MELISSA FERRICK: The Other Side

Melissa Ferrick

The Other Side

© 2004 Right On Records, inc. (634457158825)

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Indy Folk Rock: "Ferrick is a high-energy belter who has stunning vocal finesse and an ability to play syntax like Armatrading and Van Morrison." Steve Morse, Boston Globe

tracks

1 Beijing
2 The Other Side
3 Nebraska
4 Streetlight
5 I Give Up
6 Bad Bad Girl
7 Fearless
8 Every Three Words
9 Anything Anywhere
10 Westbound

notes

Put her on a stage, and watch how within minutes Melissa Ferrick earns a fresh new batch of hardcore fans. She does it simply by being herself: fierce & funny, outspoken & vulnerable, passionate & playful. Above all, Ferrick's keenly aware that a truly memorable concert will contain as many shifts of energy and spur-of-the-moment surprises as life itself.

And now Ferrick gives us The Other Side, an album packed with all the intensity and subtlety of her live shows. This entirely solo project was created in her home studio, with Melissa playing all the instruments (save for a single cameo guitar appearance by Teddy Goldstein) - and recording, producing and engineering the album all alone. "The Other Side marks the first time I've made a record by myself," she notes. "I just put down what I heard in my head, in real time. I love being in my own element like that."

Of course it doesn't hurt that she's a masterful guitarist. Or that she's got a powerhouse voice and a constantly deepening catalogue of irresistible songs. Then there's the emotional honesty of Ferrick's first-person lyrics; the force of her vocal delivery; the disciplined fury of her musicianship; and her instinctive ability to connect to her audience with both confidence and grace. Whether playing an acoustic set in an intimate club or rocking a crowd of thousands, Melissa takes command of her surroundings and beckons her growing community of listeners to hear where she'll take them next. And take them she does. Playing well over 150 dates a year, Melissa packs venues like Manhattan and LA's Knitting Factory, New Orleans' House of Blues, Slim's in San Francisco, and Boston's Somerville Theatre.

Ferrick started attracting widespread attention back in her teen years; by age twenty she was signed to Atlantic Records where she released her first two records, Massive Blur and Willing to Wait. Her next three recordings were put out by indie label What Are Records, and then, in 2000, Melissa launched her own label: Right On Records. So far Right On has released three studio albums, including The Other Side, and a double live set.

Born in 1970, Ferrick spent her formative years in Ipswich, Massachusetts, raised by a public school teacher dad with a love of poetry and a thoroughly devoted mom who instilled in Melissa the gifts of passion and commitment. Mr. Ferrick also managed a few free-jazz bands back then and often brought his five-year-old daughter to clubs on Boston's North Shore to listen and to watch. The results: by junior high school, Melissa had learned the violin, bass and trumpet. Twelve years of classical training, starting with her elementary Suzuki lessons and capped by two years each at Berklee College of Music and at New England Conservatory of Music, provided her with ample background in music theory. But it wasn't until she picked up a guitar that she truly found her own voice. "I feel like we found each other," Melissa says of her favorite instrument. "I'm constantly discovering ways I can make sounds come out of it; ways I can make an acoustic guitar not sound like an acoustic guitar."

Ferrick is truly in her element these days, both in-concert and offstage. Right On Records continues to grow and, thanks to a brand-new arrangement with North Carolina-based Redeye Distribution, her albums are now readily available throughout the States, in addition to Canada (via RAM Recordings) and Japan (through SMASH). As if this wasn't enough, Ferrick recently released the live CD she recorded in Flagstaff, AZ, with drummer Brian Winton, 70 People @ 7000 ft.

These days you'll find Melissa keeping pretty busy: working on a collection of updated versions of songs from her early albums, editing a forthcoming DVD document of her first ten years on the road, running her record company, writing music and, oh yeah, up on stage winning over more and more people every night she plays.

reviews

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  • author: Fabiana

    She is awesome! Love all her songs!

  • Take Me to the other side
    author: Heidi Kolman

    I need to get to the other side of this crawling aching ozzing heart I got insidda me. Bejing hits hard

  • WoW from NZ
    author: maurs

    Words fail me . This cd keeps growing on me . You are an Energy.

  • happy trails

    I enjoyed it. My houseplants did as well.

  • This is an all time favorite for me
    author: Michelle

    This is amazing. I can't wait to try all of her stuff. If her old stuff is better than this...I can't imagine what I'm in for. She rules.

  • Full and rewarding
    author: jan

    This cd was full and rewarding to listen to one you should own if u are a fan of hers

  • Great Cd!!
    author: Leanne

    This Cd was really great I also got your new one! Keep up the awsome work!

  • Meeeow!
    author: Olivea

    This CD rocks. So does her new one "In the Eyes of Strangers" Get that one as well. CDBaby Loves U! O in Ohio

  • what a great cd
    author: Lancelot Johnson

    nice cd, check out: Lancelot Johnson (cd baby artist) with lots of exciting stories.

  • my new obsession...
    author: Mara McCarthy

    Well this is my first Melissa Ferrick album and I really love it...the picking and the beautiful lyrics...the song bad bad girl is sexy and powerful...it stays with me every time I hear it...I can't wait to buy some of her earlier albums... Lets just say that this will not my last Mellissa Ferrick album...

  • Fantastic!
    author: Kitty

    I just love this CD, but then again I love them all. I haven't heard a Ferrick song I didn't like. One really great this about this CD is that it didn't have a bunch of songs that I've already heard on other CDs. Some of them are like that, but not this one. Definately make this part of your Ferrick Collection.

  • All songs are good - hard to believe she produced, engineered, arranged and mixe
    author: Sharylc

    Ok - the review says to write about the album not the artist so will concentrate on that. Anything Anywhere is my favorite song on the album. It's a simple song but beautifully done. Anyone who has ever been in love will get it - the euphoria that is. The track Fearless moves and has a great beat. The lyrics reflect the artists' life style (that is, fearless) - and it's good advice - we should all sing for our souls as life is short. (I'm tryin'Melissa). Thirdly, is the track Bad Bad Girl. Some might think it goes on and on forever, the same beat, etc but I like it! Then there's her stalker song. It's kinda funny - but hey, I suppose women can stalk too. Ha! Good album, Melissa. Best wishes.

  • i love this cd i need it like pills.. would tell anyone to buy it
    author: Amazing!

    this cd is like the topic line amazing.. you have to give it a chance or you probably wouldnt like it.. but if you do .. you will find it in your radio.. for months

  • This CD was my intro. to Melissa's music and I love it!
    author: gail

    This CD of Melissa's is my first from her and I have been listening to it over and over again. I bought another at the same time (Valentine Heartache) and I haven't stopped listening to this one long enough to pop it in and listen to it. I do look forward to it though, and am sure I will enjoy it has I have this one. Thanks for the awesome music!

  • This is good stuff!!!!
    author: Sheryl M. Anchorage, Alaska

    Wow!! This woman and this CD she has put out is really, really good stuff. A joy to listen to. And I really enjoy the variety. The fact that this was put together all by herself is a tribute to this incredibly gifted artist.

  • great work
    author: McAuthor Jackson

    I'm taking time to listen to the top artist on CDbaby. Now I know what makes you tops. Great work

  • Be ready to listen to it non-stop
    author: Stephanie

    My first taste of Melissa, and I want more! Great CD all around and still all I'm listening to right now.

  • Everything you could want in a CD
    author: Heather

    This CD is full of lyrics that are worth listening to; good mix of energetic and moody, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes uplifting. Great voice; very expressive. And awesome guitar.

  • Great Cd. Bad ass lyrics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Liz Pennington

    This Cd is the best. I listen to it over and over. Its so Bad ass!!!!!!!!! Melissa Rocks!!!

  • author: Shannon

    GREAT CD!!! Every track is awesome--keeping with her reputation...definitely buy this CD.

  • Great Product
    author: Melissa

    The CD arrived quickly, and is a great cd. love it and for such an affordable price. Thank you!

  • great cd-definite buy!
    author: Molly

    I had to buy this cd again because I wore out my first one with scratches from listening to it so often - it is a great cd and definitely one that I love having in my collection - she is great live too if you get the chance!

  • Scooby Doo. (I don't know what that means, but I had to write something in this
    author: David Hatfield (The Boobie Song Guy)

    Very distinctive finger picking style with a certain bite that's really interesting coupled with a pleasing vocal approach.

  • My First Melissa Ferrick Experience-Outstanding!
    author: Brad V.

    This is a great CD and my first experience listening to Melissa Ferrick. I've since bought every other CD of hers I can find. Wonderful production values and her musical talent makes this album a gem. Very highly recommended.

  • Gentle side of a tough girl...
    author: J

    The Other side is an album that opens up a more gentle side of Melissa. It is raw and to the core. I recognized most of the songs from seeing her shows over the past year or so, so it wasn't all new. The tracks are tight and her voice sends chills up my spine. I love it!

  • Melissa always finds what buttons to push
    author: Tricia

    As usual, Melissa Ferrick will dig down and find what it is that is your mind. Her lyrics always seem to hit home, and this album is no exception. Not only does she have something to say here, she knows how to say it. She hasn't let me down before and she certainly didn't with this album.

  • Good Just got Better
    author: Vegas Girl JPK

    I just saw this Woman live and i must say she is a live preformer.i bought her new album this morning i listened to bad Bad girl on repeat because it just clicked with me. i understand that this is a talented woman who is brilliant, independant, passionate, and inspiration both on stage and in the studio.

  • I love the C.D. Its fantastic!!!!!
    author: Ashley Goodman

    The C.D is great, I love it! I have been listening to it in my car for the past week. Melissa is a great artist and I love all her music!

  • LOVE love..... it.
    author: Arlene

    I think this is a fantastic CD. She has come so far into the passion with her songwriting, and this one is pure passion down to the note... guitar beats, and intense vocals. She has proved herself, and reinvented herself on this CD to be a truly amazing songwriter, and performer. This disc will truly be in my player for quite a while.

  • it was alright. I miss her old stuff. It was more energetic and fun. too many ef
    author: nichole teta

    This CD was alright. I qiute honestly miss her old stuff. It was much more energetic and personal. Just her and her guitar with some drums. Too many effects on this cd. She is an amazing lyricist but this cd did not impress as much as her older stuff.

  • A sweet surprise
    author: Battyjasmin

    This CD is everything I expect from Melissa and yet such a surprising sound at the same time. It is honest and as pure as I've heard her. Having the full control over the production, I think has just given it her extra all, that little extra soul. Amazing as always.

  • Like a fine wine, Ferrick gets better & Better with time
    author: Stephanie Jamieson Marcial

    She is the most genuine artist I've found,... and she allows us to visit her world as she gives us raw, unedited, "unproduced," lyrics that allow her fans not only to identify with her, but get to know that wonderfully talented artist behind the guitar. The power, the emotion, the absolute fearlessness to go wherever he life dictates... it is so refreshing in a world filled with falsehoods. She never ceases to amazes me... and always exceeds expectations. She is a one of-a-kind whom I'm glad to know. Bravo and Encore Melissa!

  • Like a fine wine, Ferrick gets better & Better with time
    author: Stephanie Jamieson Marcial

    She is the most genuine artist I've found,... and she allows us to visit her world as she gives us raw, unedited, "unproduced," lyrics that allow her fans not only to identify with her, but get to know that wonderfully talented artist behind the guitar. The power, the emotion, the absolute fearlessness to go wherever he life dictates... it is so refreshing in a world filled with falsehoods. She never ceases to amazes me... and always exceeds expectations. She is a one of-a-kind whom I'm glad to know. Bravo and Encore Melissa!

  • absolutely amazing - absolutely Ferrick!
    author: Jacqui - UK!

    This album is amazing, it's filled with upbeat rocking songs filled with energy! As Melissa has done this whole album herself just makes it more fantastic. Please come to UK/Europe.. I need to see you live!!! =D AWESOME!

  • same old same old
    author: adamk

    The defining moment of this CD comes when the second song starts...and it sounds just like the first. And, herein lies the problem: After a while, the songs all blend into one, with their acoustic guitar riff 'n' pick lines and the self-absorbed lyrics (which are a bit like being collared by someone who insists on telling you about their therapy, for the nth time). In the past, she's managed to pull off some glorious songs, but on here, she's fallen back on every one of her old tricks and, by now, her songs are so predictable they should come in kit form.

  • Outstanding
    author: Katie

    This CD is one of the best she has cranked out. There isn't a song on the album that you will want to fast forward through. Buy it, play it, love it!

  • magnified
    author: Ashley

    It's been raining constantly where I live, and this CD has made the perfect soundtrack for driving around in the rain. ( driving down Nebraska Ave will never feel the same now) I think this is one of the most amazing Ferrick cd's to date; and I don't think it could have come at a better time. It's a must have for fans, and anyone else for that matter.

  • Didn't think Melissa could get any better!
    author: Maureen

    This is, by far, Melissa's best work to date. Maybe it's because of her crisp lyrics. Maybe it's because she plays all the instruments, including the best (and fastest finger pickin') acoustic guitar I've ever heard from her or, for that matter, from any other folk performer I've heard. Yep. It must be all of the above. I bought "The Other Side" three weeks ago and it has gotten top priority rotation since then, especially "anything anywhere," "westbound," "nebraska" and "every three words." I flippin' love every bit of it. Come back to Florida, Melissa!!

  • Another great CD...
    author: Chris (from Munich)

    .. like all the other MF CD`s. Keep on playing.

  • bad bad girl mad my girl get bad. me too.
    author: roland bowman

    bad bad girl mad my girl get bad. me too. she attacked me like i was Jimi Hendrix. Anyway Johann Sebastian Bach would be proud and I am too.

  • SCRUMTRULESCENT!!!
    author: michele

    This cd is an amazing piece of art work. the full depth of melissa's musical ability and maturity is reached on The Other Side, which makes it one of her best ventures yet. if you haven't seen her in concert--fly, drive, bike, crawl to her nearest show and experience the best live performer on the road right now. simply amazing.

  • Melissa remains the inspiring genius I've always known.
    author: soulie

    beautiful lyrics, beautiful soul Another must have.

  • author: Kate M.

    I bought this CD for my girlfriend on our anniversary - and I'm so glad I did. MF has provided the soundtrack to our relationship - and this CD has added more memories and sound bites to our relationship than ever!

  • AWESOME!!
    author: Lindsay

    This cd was awesome! My favorite is Anything, Anywhere,Beijing, and Every Three Words. Melissa kicks ass and has done it again with this cd. Any Melissa fan should get it!

  • EXCELLENT
    author: Shell

    GGRRREEEAAATTTT, just like all the others....

  • Wicked good solo project
    author: Kathryn Kempton

    She writes, she sings, she records, she produces, she plays all the freakin' instruments; I call this one the "For God's sake, someone please adjust my dosage" CD ... but typically Melissa Ferrick, it's all come together into one cohesive, subtly layered, beautifully textured whole. I do sort of miss the mental picture of the live show and drummer Brian trying to keep up with it all. Bonus: "Drive" fans will dig their new anthem, "Bad, Bad Girl."

  • One of her best yet! Especially Anything, Anywhere.
    author: Shannon

    This CD is excellent!! Some of my favorites are Anything, Anywhere; Bad, Bad Girl; and Every Three Words. Melissa rocks!!

  • This is one of the best, keep it up Melissa
    author: Kristy
  • Amazing, as usual. With the volume of music she puts out, it is incredible that
    author: Kris

    The music on this CD is from her heart. She has done it again...come out with fresh, new sounds that tug at your heart.

  • If you like good music...Get to The Other Side.
    author: Tru

    Ferrick delivers again. Worth adding to your cd collection.

  • a super fabulous cd!
    author: sarah

    There just isn't words to describe this cd justly. The Other Side is an amazing album. By far her best and most personal one yet.

  • Brilliant, as always!
    author: Natalie

    Ferrick never disappoints. Absolutely fantastic and telling of her versatility.

  • "The Other Side" is her best cd to date!
    author: kara

    The Other Side is a wonderful album, it brightens up my mornings and gets me ready for work. Wish all albums were this real and heartfelt.

  • Amazing!!!
    author: Melissa sue

    Melissa has grown into her self as a musician, surpassing anything she has ever done!! She has learned and educated her self with out limits and has produced an album of truth.

  • INTENSE emotion as always!
    author: becky

    A very emotional album with many different feels to it. I think that in some ways it is very different than her other albums and yet strangely familiar. I love the variety of melissa's music/moods. There must be a lot going on inside.

  • Another side of Melissa!
    author: Jen

    Terrific new album! It's a real change from her previous albums but with all the heart and talent we've come to expect. I can't stop playing it.

  • She's "won 'em over"
    author: duffer

    It's great to hear Melissa in the studio again. It's so nice to know there's an artist out there who is just as amazing in concert as she is on CD, live or studio. I look forward to seeing her come back to the midwest.

  • Amazing
    author: Gillian

    A wonderful studio album with great new tone but the same amazing style we have all come to love.

  • Another Excellent Experience
    author: IndieFocus.com

    You hear that sound? Yeah, that sort of cracking, popping sound. The sound of reaching up on one’s tip toes to get just a few ... more ... inches. And if you listen very closely, you’ll hear notes and rhythms and a voice. In fact, it’s a seasoned voice reaching out with an experienced hand leading you on a musical journey to the other side. Showing virtuosity of instrumental range and a technical keen at production, The Other Side is a great example of getting inside an artist’s mind.

  • author: Molly

    This is definitely one of Melissa's best albums to date. She continues to amaze with her skilled songwriting and musicality. I highly recommend this cd.

  • WOW!
    author: AVM

    Melissa once again puts out another amazing cd that shows her talent and creativity as an artist. If you look at all her work you can see the changes that were happening in her life through the lyrics and how she evolved as a musician. Every cd gets better so i can only anticipate what is coming next . . . and i just got this one. She manages to write lyrics that really truely touch a person and get into their soul and move them

  • author: Ann

    Excellent CD, a must have for your collection! Fast shipping, CDBaby is A+++

  • WOW - and she pulls out another great one
    author: Jenn

    Short and sweet...she sings it real, you can feel her music.

  • Melissa's best ever.
    author: Michele

    The Other Side is Melissa's best ever. Showcasing her excellent song writing, and talent, by playing all the instruments, this CD has it all!

  • One of her best CD's yet!!!
    author: Dre

    This is a must have CD for any folk music collection. Melissa does it again. It is an amazing CD with some intense guitar work.

  • Awesome, Melissa doesn't disappoint
    author: Lisa

    Melissa's music just continues to evolve, and I still love it. Her songs resonate with me, and her voice and guitar continue to be amazing. Even better than hearing a new album is seeing her in concert. It's an incredible experience. If you haven't heard her music before, prepare to be blown away.

  • Absolutely awesome! Must have
    author: Sidram
  • she keeps getting better!
    author: Rowdy in Richmond

    What can I say about Melissa that hasn't already been said? She continues to please with this new album. Her superb musicianship and hypnotic vocals draw you in from the very beginning. Already The Otherside has its place on my list of favorite albums. This cd will not disappoint.

  • Amazingly versitile...inspiring
    author: Cassendre Xavier, Publisher/Editor of amethyste magazine

    From my music buyer days from 1996-2001, I have been seeing how Melissa's career as a songwriter has grown. She has an amazing songwriting craft,somehow managing to make her songs sound different, from track to track, and from CD to CD. She's almost overwhelmingly good. So glad she's around! This CD is great, and if you haven't heard "Everything I Need", that's also one not to miss.

  • BEST EVER
    author: Kevin Allred

    Melissa Ferrick's songs just keep getting better and better. She doesn't put out a bad album...and this one is the best yet. Brilliant writing and instrumentation. And she did everything herself. She is, hands down, the most talented artist I've ever come into contact with. Buy this record and then go see her live. Her live shows wear me out...in a good way!

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