Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars

Performer: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
Engineer: Pat Moran
Producer: Pat Moran
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians: Edie Brickell (vocals); Kenny Withrow, Robbie Blunt (guitar); Wix (keyboards); Chris Whitton, Brandon Aly (drums), John Bush (percussion); John Henry (background vocals). The track "I Do" is not listed in the booklet or packaging of SHOOTING RUBBER BANDS AT THE STARS. As debut albums by young bands go, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars is nearly flawless. With a slight southern twinge in her voice, the 23-year-old Brickell churned out brilliant lyrics and captivating vocal performances, backed by the solid and innovative players that comprised the original New Bos -- Kenny Withrow, Brad Houser, John Bush, and Brandon Aly. Twisting words like putty, Brickell wraps herself up in phrases and melodic lines with layers of meaning not easily grasped at first listen. Her simple observations offer deep contemplations for the willing disciples of her musical philosophies. The catchy breakthrough hit "What I Am" is the perfect example: "I'm not aware of too many things/I know what I know, if you know what I mean." Zen and the art of songwriting. On other fronts, Brickell's fascination with actress Edie Sedgwick turned itself into "Little Miss S.," while strained friendships inspired "Circle." Every song on this record hits its mark and is worthy of special attention. How well does "Nothing" capture the frustration of a non-communicative partner? Very well, indeed. Then there's "The Wheel," "She," and "Air of December." Highlights, one and all. Rather than an overblown big rock finish, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars closes with a solo acoustic performance of "I Do," a quiet plea for a partner who's equal and true, complete and steady; yet another testimony to the simplicity and thoughtfulness that this album and this band offer. "What I Am" did more than kick off a record, it jump started a career amidst the clamor of the late '80s folk-rock scene. Along with 10,000 Maniacs, Tracy Chapman, and others, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians took their place in the spotlight, basking in every second of their 15 minutes of fame. ~ Kelly McCartney Edie Brickell begins SHOOTING RUBBERBANDS AT THE STARS with the naively all-knowing credo "I'm not aware of too many things/I know what I know if you know what I mean." From her flower girl looks, to her carefree, girlish vocals, Brickell suggests a musical persona straight from the '60s; but her well-defined lyrics and original music are very today, and not as vulnerable as might first appear. Edie's style is conversational, quirky--in a Rickie Lee Jones fashion--yet very personal, and extremely off-center. Her poetry is intimate and on-target. In "She" we meet a woman who "glows around you like a moon/She smiles at her reflection in a spoon/She reads expensive magazines/She sees herself in everything." In "Nothing" the sentiment is as simple as "There's nothing I hate more than nothing," and "The Air Of December" shows off Edie's best poetry. The youth and innocence exhibited on this important debut is sturdy enough to stand the test of time. And it leaves us with the universal statement/question, "What I am is what I am, are you what you are, or what?"

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