Holly Mcnarland Stuff CD

With Alanis Morrisette and Fiona Apple burning up the charts, the mid- to late 1990s were more than friendly to angst-ridden female rockers. One of the most compelling "angry young woman" releases of 1997 was Holly McNarland's Stuff, which gives the impression that the Canadian singer/songwriter lives and breathes dysfunction. Expressive and convincing, McNarland packs a strong emotional punch on "The Box," "Coward," "Elmo" and other tortured, introspective offerings that leave little or no room for optimism. At times, McNarland's intonation brings to mind Sheryl Crow, though her anger and sadness make Morrisette and Apple more valid comparisons. Stuff isn't a CD to listen to when you're in the mood for lighthearted escapism. ~ Alex Henderson

Recorded at The Armoury Studios, Vancouver, Canada; O'Henry Sound Studios, Los Angeles, California; The Plant, San Francisco, California.

Personnel: Holly McNarland (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jay Joyce, Joey Santiago (guitar); Adam Drake (drums); Gegan Schurer (programming).

Audio Mixer: Tom Lord-Alge.

Recording information: Amoury Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Armoury Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Marmory Studio, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; O'Henry Sound Studio, Los Angeles, CA; O'Henry Sound Studios, L.A., CA; O'Henry Sound Studios, LA, CA; Planet, San Francisco, CA; Plant, San Francisco, CA; The Armoury Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canad; The Plant, San Francisco, CA.

Personnel includes: Holly McNarland (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Joey Santiago, Jay Joyce (guitar); Susie Katayama (cello); Mark Pullyblank (bass); Adam Drake (drums); Grefan Schurer (prgramming).