ANOTHER GOOD REVIEW - Stacy Nick, Coloradoan
CD review: Elyse Miller kills softly and carries a big wit
Posted 4/28/2010 4:05 PM MDT on coloradoan.com
By Stacy Nick
If you’ve seen Nonesuch Theater’s musical “Native!” you’re already aware of Elyse Miller. But you might not know just how multi-talented Miller truly is.
With the release of her self-produced debut CD “Paperdoll,” the Fort Collins singer-songwriter will correct that.
This recording is filled with Miller’s soon-to-be-signature lilting vocals, whip-smart lyrics and broad musical stylings, which reveal her wide range; Miller has training in jazz, blues, folk, choral, gospel, country and musical theater.
The CD also tips its hat to many of Miller’s influences: The backwards warping used in “Now His Kisses” has remnants of Bjork — but less weird. The soft but slightly dirty love songs (“I Want to Love You”) will draw obvious comparisons to Liz Phair. (Phair may have better lyrics but Miller has the better voice)
Each of the 10 songs is tightly written and distinctive — allowing the listener to discover something new each time. Also, the pacing of “Paperdoll” is quick — none of the songs exceeds three-and-a-half minutes — which makes you wonder what Miller will do to fill a whole show. But I’m thinking it’s a question well worth finding the answer to.
Best tracks: “I Want to Love You,” “Kinderwhore” and “Paperdoll”
Catch her live: Elyse Miller will perform, along with Gina Di Felice, at 8 p.m. April 29 at Nonesuch Theater, 216 Pine St., Fort Collins, as part of the Northern Colorado AIDS Project’s Dining Out for Life fundraiser. Tickets are $10. Information: (970) 224-2444 or www.nonesuchtheater.com
Other upcoming shows: May 6 at Mugs Coffee Lounge, May 14 at Dickens Opera House in Longmont and June 19 at Everyday Joe’s Coffee House. Visit http://www.myspace.com/elysemillermusic for details.