Beth Orton: Comfort of Strangers

My first expedition into the world of Beth Orton has been a very positive one.

"Comfort of Strangers" was suggested to me by Sean, and on that alone, I dropped the 12 bucks for the disc. I can't say I've been disappointed with it.

Orton keeps a nice pace throughout her songs, usually using a 3-piece set of bass, drums, and acoustic guitar. The simplicity of song construction and the wonderful sound of her voice (at points, channeling some Fiona Apple and Abra Moore, or, perhaps, it's actually vice versa) have created a set of 14 tracks that truly are pleasing. The sound is mostly soft-rock, with influences of country and folk.

Worms, the kick-off track, has a nice beat, clear lyrics, and makes for wonderful foot tapping, even if it is called worms. Rectify, reminds me of a number of Marc Cohn songs, and, as such, places it high on my list of favourites. Conceived brings a sound that is draws from a number of those soft, female-lead singer/songwriter tunes of the 70s; it's beautiful.

In the end: Anyone with half an ear for music should enjoy this album. Orton keeps the singer/songwriter sound alive with simplicity rather than doing what most musicians rely upon these days, the grand studio equipment and synthesizer.