A Beginning, a Detour, an Open Ending

Proper Music.

Technically, "A Beginning..." came out late in 2008. But since the Grammy Awards are often a year behind, sometimes two, I'm voting for Tina Dico's superlative recording as the Best Album of 2009. Why? I can't seem to tire of it. In comparison to contemporaries such as Neko Case, Ms. Dico blows them all away -- both as "that voice" and as a songwriter. Throughout the album, her melodies are simply beautiful, her voice and lyrics impeccable. And, not to forget, English is Ms. Dico's second language! While it's hard to pinpoint a favorite track, "Some Other Day" is among the most moving songs I've ever heard. Some reviewers are suggesting that Tina Dico's new release, ""The Road to Gävle," tops this album. Hard to imagine, but I look forward to finding out for myself!

Just a great album by an overlooked artist. You will not be disappointed. Thanks Tina.

This is one of her best. She is absolutely perfect.

Every single thing this woman does is magic.

Another great album by Tina Dico. Her previous two LP's "Count to Ten", "In the Red" were great and this album delivers the same. Some stand out tracks include "No Time to Sleep", "London", "Stains", and "An Opening Ending". The only tracks that I felt weren't very good were "Friend In a Bar" and "Magic" which weren't very catchy and seem to lack compared to the other tracks on the album. Neverless, this is another great release by Tina. Her voice is just stunning.

This latest release from Ms Dico is in short nothing short of elegant, well-crafted, exquisite. After purchasing it from iTunes one week ago, it has not left my iPod's rotation in 8 days. This album is a compilation of three EP's Dico released exclusively at her live shows and decided to release them as an album after realize the demand for them and as she became very fond of these songs. "A Beginnig" opens the album with Dico's voice and perfect melodies on the first 6 tracks. The only song I am not completely in love with is, how coincidental, "In Love." I love the quiet and simple groove of "Get to Know You" and the highlight for me is the beautiful and poetic, "Quarter to Forever." 
The second cycle, "A Detour," finds Dico in the perspective of an outsider commenting on others lives where as the first cycle was fairly biographical I believe. The cycles flow so well into each other, but after several listens, one can hear a change from "Beginning" to "Detour." There is a darker feel to "Detour" with tracks like, "London," "Fallen Madonna" and the perfect "Heaven and Hell." This is my favourite cycle of the disc, with "Friend in a Bar" being my favourite track. She shows versatility going from the intimate and simple "Glow" into "London" which opens with a tambourine that pulses throughout the whole track. I always thought the tambourine was an incredibly effective instrument when used correctly and Dico does that throughout this album. 
The final cycle, "An Open Ending," closes the disc with a set of introspective songs and tracks that seem to focus on the human psyche, relationships and life in general. My least favourite cycle of all 3(but still absolutely beautiful), "Open Ending" calms the soul causing one to think about their current state. Just like the aforementioned cycles, "Open Ending" has a distinct sound from the rest. The use of an old rotary dial on a telephone is an amazing percussion instrument in "Walls." I find the feel of "Security Check" so cheeky and fun taking me back to the 50's-60's with the harmonies and use of overlapping voices to sound like a trio or group. And again, the tambourine adds so much to this track right before the stark, "An Open Ending," which sounds like Ms Dico set up a microphone in her kitchen, and recorded it without much planning. It is so raw; a perfect ending to an amazing journey that is this album.

Wow! Tina is simply great. It’s something about her voice and demeanor that makes her simply a remarkable talent. iTunes Thanks again for the introduction to someone I believe is great.

Every song is good. Wonderful voice, full of story and great songwriting from Tina Dico.

"Glow" is beyond extrordinary! One of the greatest songs in recent memory. I can't think of an artist around that captures such a deep understanding of what it means to be a human. She is truly an ARTIST and sees the world through such poetic eyes. I am grateful for all of her music and this album is top notch from start to finish. Good luck finding only one favorite!!!!! Other favs: Quarter To Forever, No Time To Sleep, Stains, Security Check, Open Ending, The Road, Some Other Day, A New Situation, Walls. JUST BUY IT!!!!!!! LOL!!!