Another collection, this time of largely indifferent reviews from blogs, review sites and the internets at large:
"Her music allows one to contemplate the depth of her sadness, and to compare their own to hers."
Nicely put in a small piece on Microphone Memory Emotion.
Another recommended review can be found at Indie Rock Grrls and, a notable rarity in the reviews so far, a couple of negative ones at Express Night Out and Pitchfork, the latter being a particular stinker. So much, that the critic has been critiqued. It's the internet. It's what it does.
"it’s been a long time since Hatfield put out a record so warm and affecting, so hopeful in its examination of loneliness and pain, and just plain comforting"
One of the best reviews that captures the themes of Peace & Love is by Michael Fortes at Popdose.
Other reviews now online include a take by the marvellously named "Rev. Theodore Marley Renwick-Renwick" at the oh-so-knowlingly-pompous Donnybrook Writing Academy and, to less enjoyment, a small 3 out of 4 stars review at the Los Angeles Times.
Juliana's new album Peace & Love is released today.
CD:
As expected distribution of the CD format appears to be very limited. Orders can still be placed directly on Juliana's official site but given the scarcity elsewhere on online stores you might want to get your order in now.
The dedicated Peace & Love page on this site has now been updated with a track by track review, together with its usual collation of info and links.
A reminder of course that Peace & Love is released this week. But you knew that.
You can read a review of Peace & Love and listen to a phone interview with Juliana at The University of San Diego Student Radio.
A word of warning - there is a loud extended burst of white noise at the end of the interview. Turn it off after Juliana says goodbye 25 minutes in if you value your ears.
Reviews of Juliana's new album Peace & Love are now appearing on blogs and music sites. Here's a selection with links to the full articles:
"Modest atmosphere, fearless honesty"
"Hatfield is at her best when she's in full-on confessional mode" 3/5
Jonathan Keefe, Slant
"Peace and Love has a real organic feel to it throughout, filled with strummy acoustic guitars and Hatfield's rich, emotive voice that add up to a collection of heartfelt, intimate songs." 7/10
Tim Hinely, Blurt
"What might seem at first to be a darkly solitary album turns out to be subtly strong and affirming." "4/5
Neil Carver, Eat Sleep Drink Music
"As Hatfield as always done, she seems content to produce music from within herself in this effort. With the grittiness of the '90s washed away, the album reveals a soft honesty."
Michelle O'Brien, Ink
"An admirable change in pace, it sounds sparse but crystal clear, with Hatfield’s radio-friendly vocals having a very pure quality." 3/5
Terry Mulcahy, Wears The Trousers Magazine
"A girl and a guitar can be a powerful thing. If that girl is Juliana Hatfield, you know that it will be an enjoyable experience. " 3/5
Robyn Gatsby, The Fire Note
The final batch of guest posts from Juliana's stint as guest editor of magnetmagazine.com:
Ben & Jerry's Everything But The... Ice Cream
Referring To Everything As "This Guy"
"Jung also reinforced my instinctive belief that exploring my emotional problems through creativity/art is an extremely worthwhile pursuit not just for me but for anyone struggling with identity problems. Or any problems, really."
"When I’m skiing and I see a bump coming up in my path, I get all excited like when an alcoholic sees a bottle of booze."
More Magnet guest posts:
"I bounce around my apartment singing, “She’s a real sad tomato/She’s a busted valentine,” and feeling really good about life."
The Magnet guest editing continues with Juliana's comments on the song 'And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine'.
"My newfound love for The Rockford Files (and for RTV in general) is partly nostalgia (for my childhood, for the ’70s), but part of it is the fact that Jim Rockford, the self-employed private detective (“$200 a day, plus expenses”), is such a great creation. I love that he lives in a run-down trailer in the parking lot of a restaurant by the ocean in Malibu."
As part of her guest editing of magnetmagazine.com, Juliana has now shared her thoughts on The Rockford Files, animal prints, and, as you do, the 'Puppy Bowl'.
"I never decided to become a singer. Singing was just something I always did. From the time I could make noise come out of my mouth, I was singing. I made up songs in the car when I was three or four years old. My mother always told me I used to make up songs about the scenery we were passing by. And I’d sit in the back seat and sing."
Quote taken from a Q & A with Juliana Hatfield posted today on magnetmagazine.com, which Juliana is guest editing this week.
Juliana's patronage of the Puerto Rican Save A Sato dog rescue project is featured in her recent blog post and an article in Samaritan Magazine.
Due to heavy snow, the Mountain Stage event scheduled for tomorrow (Feb 7) has been cancelled.
An example of Juliana's art. View this picture in higher res and a whole bunch more on Juliana's official blog.
This is one of four alternate cover art ideas designed by Jordyn Bonds originally considered for Peace & Love. See the other three alternates at Juliana's official blog.
"When you can accept limitations, you stop fighting them. I think that is what the record is about."
Read more about the new album's themes, the recording process and Juliana's plans to retreat from music and touring in an extended Q & A at Boston Magazine.
Juliana is scheduled to appear for a Mountain Stage event at the Culture Center Theater, Charleston, WV, USA on February 7, 2010.
Other artists performing during the evening include Dashboard Confessional, The Watson Twins, Clare and the Reasons and Brooke Waggoner. Ticket info here.
Due to snow, this show has been cancelled.