Glasgow native Eddi Reader returns for her fourth solo album of ingratiating, smart songs, most of them seeking answers about what we're supposed to make of this big, ol' sweet mess of a world. Acoustic and folk-based, Simple Soul gleans much of its power from its stripped-down production, which allows for the up-close immediacy of Reader's quiet, earnest vocals, which are at times reminiscent of Maria Muldaur ("Wolves") and Edie Brickell ("Adam"). Alternately meditative ("Simple Soul"), reflective ("Lucky Penny"), and restless ("The Wanting Kind"), Reader especially shines on "I Felt a Soul Move Through Me," about the death of her father, one of several songs she co-wrote with Boo Hewerdine. But she's impressive as an interpreter, too, proving unforgettable on "Footsteps Fall," which correctly declares, "The loneliest sound of all / Is the sound of love / Through a stranger's wall." Somehow, she manages to make all this sadness uplifting, as a testament to the resiliency of the soul, and to the power of music. Soothing salve, indeed. -by Alanna Nash
She sings from the soul, very few performers these days have this talent. Eddi stays close to her roots, a special person with a love for pure music. - by James Wood
Artist: Eddi Reader
Album: Simple Soul
Year: 2001
Labe: Rough Trade
Runtime: 44:35
Tracks:
1. Wolves (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine/Teddy Borowiecki) 4:31
2. The Wanting Kind (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:55
3. Lucky Penny (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:30
4. Simple Soul (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 4:19
5. Adam (Roy Dodds/Adam Kirk/Boo Hewerdine/Eddi Reader) 4:34
6. Footsteps Fall (Boo Hewerdine/Bjergfeldt) 2:46
7. Blues Run The Game (Jackson C. Frank) 5:04
8. I Felt A Soul Move Through Me (Roy Dodds/Henderson/Boo Hewerdine/Eddi Reader) 3:52
9. Prodigal Daughter (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:41
10. Eden (Eddi Reader) 5:04
11. The Girl Who Fell In Love With The Moon (Boo Hewerdine/Eriksen) 3:19
Personnel:
Eddi Reader (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar)
Boo Hewerdine (Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Glockenspiel, Toy Keyboard, Tanbura, Harmonium)
Roy Dodds (Drums and Percussion) - 1,2,4,5,7-9,11
Teddy Borowiecki (Keyboards, Accordion, Indian Harmonium, Whirly Tube, Tanbura) - 1-3,5-9
Tim Harries (Bass Guitar) - 1,4,5,7,11
Adam Kirk (Dobro, Acoustic and Electric Guitar) - 5,7,10
Johnny Scott (Pedal Steel Guitar, Acoustic Guitar) - 1,5,7
Dawson Salah Miller (Frame Drum, Udu) - 8,9
Simon Edwards (Guitaron Bass) - 8
Dylan Bates (Violin) - 8
She sings from the soul, very few performers these days have this talent. Eddi stays close to her roots, a special person with a love for pure music. - by James Wood
Artist: Eddi Reader
Album: Simple Soul
Year: 2001
Labe: Rough Trade
Runtime: 44:35
Tracks:
1. Wolves (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine/Teddy Borowiecki) 4:31
2. The Wanting Kind (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:55
3. Lucky Penny (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:30
4. Simple Soul (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 4:19
5. Adam (Roy Dodds/Adam Kirk/Boo Hewerdine/Eddi Reader) 4:34
6. Footsteps Fall (Boo Hewerdine/Bjergfeldt) 2:46
7. Blues Run The Game (Jackson C. Frank) 5:04
8. I Felt A Soul Move Through Me (Roy Dodds/Henderson/Boo Hewerdine/Eddi Reader) 3:52
9. Prodigal Daughter (Eddi Reader/Boo Hewerdine) 3:41
10. Eden (Eddi Reader) 5:04
11. The Girl Who Fell In Love With The Moon (Boo Hewerdine/Eriksen) 3:19
Personnel:
Eddi Reader (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar)
Boo Hewerdine (Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Glockenspiel, Toy Keyboard, Tanbura, Harmonium)
Roy Dodds (Drums and Percussion) - 1,2,4,5,7-9,11
Teddy Borowiecki (Keyboards, Accordion, Indian Harmonium, Whirly Tube, Tanbura) - 1-3,5-9
Tim Harries (Bass Guitar) - 1,4,5,7,11
Adam Kirk (Dobro, Acoustic and Electric Guitar) - 5,7,10
Johnny Scott (Pedal Steel Guitar, Acoustic Guitar) - 1,5,7
Dawson Salah Miller (Frame Drum, Udu) - 8,9
Simon Edwards (Guitaron Bass) - 8
Dylan Bates (Violin) - 8