The Walking

Singing... Marvelous singing! Songwriting... complex and riveting songwriting. Lyrics...well-honed and compelling lyrics. It doesn't get any better than this (okay, you might argue for her similarly marvelous "Speckless Sky," "Bound by the Beauty," or "When I Was a Boy." Since then, it's been downhill, as Siberry has done exactly what she wanted, which means no need to hone, no need to edit, no need to craft, no one to answer to, or no one to often even SING for (SOOOO much talking in her albums of the last 15 years). She needs a band and a producer to say, "Hey, how about we try THIS thing," and "How about you sing in that marvelous voice of yours instead of talk," and "How about making this idea into a fully crafted song?" Sigh.

I bought this record when it first came out and I return to it over and over again. Cinematic, emotionally charged, complex. writerly. In describing it completely, words fail. It is an experience. It is my “deserted island” record.

She is a wizard! This is a fabulous album. I heard The Bird in the Gravel during a podcast and had to buy the album. Each of the other songs is as good as that. Jane is quite unique. I highly recommend listening to her music if you do not already know it.

Keep in mind this record was made in 1987. It is required listening! Very deep, complex, thought-provoking and magical. It stays with you if you give it a chance. Reminds me a little of St. Vincent!

i was beginning to lose hope i'd ever see the walking on itunes, and thankfully its not partial. i remember seeing jane siberry on this tour at the 9:30 club in d.c.---nothing lost in the live translation at all, and if anything, more intimate. she is a master at taking us to such highs and lows, or in the case of goodbye/ingrid, the reverse. there is such loneliness in goodbye---it could be the younger sibling of the taxi ride. then suddenly we are uplifted by ingrid and the footman. very few artists have this kind of power. now c'mon itunes, give us the speckless sky already!

This album is a Treasure. The epitome of quality production and performance. The beautiful melodies and odd lyrics make for one of the most original albums to date. Complex, emotional without any hint of pretense. Her songs command intelligence as well as an open ear/mind. You wonder if she ever got over these broken relationships (most of these songs sound like break up songs). Like so many of the hidden genius' of our recent music past, she suffers from lack of marketability, to no fault of her own. This album inspiried many a poet and musician, regardless of popularity. a real FIND

Although I'm a fan of all works by Jane Siberry (Issa), this album truly showcases the best attributes of her "big band" phase. I had the joyful experience of seeing The Walking brought to the stage in three different venues that year by Jane and her large group of Toronto-based musicians; it was both chilling and rapturous, leaving everyone emotionally drained and completely altered. This album is not to be missed. Bring along a pot of tea, some headphones, and sufficient uninterrupted listening time to be forever rewarded.

Each of the eight songs is a gem in it's own right. This record is both coy and emtionally devastating at the same time. The music is intricate, engaging and gorgeous. It's lush and spare in turns. It's a bold, piece that eschews lyrical and musical conventions to create something unique. I would urge anyone interested in something special and different to look into this overlooked masterpiece. After twenty two years I never tire of this record.

I was thrilled to see this recording available again! I had the original vinyl, now long gone and have been keeping my eyes out for it on iTunes. Fell head over heals for it 21 years ago, and, thankfully, I still love it. Thanks iTunes!