Ameilia Royko mesmerizes at every turn on her CD "Sharp Steel Pinafore" with plain-spoken, straight from the heart lyrics and a voice that just melts your soul like a popsickle in the sun. Whether its the quick turn of a phrase in "Shotgun" or the laid back beauty of "India Viola", this girl's got it! Sure, we could argue if she is a blend of Iris Dement and Sheryl Crowe or some other gift from above but it dont matter: she makes you think of her! Hopefully, this CD is the start of a great run! By the way, make a run and visit us in the South!
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Sharp Steel Pinefore is a beautiful mix of soulful poetic lyrics mixed with an edginess that is refreshing and a bit of a woman power trip. The music is innocent, child-like but full of strong emotions.  I really rellished this CD.
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Amelia Royko is one of those rare artists who can credibly swing from lamentation to elation and back in the space of a few minutes. She writes, performs, and co-produces all of the songs, ensuring purity of vision throughout the very creative process. 

The production values are excellent. On a tube system the vocals are liquid and up front, while drums and acoustic guitars snap into focus. 

The diary of miss Royko must be a rather peculiar bit of literature and atlas to the Midwest. Rather like 'The Phantom Tollbooth' with acoustic guitars instead of math. Her writing can be painfully insightful in 'don't bring me down', an essay on the psychological effects of newfound personal freedom called 'india viola', or 'highway robbery' an unabashed jam session with slide guitar made all the more fun by the contrast.  

Sharp Steel Pinafore is your happy in spite of their-self friend picking you up for a road trip from Madison to Chicago in a VW Squareback wagon, and worth all of the gas money.
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I heard Amelia on NPR and immediately ordered the CD.  Several great cuts, put together nicely and when I tested it at work, several people asked me what it was and planned to pick it up.   Strong lyrics, a better voice, and mostly great music.  Highly recommended.
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