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Chicago-Music-Scene.com


Kat Parsons - Framing Caroline

The Facts

Artist Kat Parsons
Album Framing Caroline
Musicians Ron Barnes - Drums, Percussion
Tom Barrett - Electric Guitar, Lead on "Framing Caroline" and "Does She Cry"
Brian Cohen - Bass
Ralph Covert - Acoustic Guitar, Lead on "Lie," Back-Up Vocals on "Two Different Hearts"
Rob Newhouse - Electric Guitar, Lead on "Trust," Piano on "Wonder" and "Lie"
Katharine Parsons - Vocals
Produced By Ralph Covert
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered By Mark Schwarz
Recorded At UberStudio, Chicago
Track Listing 1). Masses
2). Two Different Hearts
3). Wonder
4). Nothing To Hide
5). Framing Caroline
6). Does She Cry
7). Little Words
8). Someone Else
9). Lie
10).Trust
Record Label Waterdog Music
Available At waterdogmusic.com, Tower Records, Amazon.com, CDnow, tothebone.com, select Borders, and several indie record shops (including Record Emporium)
Reviewed By Eric J. Olsen

The Opinion

Kat Parsons' "Framing Caroline" is an impressive album filled with 10 solid pop-rock songs. Every song is tight and well-written. The musicianship on the album is stellar. This is even more amazing considering the album was recorded over only two sessions with virtually no overdubs. All of this belies the fact that this is Kat's first album. From ballads like "Two Different Hearts" to more rocking songs like "Trust," the songs just grab onto you and you have no choice but be swept along.

But don't let the catchy pop tunes fool you. Kat is a woman with something to say. Her lyrics, and the emotion with which she delivers them, are by far the strong point of the album. There are the standard woes-of-love-lost songs, but all stamped with Kat's unique voice. It's that voice and perspective that shine on the tracks. Whether it's in "Masses," where she summarizes the paradox of human nature with the lines:

I'm just looking for some connection
Just looking to see my own reflection
I am caught within the splintered glass
Trying to distinguish myself from the masses
To the hauntingly beautiful "Wonder" where the simple, succinct lyrics have the quiet power to force you to take stock of your life. Nowhere on the album does Kat fall back on lyrical defaults. Every song was carefully crafted to convey the emotions that she was feeling at the time. Kat's ability to put that emotion into her singing really makes the listener feel what she's singing about and not just an aural voyeur.

It won't take long for people to realize how truly talented she is. When you factor in the great songs, meaningful lyrics, and beautiful, emotive voice, it's easy to see that Kat Parsons is a woman who will not only survive in the music scene, but she will thrive. And for the listeners' sake, let's up she stays around for a very long time.

Nutshell Review

A tremendous debut album that leaves the listener feeling both satisfied and craving more.

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