Kristina Olsen Albums (8)
'In Your Darkened Room'
Release Date 4/2/2004
Tracks 11
Label Take a Break
See Album Tracklist and Review
'All Over Down Under'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 24
Label Take A Break
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Truth of a Woman'
Release Date 1/1/1999
Tracks 11
Label Take a Break
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Live From Around the World'
Release Date 3/11/1997
Tracks 24
Label Philo
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Duet'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 17
Label Kristina Olsen & Peter Grayling
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
In the 1990s, Kristina Olsen didn't enjoy as much hype or publicity as Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Shawn Colvin or Ani DiFranco, but make no mistake: she provided some of the decade's most rewarding folk-pop. The singer/songwriter lived up to the promise of her debut album on her excellent sophomore effort, Love, Kristina, which was recorded when she was 35. Though the influence of Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins can be heard throughout this CD, Olsen never goes out of her way to emulate either of them. The Californian is very much her own person, and she's quite recognizable herself on original songs that range from the topical "Keeping This Life of Mine (Song for Battered Women)" and the poignant "Little Failings" to the moving "The Power of Loving You" (an ode to a gay friend). Variety is the rule on this CD, and Olsen successfully brings jazz influences to her folk-pop foundation on the angular "Lucky," the playful, Peggy Lee-ish "Live Man in the Dead of Night," and the sad, remorseful "This Bed of Ours." Those who appreciate singer/songwriters should make a point of obtaining Love, Kristina. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
By the time Philo got around to signing Kristina Olsen in the early '90s, the Venice, CA-based singer/songwriter had already established herself on the national folksinger circuit. That seasoning is apparent on her eponymous debut, which features ten Olsen originals and a scathing, steel-snapping version of "John Henry." While there's plenty of Joni Mitchell in her voice, Olsen focuses less on poetics and more on straightforward honesty. "I play the saxophone, and I play the steel guitar/But this old piano, it was my father's joy," she sings in the plaintive "My Father's Piano," and goes on to mention that she can't play it very well, and when it was last tuned. But with these seemingly mundane details, as well as a splendid ear for melody, Olsen builds a heartbreaking storyline. The same honesty is channeled a different way on the devilishly fun "Wish You'd Stop Doing So Well." A jealous Olsen grunts and aches her way through the bluesy folk rattle, kvetching about an ex's success at dieting, dating -- even quitting smoking. It's cutting, funny, and no doubt a surefire crowd-pleaser live. But it's also unflinchingly honest, further defining one of Olsen's greatest traits as a songwriter. Elsewhere, "Look Out" gets metaphysical during a late-night car ride, and "Practicing Walking Away" takes a turn toward smoky vocal jazz. The latter might not work as well, but that's probably only because it sounds so tame next to the sultry blues rip of "Lousy Night for Music," where Olsen lambasts an out of tune bassist and decides to stick her tongue in another bar patron's ear. "I know one way to keep the beat," she sings. It's only one of many things Olsen does well on her assured debut. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
