Sarah McLachlan
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy [Legacy Edition] (Sony Legacy)
By Noreen Sobczyk
Published: August 16th, 2008 | 9:00am
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the release of Sarah McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Legacy Recordings has issued this three disc package which includes the original album, The Freedom Sessions, and a concert DVD, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Live. In watching the live performance it becomes apparent to the most casual listener that McLachlan’s voice is stunning even without studio trickery. The chemistry between McLachlan and her band is palpable and delightful to watch.
As for the albums, McLachlan's seraphic tone lilts on “Ice Cream” — her first truly happy love song — and her cover of Tom Waits' “Ol’ 55.” She emotes enough sadness on “Ice” (a song about child prostitution in underdeveloped nations) to make this listener weep. Fumbling's title track conveys a more emotionally available writer; lines like "I won't fear love" and "Peace in the struggle to find peace" hint at her willingness to grow as both a musician and human being.
It’s interesting to note the contrasting styles between the production heavy Fumbling and the more stripped down Freedom Sessions. This reissue proves that quality music outlasts a specific time frame — the songs sound just as fresh today as they did 15 years ago. Fumbling is a well written, gorgeously crafted, and exquisitely performed album. McLachlan’s lyrics, while personal, speak universal truths. She is a songwriter of considerable merit and a multi-talented musician who will entertain audiences for years to come, although her knack for melancholy songs seems to have waned in latter years.
This album deserved to be reissued, but Legacy missed the mark when it came to the “extras.” The title release itself is not remastered, nor does it contain bonus tracks. One would have at least expected the inclusion of McLachlan’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue." The Freedom Sessions (a more natural and earthy McLachlan album) includes an alternate version of "Hold On." And there is an interesting, but brief, video piece titled Fumbling Towards Ecstasy - An Inside Look. Also included are music videos (remember those?), including the Canadian and American versions of her breakthrough hit, “Possession.” Indeed, the bonus offerings can only be described as meager and merit a purchase only for the most obsessive collector, or those who don't already own both classic albums.
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Sarah McLachlan’s official site
Sarah McLachlan’s MySpace page
Issue #35
Comments
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CaliSurfing (2 months)
I love female vocalists like Sarah. She has such a powerful voice. I heard some other good ones on <a href="http://www.motorola.com/E8">The Hotel Cafe</a> tour too.
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