The Wreckers: Stand Still, Look Pretty
I love Michelle Branch. Her music, her varied and random TV appearances (including a favourite, Buffy, The Vampire Slayer), and how beautiful she is. So, it’s not a huge leap for me to follow her to this pop-country side project, even if the whole “pop-country” genre hurts my soul.
Michelle Branch, joined by Jessica Harp, combine to form the Wreckers. Two beautiful woman, who are clearly very talented. And yet, the combination brings a very average album. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t bad, despite it’s pop-country feel. But, really, the Wreckers are like the Battle of the Network Stars: Individually, talented; Together, bland.
The disc, Stand Still, Look Pretty, barely fills have a CD, sliding in just under 45 minutes, spread across 12 tracks. The ladies’ voices play well together, but I can’t help but think they would do better somewhere without that country twang.
Leave the Pieces, the lead off track, does feature a violin (in that country feel) which I enjoy, and it does a good job of starting the album off; Stand Still, Look Pretty, ye olde title track, may actually be the best on the disc, with a very simplistic construction; I listen to Rain, and i feel there’s this amazing jazzy/bluesy song hidden just beneath the surface; and Crazy People, while not particularly memorable, was the only track left and I needed one more to mention.
In the end: Michelle Branch completists, New Country fans, and anyone willing to take a leap will enjoy this. I’m not saying avoid it, but there are better albums that came out this summer. Give them a chance.
On the web: I’m at a loss to find anything on the mighty interwebs to offer for this band. Perhaps that’s a sign?
Technorati Tagged: Michelle Branch | The Wreckers | Country | 2006