Shivaree
Who’s Got Trouble?
(Zoë/Rounder)
Ambrosia Parsley’s seductive coo moves blood briskly from men’s knees to their, um, ears, but Shivaree has seen more success in Europe than at home in the States. The band’s cabaret cool makes no play for mass appeal. “Little Black Mess,” with a scent of Weill, could be an anthem for thoughtful people who have bouts of depres- sion. The intrigue of Eno’s “Fat Lady of Limbourg” and insouciant swing of “I Close My Eyes” (both were on the Breach EP) display Shivaree’s pop assets most ideally.
—Doug Taylor
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.