Basia's New CD (after having heard it)

It has finally arrived! I pre-ordered (sort of) Basia's CD via dropping by the local record store Albums on the Hill the day before the CD was released and was able to pick it up the next afternoon. Unfortunately I was unable to actually listen to the album until the evening but I was finally about to toss myself onto my bed, plug my busted headphones in and absorb the album in full. I have been thinking about the CD for awhile now, I haven't really been able to determine a great opinion of it as of yet.
--Several months later--
This review never really got underway, but I do remember picking up the CD for the first time like it was yesterday. Since the release of this album I saw Basia play in Philly and have had a much longer time to develop a taste for the music. It is wonderful.

1. Go On
Here's a love song about what seems like lost love. Not the kind of lost love that comes to mind first, it seems like the other party has done something different than "wrong". There is a violin throughout the song to creating an ongoing flow and drums giving it a little punch. This is the most popular Basia song in the past 6 months on Last.fm

2.Run
I think this a travelin' song. "When I took myself far and away from everyone that I knew..." Like most Basia songs it has a hint of sadness and longing. "there's nothing more I want than to be followin' you."

3.Sugar and Spice
Sad times for Basia. This song is about regretting a past confident of sorts, and realization of making an error and moving on. "Oh, oh, oh how I've done myself in."

4.Gold Rush
This song was a pre-release for the album and it was joyous and exciting. In many interviews Basia talks about her childhood dream of visiting the Yukon, that's just what this song is about. The gold rush took place of course in the Yukon and left ghost towns after it left. Some have persevered such as Dawson City (Basia's first mosh pit!) who she personally thanks in her liner notes. The song itself is one of more upbeat ones on the album, it rocks.

5.Heart of My Own
Title track! This is one of my favorite tracks because of how well it showcases Basia's awesome voice. Hearing her dive into the chorus the first time live was incredible. The song is about choosing your way in life, apparently Basia isn't really into the idea of being a mother or a housemaid. There is a kick drum throughout the song giving it a steady and stable feel.

6.Sparrow
Ok, this is my favorite song on the album. The album features Basia alone with a uke. In Philly she played this song sans a microphone, the result was just Basia, a ukulele, and this beautiful song. "let your bird go lost, I will bring her back to you in spring, she won't change at all, let your sparrow fall to what might be..."

7.If Only You
Another song regretting love. "I tried before, I wanted more, no matter what you had." "If only you... would have the heart to me back." (Who wouldn't!?!) "The trouble is I still can't choose who I want by my side..." Ah, I see.

8.I'm Forgetting Everyone
3:25 of characteristic Basia.

9.The Shore
This song is played mostly on a "hammered harp" which was born in Philadelphia! "Even though the thoughts behind, I came just to remind you I love you so... I love you so." Beautifully Basia. I can't really do this song justice with a description, listen to it!

10.Once More, For the Dollhouse
"We swore to no strangers, now they've crowded up our hearts.." Love, disconnect, dreams of love. "Your dreams are so quiet, don't you need me anymore.." I think we all know that feeling. Sad song.

11.Walk You Down
"You know devotion is hard to keep, but it's there every time that you're near me." I think this song is about that uneasy tension between two people with a history. "If you're not too proud, would you walk me down?" I wish this song answered that question.

12.If It Rains
"You can leave your friends where you found them, for your soul is still a mountain." Sometimes it is easier just to run, good thing I can fly. Basia seems to use part of this album to tell her story about past friends and moving on from home, which is precisely what was going on with my life when this album came out. This song brought it all home. As Basia puts it; "sometimes it's ok to be sad."

Terrific work Basia, see you in August!