One of the best smart folk-pop albums from Upstate NY in recent memory
author: Tom Sieling
I've always been a sucker for the old Joni Mitchell school of acute observation, unflinching honesty, and careful writing in songs, and Patti Witten, in Land of Souvenirs, has put out an album full, beginning-to-end, of all three.
Her singing is nicely understated and unaffected, her guitar work nothing short of masterful, and her melodies are unfailingly memorable, interesting, and catchy, even when they're gracing a less-than-cheery lyric. She has an unmistakable musical sensibility that takes pleasing roads less travelled enough to make her a stand-out in the world of smart folk-pop. All this, and she can rock, too! Producer and multi stringed-instrumentalist Rich DePaulo's contribution is in the "it just doesn't come any better" class, and a nice collection of other fine Ithaca-area musicians rounds out the effort to make it one of the best from Upstate New York in recent memory.
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2nd place Winner of the Local Best of 2000
author: Daniel Aloi
Witten's strong Roots-rock songs lift this live-in-the-studio CD, with Ithaca sidemen Rich DePaolo, Doug Robinson and Bill King. As potential Americana radio favorites, the six songs here rank with the best of Lucinda Williams in their beauty, simplicity and power. (Star Gazette, NY)
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"Prairie Doll is great!"
author: Freetime
Prairie Doll is great! Led by vocalist and acoustic guitarist Patti Witten, the CD features folk, country and rock elements, with revealing songs, like the especially powerful and self-described “Something Beautiful,” where Witten’s lilting and wistful vocals truly shine.” Michelle Picardo, FREETIME
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Potent folk indeed. KICK ASS.
author: Robert Burke Warren
Just listened to Prairie Doll. Potent folk indeed. KICK ASS. Witten’s voice has changed — stronger, more confident and, ahem … more carnal. Edgy, but more at peace. How’d she do that? -Robert Burke Warren, Jackpot Music (find Robert's music on CDBaby!)
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