"Strange and Beautiful" by Anny

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Anny Rusk has been compared to Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos but frankly, I don't see it. I can't compare her to anyone, really. Anny is unique. She's got a energizing voice and a lush, full, dynamic sound to match.

She sings about angels, abortion clinics, soul mates and sex toys…all with great passion.

Stand out songs for me include "Soulmate" which has some great lyrics such as "Love is creamy chocolate kiss…"

"Gonna Get Mine" has a full rich sound with great instrumentation and background vocals. If you didn't pay attention to the lyrics you'd have no idea it's about capital punishment. Great track!

I have to take a moment to comment on the production. The music sounds fabulous. It's very professionally done. The jewel case art is gorgeous and classy.

The CD is also enhanced which means that on the good side when you pop it into your computer to listen (as I do) you get a great interactive piece with interviews, stories behind the songs and fabulous graphics. It's really very well done and quite entertaining.

On the downside, I can't get my computer to just play the music automatically. I have three or four music playing programs and only the CD player that came with the system will play it. I can't even browse the CD and pick out the tracks. But that's hardly worth complaining about.

It's a great CD and I recommend checking out Anny.

Posted on January 8, 2002