TERRY RADIGAN
Radigan (Vanguard)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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There's something undeniably intoxicating and compelling about the music of Terry Radigan. It might be the intensity of her songs, something that jumps out from the first notes of "My Love Is Real." Or it might be the fact that Radigan possesses a terrific singing voice. It could be a lot of things.

The one thing that isn't obvious is that this is a home-made record, done in her Nashville loft and featuring Radigan on vocals, guitars, piano, mandolin, banjo and autoharp. Most of the other sounds were electronically generated by--guess who--Terry Radigan. This is a woman with incredible talent. She writes lyrics that grab your attention, but, unlike so many singer/songwriters, she composes music that is every bit as interesting as the lyrics. Her soundscapes are dazzling, somewhat traditional on the surface but always punctuated by some ethereal sound you can't quite place. Exotic and simple at the same time. Sound like a contradiction? Radigan makes it a natural fact.

Keep on eye on this one. She's already had songs recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Patty Loveless (don't panic, this is not a country CD), and with skills like hers, she should have quite a career ahead of her. Here's hoping this thing gets the airplay it deserves. Hint to radio programmers: "When I Get Around You," a happy piece of pop, has crossover-hit written all over it.

© 2000 - DJ Johnson