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Maria Taylor
11:11
(Saddle Creek)
First Appeared in The Music Box, June 2005, Volume 12, #6
Written by T.J. Simon
Omnipresent as a backup singer for nearly every group springing forth from
the Omaha music scene, Maria Taylor (of Azure Ray) finally has issued her solo
debut 11:11. In recording the disc, she apparently called in some favors,
and the album is packed with guest appearances from members of Cursive, Now It’s
Overhead, and Bright Eyes. Throughout the disc, Taylor’s breathy and
intoxicating voice is pushed front and center by producer Mike Mogis. Her songs
range from the synth-heavy, mid-tempo pop of Leap Year to the more
straightforward guitar and piano arrangements of Song Beneath the Song,
which features a guest appearance by Conor Oberst who assures the listener that
"It’s not a love song."
Most of the tracks on 11:11 strike a pleasant pose, thanks to Taylor’s
supple, floating vocals, though two of the songs are dramatically different from
the rest of the material. One for the Shareholders is an inexplicably
funky dance song that is worthy of Jem or Ellie Lawson and is embedded in the
middle of this otherwise ethereal disc. It’s not an unwelcome diversion, but it
is noteworthy for its disparate nature. The other oddball selection is the
old-time country ballad Speak Easy, which recalls Patsy Cline channeled
through George Gershwin and proves to be the collection’s highlight. It’s a
lovely little number that deserves to be heard, and it more than makes up for
the disc’s forgettable moments, such Xanax and the album’s closer Hitched.
Even so, with all its guest artists, electronica flourishes, and invigorating
string arrangements, 11:11 remains ultimately about the pretty voice of
Maria Taylor. When judged in this light, this 10-song solo debut certainly makes
the grade.  ½
11:11 is available
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Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005
The Music Box
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