CINDY ALEXANDER: Angels & Demons

Cindy Alexander

Angels & Demons

© 2005 JamCat Records (685481020527)

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The latest from award winning singer/songwriter Cindy Alexander ~ a breathtaking emotional outpour from an artist who will appeal to fans of Aimee Mann and Ani DiFranco as well as Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

notes

Born weighing only four and a half pounds but with the voice that could fill a stadium....her parents figured G-d had a plan, they just weren't in on the joke. They sent their little "peanut" to the "crying doctor" when she was 5 only to be told she just "wanted attention." By 20 she stopped crying but she had head aches. And one day, Cindy Alexander was so irritated and grumpy because the guy who lived in the apartment above her blasted his stereo so loud that it brought on her migraines - so finally she crawled out of bed and pounded on his door asking him to turn it down. Instead of fighting, Cindy and Paul Trudeau became best of friends and started a band.

After a couple of years, a lot of gigs, and a ton of emotional epiphanies, Cindy put out a cd which was a compilation of her demos: See Red. Most of the tracks were produced by David Darling (Boxing Ghandis/ Meredith Brooks/ Brian Setzer) and Paul Trudeau (the apartment mate with the booming stereo). See Red earned a nomination for Album of the Year by the L.A. Music Awards, who the year before crowned her Songwriter of the Year and nominated her for Female Vocalist of the Year. The "Peanut Gallery" (aka Cindy Alexander fans) grew exponentially and Cindy rode the wave of the internet, topping charts at mp3.com and becoming one of Amazon.com's best indie sellers. Cindy has also appeared on several soundtracks and compilations (Sugar & Spice soundtrack on Trauma Records/ Chilled Sirens on Water Music Records/ Sunday Brunch on Treadstone Records) and her music has been featured in films (Here on Earth, Smokers, Sugar & Spice, and numerous indies) and television (Party of Five),! all of which have served to increase her international exposure.

The "Peanut" is relentless: she tours nationally and internationally, sharing the stage with such bands as The Bacon Brothers, Suzanne Vega, Bob Schneider, Ben Taylor, The Bangles, Edwin McCain, Marc Cohn, Howard Jones, Dishwalla and the list goes on and on. Her performances have been called "crush inducing," "star quality" and the "best of the L.A. Music Scene," charming both audiences and critics alike.

In 2003 she released her 2nd Cd, SMASH, also nominated for L.A. Music Award's Album of the Year. She was named CNET's Net Music Countdown Net Unknown of the Year (joining past recipients such as Michelle Branch) and was named Female Artist of the Year by Just Plain Folks, also winning Pop Song of the Year by the same organization ("I'm So Sad that You're Happy."

2004 was a big year. She recorded her third cd, Angels & Demons late that summer with one producer, her longtime friend and collaborator - David Darling. As they were turning in the finished product to be mastered, awards rolled in:

2004 Indie Pop Artist of the Year - LA Music Awards
2004 Songwriter of the Year - Just Plain Folks Awards
2004 Best Female Vocalist - All Access Magazine

Now in 2005, Cindy releases her best work to date and is ready to tour the world.

ANGELS & DEMONS is "a breathtaking emotional outpour from an artist who not only has solidified her voice as a singer and songwriter, but has also ensured her place among the best of our modern day troubadours." (Yahoo Launch) A blend of adult alternative tracks that will appeal to fans of Aimee Mann, Sarah McLachlan, Ani DiFranco and classics singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Indie music made from the heart and not a corporation.


Fan club at Yahoo Groups: The Pnut Gallery

reviews

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  • Brilliant lyrics coupled with funky jams and melodic rapture.Excellent!
    author: Ellen Lyons Harris

    This is my second order of Angels and Demons. I wore the first one out.Every song tells a story, either outright or cryptically. Vocals are amazing and band is tight.There's FUN goin on in that there studio! But on a serious note it brings home tones of a classically trained pianist on the rocks with a twist. The Track of Angels and Demons,specifically,is every writer/musician's anthom.

  • Great stuff!!
    author: Tony Clark

    I love this CD. Warrior and Better When I'm Broken are my favs. This cd has shown me that Cindy Alexander is very talented.

  • another one knocked out of the park
    author: Quincy

    Cindy Alexander is a major part of the vibrant LA singer/songwriter community; but, her straight-forward, sassy lyrics and strong backing band make her a lot more rock and roll than the "Folk Rock" sound of many of her peers. I was wondering if she had peaked with "Smash," one of the most underrated albums in the past five years; but, this album is as good or better. Cindy has a knack for being vulnerable with her lyrics without losing her strength. The stories are of conquering challenge and being true to one's self. Smart, beautiful, kind, and tough..."Pnut" has it all. I'm really happy to own the album...keep it coming, Cindy!

  • She does it all on the CD
    author: Dave Carnes

    Wow, Is there anything this lady can't sing? I don't think so. What a variety of different stuff packed into one great album.....3 bullseyes so far Cindy!

  • Multi-layered Chameleon
    author: John Noyd - Maximum Ink

    Cindy Alexander - Angels and Demons (JamCat) Both brash and bashful, bewitching and boppy, talented L.A. singer-songwriter Cindy Alexander goes from soft-spoken to swinging to make, “Angels,” a brave, multi-layered chameleon that is almost embarrassingly naked in its open, complicated emotions. From sensitive, soulful artist to full-throttled diva, Cindy moves with a deft and diverting touch that soothes and surprises.

  • Brilliant
    author: Molly Eucerin

    Haunting, probing, soothing, rocking, life changing, love rearranging, shifting, uplifting, art.

  • Ahead of the Game
    author: Andrew Ellis

    This LA singer/songwriter has been turning heads and wowing audiences in places as far afield as Germany since her debut release See Red, and with this, her third release on her own record label, I’m slightly bemused to note that she is still an indie artist. But Alexander knows all too well she doesn’t need the politics, empty promises and recoupable advances of the major label world to succeed, as Angels and Demons demonstrates. I was certain “I’m So Sad That You’re Happy” from Alexander’s previous album, Smash, would catapult her to success, but she has delivered another song that could just do that this time around. “Immortal” began life as an acoustic ballad, but has been energized into a terrific rocker with an irrepressible melody. It’s a hit waiting to happen. The rest of Angels And Demons is not overshadowed by “Immortal,” though, and the delicate ballad “Softer,” the uptempo “Unavailable Billy” and brilliant closing track “Grace” are all highlights. The poignant “Four Hours” is another example of Alexander’s knack for lyrics and a memorable melody, while the rocking “Better When I’m Broken” takes an interesting twist with a jazzy mid-section. Angels and Demons is slick, professional and ahead of the game. Whether or not a major deal comes her way, she is living proof that success in the music industry can be achieved on her own terms.

  • Solid effort
    author: Bryan in sunny flour dough

    This is a solid third effort from Cindy. I'll admit upfront to some disappointment that Christian Nesmith isn't featured on guitar (I first heard of Cindy through that association), but the musicianship is solid and Cindy continues to exhibit the knack for churning out clever lyrics that don't seem at all trite. There's good balance between quirky ballad and quirkier rocker ... I think that Cindy's voice is more suited to the latter. But it's all good. :)

  • Is there such thing as a perfect record?
    author: Dusty James

    If there is such thing as a perfect record...I think I found it. I picked up this cd because I heard some friends talking about it at a party, and I sit here stunned - that I had never heard of Cindy Alexander before, that this depth of emotion came out of one little "peanut", and that she's not a huge star. 4 Hours is one of the finest lyrics I've heard in years. Angels & Demons haunts me endlessly, but I have no need to run from its spell because I'm willingly captivated. The vocal on Softer is so pure and real that it gave me goose bumps. OK back into my shell I go. I only popped out to tell you to buy this CD because Cindy Alexander is the real deal, and talent like this doesn't come around every day.

  • If you loved SMASH, be ready to be an Angel (or Demon)
    author: Dave

    I listened to Cindy's second CD (SMASH) for weeks when I first got it. The music and lyrics were haunting, vibrant and so unique. I kept thinking that this was one of the best CD's (and artists) I've ever heard. I love most genre's of music - it only has to be good. And Cindy is right there at the top of my list. Then I received my copy of Angels & Demons thinking "How (or could) she top SMASH?" Well Cindy, you did it!! Starting with Immortal I was hooked. The next few songs continue with Cindy's style and grace. Then the title song "Angels & Demons" - what another haunting song. It made me hit the "repeat" button for a while. Again my CD player played the CD for weeks before moving on - or have I? Cindy - thanks for another great opening of your heart and soul! Look forward to seeing you live again!! Dave & "Lips"

  • The best yet from a marvelous talent!
    author: Larry Hunter

    Cindy has been my favorite entertainer of this genre for a long time now and with these recordings she will be even more appreciated by her fans and people newly introduced to her music. She gets more from lyrics and music than anyone I can think of except perhaps Leonard Cohen (and that's pretty good company!).

  • Love it - really love the first song.
    author: Cindy

    Heard Cindy on Mark & Brian KLOS. Her music makes me happy, great voice, good lyrics. Also got her first cd and liked it too. Highly recommend this talented artist.

  • Cindy's voice is enough to give you hope
    author: Bill Wilbur

    Every once in a while, an artist seems to come out of nowhere and as the CD plays, you think to yourself, "This is what music is supposed to be." The latest from Cindy Alexander has given me new hope in music again. The raw emotion and soul-bearing lyrics are matched only by Cindy's voice. This CD inspired me to rsuh out and purchase her previous two, and I am already waiting for the next. This is one lady who is the real thing, and for all our sakes, let's hope she has a long, long career.

  • Simply Outstanding
    author: Doug Tabner

    With Angels & Demons Cindy manages to outdo her first two efforts, which is no easy task. In a nutshell, this is the best disc I've heard in a long, long time.

  • Excellent words and lyrics. Cindy is so good at putting feelings of life in son
    author: John Williamson

    This cd once again is so fun to listen to. The songs and lyrics make you think about life and situations. All I can say is when I listen to Cindy's (Pnut) songs, they put a smile on my face. Great Music!

  • CD's like this don't come around very often
    author: Elisabeth Carlisle

    Cindy's voice has that rare quality that can grab you both live and on a CD. What you hear is exactly what you get...she really is this good. Not only is she an amazing musician, but she is prolific in her writing. Truly an artist that has earned her recognition for a reason.

  • Whoa, There She Goes Again!
    author: Mark Harvey

    This album is simply amazing, in the first week of owning this CD I think I have listened to it twice a day, and some tracks three times a day. Angels & Demons, is an extremely powerful album built on true emotion. As a long time fan I have been lucky enough to hear just how much these songs have evolved over the years, but even if you have just been introduced to Cindy's music, you will no doubt be blown away by the real feelings conveyed in these songs. All of the tracks work very well off each other, from very thoughtful songs like Immortal, 4 Hours, and Domino, to upbeat songs that get in your head and just will not leave (and you won't want them to leave) like Unavailable Billy and Whoa (my personal favorite at the moment). Other stand out tracks include, Better When I'm Broken a track with very unique style with bold lyrics to match, and Grace, a perfect end to the emotional ride of the previous songs, one in which Cindy sings she now has color and light in her life. Trust, this is one artist and one album you have to check out.

  • Awe-Inspiring
    author: Joe Walsh

    Angels & Demons contains ten strong tracks, all written or co-written by Cindy. If you have yet to experience her work, the thing you should know is that every one of her songs is insightful. It's always rewarding to listen to her lyrics and think about them, whether it's a deadly serious song like "Immortal" (which is about the Columbine massacre), the wistful "Unavailable Billy" (a song about addiction), or the mystified title track (which is about creativity). For Cindy's fans, of course, insightful lyrics are nothing new. What's new this time out is the confidence Cindy brings to this project not only lyrically, but also musically. The strength of her voice has grown with each passing year. Musically, she's now willing to be very playful ("The Warrior") or even daring ("Better When I'm Broken"). We've heard glimpses of this in previous albums, but this time out she's confident enough to fully explore the soundscape. I haven't heard an album filled with such a perfect blend of the artist's personal style and correct risk-taking since the height of the prog-rock movement. Of course Cindy doesn't leave you hanging at the end. As is her habit, the final track says goodbye and gives the listener a feeling of completeness. (Well, that's not entirely true, but you'll have to buy the CD to find out what I mean.) Another outstanding effort from Cindy Alexander.

  • Cindy's songwriting talents are stunning. Her performing abilities, equally so.
    author: Jim Williams

    If you're already a Cindy Alexander fan, get ready to have your socks knocked off! And if you're not, get ready to have your socks knocked off -- besides which, boy have you been missing out!. Some of the new songs -- "Unavailable Billy", "Softer", "Better When I'm Broken" (an exceptional piece) -- continue with the theme of the dysfunctional relationship, prominent in her earlier albums. Others speak again to some of the many stresses encountered in the music business -- "Whoa", "Warrior", "4 Hours" (a genuine tear-jerker). As always, Cindy pulls no punches and doesn't shrink from telling us EXACTLY how she feels about it. "Write another song, offer up my soul" she sings in a song from one of her earlier albums. And so she does. The title track expresses very powerfully how music and songwriting allow her to manage the Angels and Demons of her emotional life. Finally, there's "Grace", in which Cindy says good-bye to her "unfairweather friend", the miseries that have so strongly influenced her past life, and hello to "love...and light...and grace". Cindy says that this song declares the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Fair enough. And trust me, you won't want to miss it!

  • Cindy does it again!
    author: Ronny K Marshall

    Cindy Alexander proves again that she is an artist to be noticed. “Angels and Demons” is her 3rd CD and she proves that 3rd time is a charm. Songs like “Immortal” and “Dominos” could be seen as “demons”. “Immortal” is a song that Cindy has played in live for a few years and she has said it was written following the tragic events at Columbine, Colorado. “Dominos” was written in response to the 1000th U.S. solider killed in the Iraq war. My guess is that “Unavailable Billy” might be a “demon”! The nerve of Billy! Stand out songs for me are “4 Hours” which is really a look into Cindy’s life on the road, planes, trains and automobiles. The vocals and arrangements on this are haunting. One of those you need listen to on headphones songs. This song is one of the “angels”. “Warrior” is a kind of a cross angel/demon. She sweet, but she’ll kick your butt and ask questions later. “Whoa” and “Better When I’m Broken” are tunes that you need to blast from your stereo. Your neighbors or the people in the car next you might think you’re a “demon” yourself. “Softer” and the title track “Angels and Demons” really showcase the power and sensual tone of Cindy’s voice. This woman can SANG ! Rounding out the record is the final cut “Grace” is a perfect uplifting end at the “Angels and Demons” of Cindy Alexander. This is a record that won’t leave your CD player anytime soon. In fact you might want to keep it on repeat, because you’re going to want to hear it over and over.

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