Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Garrison Starr
Airstreams & Satellites
Vanguard Records

Garrison Starr made a little noise with the single "Superhero" off her debut Eighteen Over Me back in 1997. The rocking song is still the tune that she is best known for even though the album went on to do very little. Garrison always had a bit of a folk-rock, roots feel to her music that rock radio wasn't ready to embrace. In 2002 Songs from Take-Off to Landing was released on a new record label and it was then that Starr really came into her own. It was one of the best alt-country releases of the year blending her rock, folk, and country tendencies all into one addictive blend. In the end, despite the critical acclaim and the growing fan base the album was mostly ignored. Now, on her third label in as many albums Garrison Starr returns with Airstreams & Satellites which firmly cements her place among the top female alt-country singer-songwriters.

The album opens with "Gasoline" which is trademark Garrison. She has a very unique writing style that draws up images few even think of. Combine that with her incredibly distinct vocal delivery and bright, rhythmic acoustic guitar playing and you have one solid musical package. You'll be humming this song long after you've heard it last. "Sing" will make you want to just that by the time you hit the second chorus. It's a simple catch tune that works well. Garrison is an artist who knows her strengths and how to best play to them and because of this she rarely misses.

The album hits is peak about mid-way through with a string of three excellent songs that would fit on radio stations everywhere from rock to country to adult alternative. On "Wonderful Thing" Garrison manages to sum up the whole process of a relationship as well as anyone. The first verse leads you to believe it's going to be a heartbreak song before it takes a 360 degree turn to serve as the albums most uplifting track. It's just plain clever songwriting. The acoustic guitar driven "Like A Drug" is the albums best track. You simply will not get that one out of your head. With "Runner Up" Garrison slows things down and paints more interesting pictures with her lyrics with lines like "She's gonna blow\Her faulty circuitry exposed\And though you feel ashamed\I'm sure she seemed so real from far away".

It's rare to see an artist remake a song they have already recorded but Garrison has done just that. There is a new version of "Superhero" found here and the song works as well in 2004 as it did in 1997. It's a revved up, rocking number that just begs to be blared loudly while driving fast down the highway. It's a far rock as she veers on this record yet it fits in perfectly with the rest of the tracks found here adding another layer of complexity to the album.

Garrison Starr delivers again with Airstreams & Satellites. This album will appeal to fans of all different types of music. It's a rock record at heart but has some kind of deep country soul similar to the work of Sheryl Crow. If you're a fan of all the new alt-country sounds on there you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this record and get familiar with one of the most distinctive voices in the genre.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.