CD Review- Mary Fahl- 'The Other Side of Time'- 4.5 on a 1 to 10 scale

[battleknight24]

Artist: Mary Fahl
Album: The Other Side Of Time
Label: Odyssey/Sony
Rating: 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 10

Although she may sound a little too "new-age" for some listener's, it is clear that Mary Fahl is a talented individual with a unique voice. The former lead singer of the now defunct October Project has released her first full fledged solo effort, 2 years after the release of the 4 song EP 'Lenses of Contact," and 7 years after the breakup of October Project.

Fahl certainly has a team of great musicians at her helm, notably 'Saturday Night Live' drummer Shawn Pelton playing on a majority of the tracks, while violinist Mark O'Connor solos on "Going Home." Famed fusion bassist Mark Egan also makes an appearance.

Mary Fahl's lush deep voice was a big part of October Project's original sound; undoubtly many will draw comparisons to the bands work. She also does most of the writing on this album, a first for her. Maybe this is where the problem lies. One might listen to this album straight through and find very little that reaches out and grabs them. Also, the album as a whole seems to stretch out in many directions from a central point, with no consistent pulse. Some songs have a deep, soft-rock, adult-alternative feel to them, while others seem to have a new-age jazz feel. The lyrics are probably the most dissapointing aspect, which don't stand out on their own. In fact, some of them are just plain bad. But in all fairness, there are 2 fine tracks on this album, "Want To" and "Paulo," with the latter having interesting rhythmic changes in the chorus.

The overall impression I got is that this is a talented woman still searching for her sound. Fahl's next cd could benefit more if she enlists the help of a producer along the lines of Daniel Lanois and collaborate with a better lyricist. For OP fans, be warned: you will not find the next "Bury My Lovely" or "Return to Me" in this collection.

[sugarcookie]

1. "Going Home" is a beautiful song

...and video. It has a celtish/irish sound to it. I listened to the other songs sound bytes available on Amazon, but couldn't tell too much about them. I am considering buying the CD just for that song. When I die (hopefully not any time soon) I want that song played at my funeral.

[peacefreak]

2. I agree!

October Project has been a favorite of mine for years, so I was on the lookout for something new by her. The only thing I found previously was the EP, so I was very pleased to find this. Her sound is just right for a rainy late night.
Although there are weaknesses, I will gladly put up with them to hear the beauty of her voice.

[catmandu57]

3. I haven't heard it yet

but thanks for the heads up and review. I've always wondered how such a big voice came from so small a lady.