Love and Poverty

Description

Love and Poverty is the sophomore album by the American singer and songwriter Christine Glass (a.k.a. Christine Byrd), released on Rustproof Records in 1999, distributed by Pamplin Distribution. The album was produced by Steve Hindalong of The Choir fame and Marc Byrd of Common Children and Hammock fame.

Her debut album attracted critical acclaim if not big sales and now Christine Glass remerges onto the music scene with her second album. Produced by Steve Hindalong, (The Choir) and Common Children‘s Marc Byrd, ‘Love And Poverty’ is a rather sombre affair. Featuring a host of fine musicians that include Hindalong, Byrd, Derri Daugherty (The Choir) and Tom Howard, the level of musicianship is high throughout. Stand out tracks have to be the compelling musical dynamics of «And Love», «Waterfall» with it’s laid back roots rock vibe; and the up tempo mood and tone of «Rise Up». Sadly, however, whilst evidently well produced, many of these compositions sound very much like The Choir. As a result, I cannot help but feel that Christine Glass’ full potential has not been realised. Overall ‘Love…’ is okay though it lacks the pristine sparkle that made her debut so compelling. [Alex Figgis, Cross Rhythms, October 1999]

Sometimes, less truly is more. As the Shaker hymn says, “’Tis a gift to be simple.” And that’s certainly the case with Christine Glass’ sophomore effort.

Glass’ 1997 Tattoo debut, Human, received numerous critical plaudits. Its alternative/folk immediacy bought her currency with fans willing to stray off the well-worn pop music path. However, personal and professional setbacks (among them, the shuttering of her former label) delayed this much-anticipated follow-up. On a new label, Glass does not disappoint with album two. Her wisp of a voice has gotten stronger, and her lyrics, still willing to embrace the doubts and uncertainties that are the stuff of real life, have matched the progress of her vocal strides.

The title track (at least half the title), «Poverty», is based on Glass’ realization that as believers, nothing we possess is truly our own, and so should not be counted as loss, if it is taken away. She spins those thoughts through several songs, notably the ethereal «And Love», «Waterfall» (with somewhat edgier guitars, underpinning lovely, delicate vocals) and «Machine». The latter track, though quite short, makes its point succinctly – don’t let the drone of life drown out the still, small voice of the Spirit.

Musically, Glass still marginally falls into the alternative camp, with creative and quirky production by Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd ranging from jangly, sometimes raspy pop, to exotic ethnic folk. But the starkness of Glass’ voice and her confessional lyrics are what compel you to repeated listening. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, September 1999]

CD tracklist:

01. The Way You’re Calling – 2:43
02. Poverty – 3:50
03. Rise Up – 3:53
04. And Love – 5:08
05. Way Down – 4:05
06. Waterfall – 4:02
07. Breath Of Life – 3:41
08. Machine – 2:36
09. Mysterious – 3:30
10. Over Me – 3:45
11. Brave Night – 5:03
12. Many Waters – 2:15

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Rustproof Records.