Skillful Conversation - Ever since their self-titled debut in 1989, the Indigo Girls provided a refreshing acoustical folk-rock sound when folk rock had nearly been proclaimed dead and buried. With a crystal clear sound aided by fellow R.E.M. producer, Scott Litt, the Indigo Girls gave mesmerizing admonitions in life about faith and love. Besides resounding vocally with Emily Saliers sweetness and Amy Ray s gritty earthiness, both women have been talented songwriter-musicians since their inception.What makes `Come on Now Social special is its maturity and confidence. Seldom has an effort been more eclectic and cohesive as the Indigo Girls 1999 effort. From the sonorous reverberating alternative guitar in the opener Go to the truly beautiful country confection of Andy, they truly spellbind for expertise and variety. It could be taken for granted that such an undertaking could come off as uneven or with terrible transitions, but part of the magic is how they pull it off. There isn t a dud in the whole bunch, so highlights should be considered a misnomer, but I ll try to be brief. There s the pleasant mid-tempo ho-down of Gone Again as well as the truly intricate and innovative country of Ozilline. They return ably to alternative with Compromise, but do just as well with power pop on Trouble. Knowing how to mix sweet pop along with their progressive numbers, they deliver without stumbling on Emily`s compositions Peace Tonight and We Are Together. Amy s Sister proves they can make beautiful songs with a bitter undertow with words that are meant to admonish. Cold Beer and Remote Control proves they have a sense of humor and refuse to become mundane despite any title. Politically the Indigo Girls are about as left as The Dixie Chicks. Unlike the latter band, you don t have to see them play in the UK to know where they stand, you merely have to buy or sample their records. While I don t agree with all of their sentiments, I like their spirit and presentation. Who could argue with the theme of Go, which summons the spirit of migrant workers--inspiring the duo s name no less--and The Women s Suffrage Movement. For that matter, Faye Tucker with its yodeling in the background raises hair on the neck. (Even Pat Robertson opposed the death penalty after she was executed.) Arguably, Come on Social is the Indigo Girls best C.D. ever. Although the pop sensibilities can t be denied on the equally consistent Rites of Passage, this album is a showcase of versatility and expertise.
Great album, long overdue... - The Indigo Girls had plenty of talent and plenty to say as demonstrated on every album prior to this one. For better or worse it was channeled into a predictable form that left few guessing what the next album would sound like... and then along comes Come On Now Social. Full of new life, the girls kicked out an extraordinary album that outshone all but perhaps their self titled album and Nomads Indians Saints. Its strength is its variety. Amy and Emily explore new musical textures that give their always powerful lyrics a fresh voice. From the surprising, exhilarating crunch of Go to the spooky overtones of Faye Tucker (both by Amy Ray, the more adventurous of the two) Come On Now Social is a bright star, highly recommended to fans and newcomers alike.
Amazing - Come on Now Social was a daring departure from previous Indigo Girl efforts. And its amazingly successfull too! There are several tracks which are the traditional folksy-harmony songs that so beautifully team up Emily s and Amy s voices, but some of the songs are highly energetic and blistering rock tracks.The lyrics are very emotional and powerful, carrying a personal and message that is unabashedly politically charged and always make me pull myself back from just enjoying the music and really think about what the Indigo Girls are saying.In short--this is a fantastic CD in every way!
This Remains Their Best CD to Date (2006) - Come On Now Social (CONS) remains the best collection of songs the Indigo Girls have released in 20 years of recording. While their recent releases (through 2006) have been good, they have not captured the spirit and life energy present in CONS. Amy and Emily took a big risk in the production of CONS and it paid-off, clearly the sum is greater than the parts. This is one of the few CDs that I can play from start to finish everytime. Each song is engaging and thought provoking, while melodic and truly interesting. I hear something new everytime I listen, and I ve probably listened to it over 2000 times! It is also interesting to note that this was the last Indigo Girls CD made before Amy Ray went solo, and thus CONS captures the pinncale diptych, yin and yang of the duo. Since Amy has been able to focus her punk rebelliousness into her solo recordings, her collaborations with Emily are more cultivated, tame and polished (not bad, but notably different). CONS captures the spontaneity and richness of both Amy and Emily with the voluminous sounds and comprehensive lyrics the makes the Indigo Girls original and wonderful.
Keepin on - Man, there are a few incredibly gorgeous tunes on this recording. A previous reviewer asked where the harmonies went.Anyone who can t hear harmonies busting out all over must be on crack. I ve been a fan since 86 and tired of some of their two acoustic guitars attack. I like things mixed up and this album provides it... nice production as well. Definitely one of my faves they ve done.