Indigo Girls Album: “Poseidon and the Bitter Bug”

This CD exemplifies why I love Indigo Girls. In my opinion, it is far better than the last two albums. But please buy the acoustic CD - you'll not regret it because it's minimalism reveals Amy and Emily at their very best. Both are incredibly talented and are overlooked way too often by the entertainment press. There are not many artists who can write all of their own songs (each crafts their song, then get together to arrange), walk into a small venue carrying only two guitars, without amplifiers, and create truly moving, beautiful music with thoughtful lyrics. That they have prevailed for nearly 30 years, and left a legacy of nearly 250 songs in an extremely competitive, male-dominated, industry attests for itself. Musical tastes are subjective, and so I won't elaborate on why Ghost of a Gang, True Romantic, Love of Our Lives, and Second Time Around are my favorites. But I think that most who enjoy harmony and meaning in song will really enjoy this laudable piece of work.

I really only ever listened to "Retrospective" but loved their music. I touched upon a few other songs but was never crazy about them...then there came this CD. I have to tell you it is a complete breath of fresh air. Their voices are so peaceful and relaxing. I don't know what to write about this CD, it is amazing, plain and simple.

With all the junk out there today (turn on your local radio station and just listen), this CD is a reminder that there is still some great music and MUSICIANS out there. You can tell, THEY controlled this recording not a Producer or a computer.

Great work ladies...please keep it up. I feel 10 pounds lighter when I listen to the angelic nature of your voices.

The Indigo Girls still create evocative and moving music unlike few other artists, even on this their eleventh CD. And for a group that seemingly might have little left to prove the duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray always seem to dig a little deeper and come up with songs that resonate with listeners. Perhaps it is the counterpoint of their voices, Saliers's keening higher voice contrasted by Ray's lower and rawer register, but it is the songs they sing that pack the emotional wallop that keeps fans coming back for more. On "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug" the duo opt for a shift away from the more pop-infused tone of their last CD "Despite Our Differences" and back towards more serious and somber sounding music. That's not to say it's funereal, as it's quite melodic, and in fact, the duo have opted to give fans two discs of these songs to peruse: one with the band versions and the other with stripped down acoustic versions. At times the music is very jaunty, hardening back to the athleticism of earlier releases. Standout tracks include "Digging For Your Dream," "Love Of Our Lives," "Sugar Tongue," "True Romance," and "Driver Education." The move to add the acoustic disc was a stroke of brilliance, especially for their longtime fans who enjoy more pared down performances. Rather than resting on their laurels the Indigo Girls make records like they have nothing left to lose; this is the sound of a group willing to take risks and wear their hearts (and minds) on their sleeves. And those risks make for VERY enjoyable music!

Make no mistake. I LOVE Indigo Girls!!! I have every cd and some of them twice due to the remasters. They are one of my favorite bands and I travel around the East Coast to see them on every tour. Some will say that I am not the most objective person to write this review, but if you believe that and you do not listen to this album, you will be losing out.

Poseidon and the Bitter Bug is a FANTASTIC CD!!! The feel throughout is of freedom. - Most likely due to leaving the major record labels behind and creating their own label. The Girls put out a very optimistic vibe throughout the entire collection!

I highly recommend purchasing the double disc "deluxe" version, as it has all of the songs on disc 1 as just Amy & Emily, all acoustic. Plus there is an extra song by Amy that is terrific!

I cannot pick a "favorite" track as I find a new favorite everyday. However, I am very drawn to both versions of "Digging For Your Dream" and "Ghost of the Gang" brings back memories of my high school days.

I am so happy that this record is finally out and can't wait to hear all of these songs done live on tour.

If you like Indigo Girls, BUY THIS CD!!! You won't be sorry!

In 2006, roughly the 20th anniversay of the Indigo Girls, the band released "Despite Our Differences", which I thought was the band's best release in quite a few years. Now finally comes the next album, which the band, having left major labels after 10 years, has released independently.

"Poseidon and the Bitter Bug" (10 tracks; 36 min.) comes neatly divided into a song from Emily, then followed by a song from Amy, and so on. Emily starts things off with the somber "Digging for a Dream", which sounds beautiful. Amy follows with "Sugar Tongue", which starts off with a jazzy-feeling but evolves from there, with a great chorus line "I've got the blacket boots/I've got the whitest skin/Satify my sugar tongue again". Great track after great track follws, indeed, I dare say that there are no weak tracks on here. Another highlight I need to mention is the poppy-sounding "What Are You Like", which reminded me of K's Choice from the mid-90s. At 36 min. the album clips by in no time, and you'll find yourself playing this again and again.

There is a "deluxe" edition of this album as well, with a second CD providing the same songs just featuring Amy and Emily in an acoustic, stripped down, setting. I'm not that interested in that, as I prefer the full band sound, but others may feel different. I've seen the Indigo Girls in concert a number of times over the years, and I hope to catch them on tour sometime again to see how these songs come across in a live setting.