Eddi Reader: "Candyfloss and Medicine"
Eddi Reader takes a few minutes to grow on you. On first rotation,
her songs (mostly penned by others, including master craftsman
Boo Hewerdine) seem slight, not particularly daring concoctions
of airy, whispery-smooth vocals and unremarkable melodies. Be
patient: The Middle Eastern mystique of "Butterfly Jar" might
leap out first, or the reworked, traditional Scottish "I Loved
A Lad" could grab you--and then you're hooked. Reader has chosen
songs for realists sung with a fantastical flair, subtle recollections
of life busking in her hometown ("Glasgow Star") or of love's
inherent dangers ("Candyfloss"). All will work their way under
your skin, and you'll be glad they did.
Rating: B+
from E!