose has chosen the perfect moment to spread her artistic wings. This beautifully emotive record from the feisty Boston lady with Italian and Irish roots contains more than enough twang to seduce fans of alt.country - but also delves into a host of other styles (blues, gospel, soft rock), proving that she's not just a one trick pony. The sharply-observed lyrics suggest that her love-life is no happier than this time last year, which is great news for lovers of the kind of bittersweet, homespun lament that Rose delivers so well in her clear, invigorating voice. Pulling off the delicate trick of paying homage to her influences (Dylan, Emmylou, Tom Waits) without merely imitating them, this is one flower that's truly beginning to blossom.

Review by | 09:00 | Friday 22nd February 2002 | Album Review