Track Listing

1. Stolen Car
2. Sweetest Decline
3. Couldn't Cause Me Harm
4. So much more
5. Pass in time
6. Central reservation
7. Stars all seem to weep
8. Love like laughter
9. Blood red river
10. Devil song
11. Feel to believe
12. Central reservation (2)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21587 in Music
• Released on: 1999-03-15
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Is Beth Orton the folkie Beck? Or is Beck an Orton with beats? Since both graze from genre to genre like goats feasting on whatever strikes their fancy, drawing parallels is tempting ... and perhaps pointless. After all, both artists were born in 1970 and emerged at a time when musical categorisation became an exercise in futility. English thrush Orton's third release--like her critically hailed debut and the Best Bit EP--prompts one to flash on an ever-swelling range of influences. Since she's blessed with the rich, warm voice of a true pop singer, it's easy to imagine her sharing space on some out-of-time radio playlist with Dusty Springfield (listen to the elegant, string-laden "Sweetest Decline"), except Orton's music draws on 1990s trip-hop elements as well the jazzy folk of Tim Buckley and vet Terry Callier (reprising his Best Bit cameo). Orchestration, upright bass, vibes and Orton's own resolute guitar give long, languid tracks such as "So Much More" and "Pass in Time" an Astral Weeks-like feel. All those touchstones and no fewer than six producers might imply that Central Reservation is something of a mishmash. In truth, Orton's overriding vision is all that's needed to create cohesion. --Steven Stolder

CD Description
Like Orton's debut TRAILER PARK, CENTRAL RESERVATION combines folk-pop reminiscent of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake with '90s production sensibilities. While the first record benefited from some well-placed electronic touches, CENTRAL RESERVATION is more organic, the slightly jazzy arrangements based largely around acoustic instrumentation. The production hereis not spare however, as Orton makes good use of a string section, the piano work of Dr. John and the vocals of Terry Callier (with whom she recorded the EP BEST BIT).
The cooldetachment of Orton's Sandy Dennyish voice keeps the inviting, friendly arrangements from getting too warm and fuzzy, even when her guitar and voice are the sonic focus. Guest producers David Roback (of Opal and Mazzy Star fame) and Ben Watt (half of Everything But The Girl) lend a good deal to themoody soundscapes, particularly on the electronic-tinged second version of the tile song. With its added layer of textural atmospherics, CENTRAL RESERVATION is intriguing, accessible folk-pop at its best.

Customer Reviews

Impossible to dislike, without being Middle of the Road
God bless her, she’s a saviour! I agree with one of the other reviewers here, when he says that Beth Orton is almost a genre unto herself. If I had to describe her music, I would definitely say that she has elements of folk, chillout, pop, rock and even trip-hop. It sounds crazy but it really works! Some good comparisons to other artists would be Sheryl Crow or Dido (without all the hype). If Beth Orton had Dido’s marketing she would be just as big, but more deservedly so. This is probably Beth’s best to date, and a good place to start if you’re a newcomer to her work. But don’t you dare miss her first album, Trailer Park and the Best Bit EP. Standout tracks include Stolen Car, Central Reservation and Devil Song. I find myself singing along to many of the songs on this album, which is a bit silly when you’re a bloke! Usually I only write reviews on this site when no-one's reviewed them before, so I have a chance to win the £50 :) But in this instance, I really feel like spreading the word. It’s truly, food for the soul.

Absolutely ESSENTIAL Listening!!!!
Whereas Trailer Park was split between beautiful tunes and trancey technofolk, Central Reservation is from start to end a beautiful, beautiful album. Just check out 'Feel To Believe' or 'Sweetest Decline'....there is not one duff track or album filler. If you can appreciate gorgeous melodies and emotive music or just love to chill out then you'll LOVE this. And to keep the technofolkers happy there's even a hint of the spacy chilled-out vibe that was present on Trailer Park. I don't think I can express how much I love this album, it just has to heard! To summarise: Beth Orton is a BRILLIANT artist, Trailer Park is a great album, and Central Reservation is even better!!! Absolutely beautiful and DEFINITELY in my top 3 favourite albums of all time!!!BUY IT NOW!!!!

heavenly
beth Orton is one of the most striking singer/songwriters we have produced from this land, and this album (her 2nd) blows you away with beats, folk, soul and depth. If you havent heard Beth before, get this album and Daybreaker - in fact get all of her albums incl. trailer park. her voice soothes and is original and unique and the music is spot on and totally Beths, all from her heart. And, lets be honest, heart music is better than any other.Keep writing and singing pls Ms Orton. See u at the Dome in March.