Review in the Irish Times!****

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2010/0115/1224262332626.html

Sarah MacDougall

JOE BREEN

Across the Atlantic , Copperspine Records ****

Born in Sweden and now based in Canada, Sarah MacDougall draws from both sides of the Atlantic, displaying an eclecticism that colours her uplifting music.

She could be described as indie folk with a strong hint of country, but perhaps the best description of this impressive debut is in her online biography: “I wanted to write an album that sticks in your head and grabs a hold of your heart.” Self-produced, with some tracks recorded in her bedroom, Across the Atlantic matches her ambition with songs, such as Ballad of Sherri, infused with character and invention. If the gentle bounce of that track sets the tone for the upbeat side, then the title track, lyrically rich with a smart arrangement, captures her more reflective side. She is some way short of the finished article, but this is an auspicious start. www.sarahmacdougall.com

Tomorrow in my favourite city Stockholm

Hello and happy new year!

I am on my way to Stockholm, and just wanted to say that I have got a little last minute show, opening for Nicolai Dunger, a wonderful Swedish singer-songwriter, at Mosebacke in Stockholm. This is such a great place, I can’t wait. So if you love good music, and you are in Stockholm tomorrow (Jan 7), come to Mosebacke!

Here is to a great new year with lots of art and music, and lots of love for all……………..and more money. hehe it’s all about the money! : )  (but mostly about the music…..)

XOXO

sarah

review: Shakenstir (uk) 4/5

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/reviews/last-reviews-of-2009/reviews/13644/

Sarah MacDougall ACROSS THE ANTLANTIC (Copperspine Records). Release Date: 25 January 2010.

MacDougall is a Swedish-born alt country/indie folk singer/songwriter based in Canada. This album is her first official release and has been produced and engineered by her. “I wanted to write an album that sticks in your head and grabs a hold of your heart” says MacDougall. “And I also wanted to prove myself as a producer and audio-engineer, because I am incredibly passionate about sound!”

Well, congratulations Sarah, you’ve nailed it! Listen to the firt track ‘Ballad Of Sherri’ and you will see exactly what this lady is on about. It opens sounding like something coming out of an old valve radio, then about the middle-eight it opens out in modern audio style. It’s upbeat with a monster melody, a great vocal quality, and dare I say it, a sense of fun. Glorious! ‘Ramblin’ is contemplative, gently rolling love song with country guitar wailing away in the background, and an expressive vocal up-front. There’s a bar-room vibe on ‘Cry Wolf’ which bounds along in true country style. ‘Across The Atlantic’ goes reflective and emo with perhaps the most moving vibe on the record. Beautiful. ‘Hundred Dollar Bills’ has a retro feel that mixes dark and light perfectly. ‘Biggest Mistake’ has a pronounced beat – a real foot-tapper. ‘I’ve Got Sorrow’ moves at glacial pace with gorgeous multi-layered vocals, while ‘Crow’s Lament’ has a distinctly retro, continental feel. Finally, ‘Goodbye Julie’ completes the album on a sad and thoughtful note, and is a standout here.

4/5

Review in Country Music People Magazine January 2010 issue

Translation of the French review

http://withmusicinmymind.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-sarah-macdougall-across-atlantic.html

“It is not so easyto find a good album of folk song / country / americana which does not fall in clichés associated to these musical styles. Swedish exiled in Canada Sarah MacDougall is THE discovery of alternative folk song / country of this end of year, simply. She possesses the charming voice of a fallen angel, Lucinda William’s depth, maturity of one Joan Baez and the freshness as well as the spontaneity of her young age. This author / composer / producer and guitarist has everything for her. Across The Atlantic is the second Lp of the attractive young lady who follows upon already very promising sound first album Headed for the hills ( 2005 ) and in Ep I don’t want to be alone anymore (2008). Her music is at once light and serious, brilliant and poignant, in summary, it is a true beautiful experience to discover and to listen to Across The Atlantic.

Ballad Of Sherri begins on an acoustic sound mono which makes dream of a demo taken on the deep to take finally its flight on a dishevelled rhythm. The more melancholic tune is absolutely sublime. An ideal opening. The beauty of the folk song / country ballad Ramblin ‘ sets in the throat. A very moving piece which rings as a classic of the years of 70’s. Warmer and joyful dancing Cry Wolf country is a small jewel as we would more like to listen to it. The melody is wonderful. Across The Atlantic invites in the journey through this attractive ballad restful, simple and splendidly sung by Sarah. I’ ve Got Your Back is one of these blazing torch songs only the Americans of which have the secret deciphered by Sarah. On a lighter and moved note, Hundred Dollar Bills is a subtle and elegant comic sweetness. Acceleration of considerable tempo on the jewel whom is Biggest Mistake. The heartbreaking I’ ve Got Sorrow continues in the lineage begun withsublime ballads by the piece Ramblin ‘. Of Crow Lament summarizes perfectly Sarah’s universe: a piece country well-balanced which can please a little attracted public parce particular musical genre. A tour de force. The closing piece is made in the most beautiful way by means of a magnificent haunting ballad: Goodbye Juliet.

First album was released in a official way, Across The Atlantic impresses from part the maturity of her creator. Amazing.”