OVER THE RHINE
Films for Radio (Virgin/Backporch)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Cincinnati's Over the Rhine has been one of my favorite bands since I first discovered them opening for The Cowboy Junkies a few years ago. Since then, the husband and wife team that leads us Over The Rhine, Karin Berquist and Linford Detweiler, have been frequent touring Junkies, and Over The Rhine has been signed to Virgin's Backporch roots and Americana imprint. Films for Radio is the band's first new release on Backporch, a follow-up to the label's repackaging of an earlier release, Good Dog Bad Dog. Films for Radio is a classic Over The Rhine record showcasing Karin's exceptional vocals and Linford's gifted songwriting and musicianship. For me, Linford's lilting piano on "Little Blue River" has redefined Americana, and Karin's sultry brooding on "The World Can Wait" brings me back to Marianne Faithfull. Jack Henderson's guitar soars on "Moth" and I'm glad that they've brought this long-time OTR song to a wider audience. A truly inspired recording by one of America's most innovative bands: Over The Rhine writes literate and thoughtful music that makes you think. Go Over The Rhine at www.overtherhine.com.

Track List:

The World Can Wait * If Nothing Else * Give Me Strength * Fairpoint Diary * Radio Heaven * Little Blue River * Goodbye * Whatever You Say * The Body is a Stairway of Skin * Moth * When I Go

© 2001 - Eric Steiner