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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Once Nanci Griffith moved away from "folkabilly" in favour of a middle-of-the-road sound, her albums often took on a self-important archness that detoured their journey from her heart to ours. The fact that she titled Clock Without Hands after a Carson McCullers novel telegraphs bad omens until you remember that many of her best, early records also honoured her literary heroes. Clock Without Hands, her first album of mostly original material since 1997, turns out to be an elegant and gratifying surprise. While the production is a bit too pristine and dry, and Griffith's sometimes irritating delivery goes over the top on "Shaking Out the Snow", the album is a thoughtful and effective meditation on the awakening and thawing of a heart grown cold. With two songs meant for a seriously ill parent and three set in Vietnam--one a deeply felt tribute to ex-husband Eric Taylor, whose life was forever changed there--Griffith seems to be making amends, healing old wounds and finding the strength to move on. This is a beautifully wrought record about the mysteries of love, longing laid bare and the importance of living in the moment. It may be the most honest album of Griffith's career; certainly it's one of her most enjoyable. --Alanna Nash
Product Description
1-Clock Without Hands 2-Traveling Through This Part Of You 3-Where Would I Be 4-Midnight In Missoula 5-Lost Him In The Sun 6-The Ghost Inside Of Me 7-Truly Something Fine 8-Cotton 9-Pearl's Eye View (The Life Of Dickey...) 10-Roses On The 4th Of July 11-Shaking Out The Snow 12-Armstrong 13-Last Song For Mother 14-In The Wee Small Hours
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a brilliant album. It once more proves that as a songwriter, Nanci has few peers. Taking the Vietnam war as a touchstone, 'Travelling through this part of you' just about as good a song as it's possible to write.
However, for sheer raw emotion, 'Roses on the 4th of July' is both poignant love song that many can relate to and also an anthem for those who's loved ones have been affected, not just by the Vietnam war, but by war in general. The sense of loss and alienation that partners and families go through is well documented, but this single song sets it up so well.
'Pearl's eye view' is also a cracker and one that - as a journalist - affects me more than most. The idea that you go off to a foreign country and risk your life so others can see or read about what's going on is alien to most people, but for a select few, armed only with cameras and microphones, it's a reality.
My only downer on the album is Nanci's use of other artists material. However it has to be said, John Stewart is no ordinary songwriter, as his contributions to the ensemble prove.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Nanci Griffith's latest album 'Clock Without Hands' starts with a title track that is fresh and upbeat. Overall this album has an air of maturity about it, the jewel being 'Travelling Through This Part Of You' which is haunting and heartfelt. Track 13 'Last Song For Mother' is exactly the sort of song anyone would love their daughter to write for them.
This long awaited new collection is not a disappointment to Nanci Griffith fans and will certainly be a joy to those discovering her music for the first time. A beautifully packaged album with some great tunes and pictorial lyrics.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I once heard an interview in which Nanci said most of her writing was not drawn from personal experiences, and was therefore of little sentimental meaning. This shattered my illusion as I had always felt that she was singing on emotion and experience. However, this latest contribution must surely be drawn in part from her own heart, with tracks about Vietnam and her mother, both which have clearly impacted her life in a major way. It helps when listening to her emotional voice to know that the words carry the same importance.
Having said that, the album is very 'produced' and clear cut. Tracks dont always run well into each other, and some of her typical flow is lost. But the voice is not, and for that we should all be greatful.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5 Stars
Not really much else you can add when you give it 5 stars!! Excellent! One of my favourite albums. Unique voice and classic Nancy Griffith.
Published 8 months ago by Sharon
My favourite Nanci G album
Having only recently purchased this one I am a little late reveiwing its content. But I am glad I found it, I really rate every track. Read more
Published on 7 Nov 2008 by Jeffery J. Forster
Is it just me?
I seem to be on my own here but for me Clock Without Hands marks a real artistic downturn for Nanci Griffith. Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2004 by Mr. S. J. Baker
Lovely
Nanci so rarely lets you down. For me, this is her best in many years. Her voice is as beautiful as ever and her writing simply gets better. Full of experience, pain and beauty. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2004 by Richard Allen
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