Self-Titled

Review by Paul Watkin

1995 CFOX DemoListen winners Dick 'n' Jane have released their first CD, and it is indeed worth a listen.

At times jazzy, folky, bluesy and rockish, Dick 'n' Jane fuse many styles together to create a brooding, ponderous atmosphere throughout the CD. Now, that might suggest that Dick 'n' Jane are still mourning the drive-by shooting of Spot, but it is in this state that the songs shine. The depth of Jane Sawyer's voice is captured most notably on "Release Me," drawing the listener into the band's inner torments.

This is a CD of carefully crafted songs with powerful lyrics that evoke specific emotions and vivid imagery for the listener. You know, if you close your eyes and listen closely, at fleeting instances, you just might hear the ghost of Janis Joplin. Keep your eyes closed, though, because the introduction to the opening track, "Haunted" might bring to mind an eerie rendition of "Teddy Bears' Picnic." Not relevant, I suppose, but I just had to get that off my chest.

What is relevant, however, is that this is a good CD.

Artist Contact Info: P.O. Box 72029, 4479 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6R 4P2