Eveningland | 
| Artist: Hem
Label: Rounder / Umgd
Category: Music
List Price: $17.98
Buy New: $10.84
You Save: $7.14 (40%)
New (25) Used (19) from $4.05
Rating:  31 reviews
Sales Rank: 10487
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.6 x 0.5
MPN: 613240
UPC: 011661324022
EAN: 0011661324022
ASIN: B0002W4T6M
Release Date: October 5, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | The Fire Thief | | • | Lucky | | • | Receiver | | • | Redwing | | • | My Father s Waltz | | • | Hollow | | • | A-Hunting We Will Go | | • | An Easy One | | • | Strays | | • | Cincinnati Traveler | | • | Jackson | | • | Dance with Me | | • | The Beautiful Sea | | • | Eveningland | | • | Pacific Street | | • | Carry Me Home |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Album Description
As the eight-piece Brooklyn collective Hem releases their second full-length album, Eveningland, their reputation precedes them as one of the most distinctive and emotionally rewarding bands in American music. Hem's homespun blend of vintage Americana, country/folk and chamber music made its 2002 independently released debut Rabbit Songs a critical success, inviting musical and lyrical comparisons to everyone from Dusty Springfield to Randy Newman to Aaron Copland. On Eveningland, recorded during their brief tenure with the ill-fated Dreamworks label, the band shows how deeply they've matured as musicians and songwriters. Eveningland, produced by Messe and guitarist Gary Maurer, updates the rustic charm of Rabbit Songs as references to bygone folk tunes give way to sonic touchstones from another classic era. "These songs have more of a relationship to the `60s and early `70s. We're all in love with that Countrypolitan sound," Messe says reverently referring to! classics like Ray Charles' Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music, and albums by Glen Campbell and even the Carpenters. Produced by Gary Maurer and Dan Messe.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...
 Lovely, lovely, lovely. April 7, 2005
John Truslow (Atlanta, Georgia, United States)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
Played in the background, Hem's music generates an afirming but soulful mood, but to be fully appreciated, it is music that must be listened to closely. When you focus on these peaceful, soothing tracks, it's like studying a painting, or reading a book. Each of us will get something different out of the effort, but its quality remains undeniable and its spirit presents itself as timeless. Yes, there is a classic, folksy, southern charm to these tunes, but the music is still appealing to everyone. Buy this album.
the first one must have been REALLY good... December 8, 2004
John Anderson (Bar Harbor, ME USA)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
...if folks are at all disappointed by the second. Unlike some of the earlier reviewers I actually bought the CD after hearing their version of "Jackson" on the radio & then found a whole bunch of additionl stuff that I liked. This is one of those CDs that has lived in the changer since it got here, my 12 year old daughter has already memorized big chiunks of songs to sing along, and I am definitely looking for more of their stuff in future. What can one say? Great lead vocals, nice arrangements, good lyrics, go get it.
Hem takes it even higher... October 12, 2004
Carla Davison (Falls Church, VA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I must admit, my first reaction to Eveningland was quite similar to the reviewer below - what I heard at first was, most certainly, not the Hem that I had fallen in love with on Rabbit Songs, and I wondered what had happened to the band I knew so well. What? An orchestra? Drums?? It didn't take too many listens, though, to begin to hear what I'm now convinced is one of the most exciting albums of the year. The songwriting is utterly beautiful and filled with a cautious hope, and Sally's voice is, to my ears, measurably stronger and more exciting than on their debut. I don't hear her "covering" anything up, but hear her exploring new territory with real confidence. And I freely confess, it's not that the arrangements never come off as a little odd, but rather that I've quickly learned how rewarding it is to follow Hem to whatever new places they go on Eveningland, odd or not.
This is a rare kind of record: one that sets a bold and beautiful course, and I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. Hem have something really special here.
And PS: Tracks 9 and 16 are indeed thematically linked, but I see nothing wrong in that (and neither have countless composers who have come before). It's cool, actually, in that it weaves a recognizable thread into the fabric of the album as a whole.
Eveningland Shimmers February 6, 2005
William F. Karnoscak (Chicago, Illinois USA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I've waited 4 months to supplement the overall rave (4.5 stars at this writing) this album has received, and I don't compose many reviews (this is my 2d). But I am moved so much by Hem, I had to write.
As with most really good music, you should experience it live, preferably before you've committed to your brain the way it sounds on the recorded end-product. With Hem, that order isn't as crucial (as they don't really tour that much), but securing your access to their music is essential. Many before me comment about how different "Eveningland" is from "Rabbit Songs." Good for all of us -- for the band who wasn't content to stick to "formula" (so how is that a sell-out, as one earlier reviewer crows?) and for those of us paying close enough attention to take notice.
This music is for people who are not just casual consumers of music. It really grabs the hearts and minds of folks for whom music is a staple to their existence. But to see Hem live is to experience musicians who love what they do with so much passion it's almost embarrassing to watch (to wit: those in the band who aren't vocalists are also singing along, or at least mouthing the lyrics of dare-I-say brilliant Dan Messe; what a tribute and testament!).
Also, for those seeking 2002's "Rabbit Songs," (no shame in late discoveries), buy it from their website (www.eveningland.com), instead of paying crazy prices on eBay, etc. It helps support the band more directly. Buy two for that matter, because as someone else has noted, you'll have loaned out one copy fulfilling your role as an evangelista for music that needs, and deserves to be heard (and most likely not on your local radio dial, to be sure). Thanks for reading...
This is really something special October 24, 2004
W. McNavage (Philadelphia PA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
After hearing half acre a few weeks ago and almost immediately after buying rabbit songs, this cd was released. I was about two years late on the HEM bandwagon. Regardless, I held off bying this cd because I wanted to fall totally in love with Rabbit Songs. Needless to say, I broke down today and bought it. It is every bit as solid as Rabbit Songs and every bit as emotionally driven. It sounds like music used to sound when I was a kid, when music had a soul and the words really meant something and years later you would still remember how that music made you feel. Sally Ellyson and a clarinet together are two of the most beautiful sounding things that compliment each other so perfectly on this disc. I have no standout favorite because I just got the disc and have only listed to it twice, but I did get the 'warm fuzzies' that I had when I first heard Half Acre. Good enough for me. Hem is really special, and I am greatful to have discovered them.
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