Dogs

by

Nina Nastasia

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At long last, we get Nina's first album re-released! And what a solid debut it is! I was very interested to see how the style Nastasia has evolved through on her 2nd and 3rd albums began, and Dogs rewards with an earlier step in Nina's musical journey. On Dogs, the songs are generally upbeat with Nina singing in the upper register with more of that country twang than she has been known to use as of late (Run to Ruin). Though the music sounds happier at first impression, her lyrical motif of broken dreams, failed relationships and hopeful longing for love is present. The arrangements are less centered on dark moods and the timbre of musical saw (though it IS played) and various percussion do-dads (as it became starting with The Blackened Air), and more electric guitar is used, which is A-OK with me. Beyond comparative issues, the bottom line is this: Dogs features thoughtfully-crafted songs (sometimes short) with somewhat dark lyrics, sung by a beautiful female voice and backed by some interesting instruments. The music is folk-rocky with a hint of country (but not too much, thank heaven). I am, as always, impressed with the songwriting, and appreciate the different style of music from the 2nd and 3rd albums. Can't wait for more!

Nina has quite an effective way of getting under your skin and annoying you till you shut her up. Most songs sound overly uninspired while she sings as if she's making up the words at that very moment, like improv. There are no melodies to most of the songs on here and the music doesn't stick, even if you have listened to the songs 3 times or more. It's almost like modern jazz.

Stand out tracks are A Dog's Life, Stormy Weather (an instant classic), Too Much In Between, The Long Walk, All Your Life and 4 Yrs.

The rest is all filler, not even good enough for background music.