I blame Jools HollandBelieve me, it's usually the other way round. Usually I have nothing but praise for the man and his show that introduce me to so many fantastic artists. But in the case of this album, seeing Martha Wainwright perform on that show before purchasing `I Know You're Married, but I've Got Feelings Too' has ruined me, because if I hadn't seen her perform live I would have been blissfully unaware that in the right form this collection of songs presents an absolutely incredible portrait of a uniquely charismatic singer/song-writer. But not when they're delivered with decidedly less passion on an over-produced album that is not a proper showcase for these beautifully written songs and the tortured/passionate voice that always performs to perfect spine-tingling effect in the right setting.
The prime example is track 7- `So Many Friends'- my favourite song when I heard it performed by Martha on the show. An incredibly subtle song that soared into a gloriously ironic chorus on which Martha's voice was tortured and triumphant in equal measure. On the album version her voice dwindles to a pathetic whimper, only then to be drowned out by unnecessary instrumental accompaniment. Why (I ask of nobody in particular) was her voice not allowed to be heard in the true glory evident in all her live performances? It's a mystery to me.
This is emblematic of the album as a whole, but that's not to say there aren't some really cool tracks. Such as track 3- `Jesus and Mary' (7/10) and track 8- `In the Middle of the Night' (8/10) and track 9- `The George Song' (7/10). But I personally could have done without the musical flourishes and would have much preferred a starker offering that boiled down these songs to their most natural elements i.e. Martha's strong voice and her exceptionally emotional delivery. I haven't heard Martha's first album, so going by the comments of previous reviewers I'll be buying that very shortly in order to discover whether it's a better showcase for this infectiously eccentric artist.
The rating might be needlessly harsh and this album is undoubtedly a grower with inspiration and catchy tunes by the bucket-load, but there's no escaping that almost tangible disappointment in this album that just doesn't do justice to Martha's talent.
I know you're married, but I'm not feeling this.The warm and understated sound of her debut CD (3 years ago) is replaced with a fuller augmented bells and whistles rock band sound, which merely serves to make the music sound ordinary, and which causes Martha's distinctive vocal style to work too hard to rise above.
The reservations many had about Martha's songwriting on her first (although I thought it was pretty good) have been proved right here. Some songs are good, but none are as striking as Factory, TV Show, Who Was I Kidding or BMFA from the former.
I never review anything without at least 10 listens and sorry to say this CD has remained a chore to sit through. Martha needs to get back to basics, quit smoking, and concentrate her vocal technique on interpreting songs instead just rehashing her vocal chops.
Its That 2nd Album Thing!Yep, Enjoyed her first offering, which was/is more refreshing.
Like a few hear I agree, she's grown-up, not good. And she got married, whats she like!
I've only played it twice, 3 might be pushing it, sorry.
Hey, When she gets divorced we might get a good 3rd album, with swearing and stuff!! fingers crossed!
A GrowerI really liked her previous album and bought this but felt disappointed at first...
But it's grown on me - her voice is truly unique and I love it.
She's evolving and that's a good thing - can't wait for the next album!
the talent of wainwright, heriditory!i had been waiting for the follow up to martha's critically acclaimed debut self titled album. this shows pure genius, simply anything that is touched by martha shines a light. obvious cameo's from parent's and brother rufus and the immense pete townsend.
my fav track although the decision was difficult is 'jesus and mary' powerful in many ways, vocals put massive emphasis on the quite basis but quirky background music.
other stand out tracks, opening rocker 'bleeding all over you' lots of wording and promoting of the album title and 'comin tonight'. comin tonight gives the first taste of pete townsend on guitars, marthas vocals are sounding early joni mitchell to patti smith. the diverse 'the george song' samples just how talented martha and rufus are when they are put together, why not release a joint album???!
in fact this album is both intense and amazing, ive had the privilage to go see martha live a few times now and she never disappoints.
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