• Artist: Shamra
• Flags: Lyrics are included with the album
• Rating:

Review

On Shamra's second album, the New York quintet continues to explore its trademark sound: a relatively quiet and nonconfrontational but genuinely quirky variety of not-quite folk-rock. Lyrically, their songs generally stick to the usual themes of romantic confusion and loss, with occasional detours into such whimsical topics as guest list problems ("Hand Stamp") and sneaker design ("Scorpions and Mudpies"). Carrie Bolger has a fine voice, but it would be nice if she'd vary her breathy delivery a little bit from track to track. It does work nicely on the faux intensity of "Hand Stamp" and on the band's excellent version of "State of the Nation," though. Instrumentally, Shamra offers up an interesting arrangement on a blues progression on "Priorities," and there are some quietly twisted moments on the second half of the album, notably the jig-time romantic plea "Say Um." Already local favorites, Shamra is a band that has earned a place in the national game. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	iTunes	Composers	Performers	Time
Hand Stamp		Shamra	Shamra	(2:09)
Scorpions and Mudpies		Jon Carin, Mercury Caronia, Shamra	Shamra	(3:04)
State of the Nation		Jon Carin, Mercury Caronia, Shamra	Shamra	(3:48)
Let's Not and Say We Did		Shamra	Shamra	(3:18)
Limelight		Shamra	Shamra	(2:34)
X's & O's	...	Shamra	Shamra	(1:50)
Priorities		Shamra	Shamra	(2:17)
Special		Shamra	Shamra	(2:24)
Cruizin		Shamra	Shamra	(2:49)
Strange		Shamra	Shamra	(2:27)
Say Um		Shamra	Shamra	(4:00)
Loan Sharks		Shamra	Shamra	(2:24)

Credits

Steve Fallone (Mastering), Shamra (Producer), Carrie Bolger (Vocals), Joe Cannone (Dulcimer), Joe Cannone (Guitar), Henry Borovitz (Guitar), Henry Borovitz (Vocals), Bob Fontana (Drums), Kristjan Karu (Bass)