Speak (The Roches album) explained

Speak
Type:Album
Artist:The Roches
Cover:The Roches - speak.gif
Released:1989
Genre:Pop folk
Length:50:17
Label:MCA
Producer:The Roches, Jeffrey Lesser
Prev Title:Crossing Delancey
Prev Year:1988
Next Title:We Three Kings
Next Year:1990

Speak is an album by the American musical trio the Roches, released in 1989 on MCA Records.[1] [2] The album contained two singles that had accompanying videos, "Big Nuthin'" and "Everyone Is Good". Another track, "Nocturne", was included in the 1988 film Crossing Delancey, which costarred Suzzy Roche.[3]

"Big Nuthin'" was a minor radio hit.[4] The trio supported the album with a North American tour.[5]

Production

The album was coproduced by the Roches; many songs were first takes.[6] [7] The Roches had been singing many of the songs for years, and decided to flesh them out with drum machines and synthesizers.[8] [9] The sisters shared in the songwriting. "Big Nuthin'" references their appearance on Saturday Night Live.[10] The lyrics to "Cloud Dancing" were inspired by a 16th-century Chinese poet.[11]

Critical reception

The New York Times wrote: "Throughout most of the album, there is a feeling that not a note or a word has been wasted, as the trio strives toward a sparseness and clarity that underscores its exquisite vocal blend."[3] The Chicago Tribune concluded that "the Roches' intricate, artfully balanced harmonies again take center stage and are matched by finely honed, complex tales that provoke almost simultaneous laughter and tears."

The Globe and Mail deemed the album "yet another collection of too-cute pop folk ditties."[12] The Ottawa Citizen determined that "the music stretches across a confessional of private thoughts to a streak of outrageous sarcasm."

The Rolling Stone Album Guide noted the "electro-organic landscape." The Spin Alternative Record Guide praised the "Casio-based sound the takes home cooking into outer space."

Track listing

  1. "Speak"
  2. "Big Nuthin'"
  3. "Cloud Dancing"
  4. "Everyone Is Good"
  5. "In the World"
  6. "I Love My Mom"
  7. "Losing Our Job"
  8. "Person with a Past"
  9. "The Anti-Sex Backlash of the 80's"
  10. "Easy"
  11. "Nocturne"
  12. "Merciful God"
  13. "Broken Places"
  14. "Feeling Is Mutual"

Personnel

Musicians

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Roches Biography, Songs, & Albums. AllMusic.
  2. Web site: The Roches Returning to Tarrytown. Marianne. Meyer. May 3, 1992. NYTimes.com.
  3. News: Holden . Stephen . The Pop Life . The New York Times . 15 Nov 1989 . C24.
  4. Web site: The Rough Guide to Rock. Peter. Buckley. December 10, 2003. Rough Guides. Google Books.
  5. News: Sullivan . Jim . The Roches: Folk with a Touch of Humor . The Boston Globe . 8 Feb 1990 . Arts and Film . 74.
  6. News: Heim . Chris . Ten years ago, three sisters... . Chicago Tribune . 3 Nov 1989 . Friday . 63.
  7. News: Mitchell . Justin . 'Scary' situation reaping rewards for Roches trio . Windsor Star . Scripps Howard . 10 Feb 1990 . C2.
  8. News: Gettelman . Parry . Roches Have Molded Sister-Speak into Blooming Career . Orlando Sentinel . 19 Jan 1990 . Calendar . 14.
  9. News: Takiff . Jonathan . Out of the Art Crowd . Philadelphia Daily News . 6 Apr 1990 . Features . 52.
  10. News: Epstein . Warren . Roches continue love affair with fans at Boulder concert . Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph . 23 Jan 1990 . F4.
  11. News: Brown . Joe . Roches' 'Speak' Out with Familiar Sound . The Washington Post . 9 Feb 1990 . N24.
  12. News: Niester . Alan . Speak The Roches . The Globe and Mail . 18 Jan 1990 . C8.

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