A Girl Called Eddy [CD]

A Girl Called Eddy is the rather unassuming name used by American-born singer-songwriter Erin Moran. On this, her debut album, she teams up with former Pulp guitarist and acclaimed solo artist Richard Hawley to produce an album of elegance and depth. Quite simply, A Girl Called Eddy is music made by grown-ups for grown-ups. The band, who also featured on Hawley's own opus Lowedges, create sophisticated arrangements that add an almost jazz-like feel to tracks like "Tears All Over Town", "Girls Can Really Tear You Up Inside" and "Life Through the Same Lens", yet they never threaten to overpower Moran's own tender and emotive voice. She is, after all, the real star here, and she proves her abilities both as a singer and as a lyricist throughout. "You're lonely like only the broken can know", she broods on "Somebody Hurt You", and her voice conveys both sympathy and intimacy, never an easy feat on a recording. This is a surprisingly accomplished debut album--dignified, literate and well-observed. Its mellow, relaxed pace may sound perfect for late-night listening, but A Girl Called Eddy will command your attention. --Robert Burrow

A Girl Called Eddy, born in New Jersey as Erin Moran, has created an extraordinary debut record full of romance, elegance, sophistication and shimmering melodies that is certain to appeal to fans of the likes of Beth Orton and Aimee Mann. Produced by Richard Hawley of Pulp fame, this album has attracted the admiration of artists such Robert Smith, Jarvis Cocker and Everything But the Girl's Ben Watt.