Collected Sounds

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

There is something familiar about Kristi Rae's voice, but I can't seem to place it. At times I am reminded of Dar Williams. But that might be because these songs, like Dar's, are story songs for the most part. The vocals and lyrics play more of a roll than the guitar playing. That's not to say the guitar playing isn't good, it is. It just knows when to stay in the background is all.

Kristi Rae sometimes uses that effect where her voice is either amplified oddly or there are layers of vocals singing in unison. It's an interesting technique and gives a bit of an eerier quality to the songs in which it's used. ('No Sun Today' is a good example).

'The Ballad of Cherokee Bill' has a sweet sound that feels very cheery.

'All the Paths' is a standout perhaps because of its minor keys and slighting haunting sound. This might be my favorite, at least today. It's simple, yet complicated. Very nice.

I noticed that Tim and Terri Dittmar (of Annabella) play on this record and Tim helped produce, engineer and mix it. Sweet!

In fact this whole record has got a sort of sweet sensibility to it. Even though the songs aren't always happy.

From http://From www.spacecityrock.com

First off, a tidbit of information that may be useful to the reader: Kristi Rae is indeed female; it isn't some clever name for an all-male band or anything. So all of you folks out there that are now rolling your eyes and thinking "OMG, not another chick band" to yourselves can move along and find something more testosterone-filled. I think that female singers and female bands get a bad rap, and in the case of Kristi Rae, it's definitely unwarranted. Various Means of Transportation maybe a bit rough around the edges, but it's ethereal and stirring at the same time, like some of the landscapes in her home state of Texas.
Kristi's voice and supporting guitar make me think of time spent in front of campfires or afternoons lazing about underneath lush green trees; a beautiful soundtrack from happier times. It's ironic, really, considering that the general theme of this CD is the living of a life that hasn't been easy, a bumpy road that most people would never want to drive down. It gives you a certain innate sense of self, a quality that most people can't put their finger on but find themselves quite drawn to at the same time.
Instead of relying on a loud rhythm section or screaming, piercing vocals, Various Means of Transportation conveys the message of growth and strength through its words, through the underlying conviction in her vocals, and through its simplicity. It's hard to single out one song above any other, since the entire thing seems to stand as one piece. I'd liken it to trying to pick out just one chapter in your favorite book. It's meant to be taken as a whole -- one vision from start to finish -- and that's really the only way to experience it properly. Definitely folksy but never preachy or gimmicky, Kristi Rae sounds most like Poe (but acoustic and stripped down) to me, and that's definitely a good thing. (JR)

This CD is surrounding me currently. I'm often in my studio drawing throughout the night, and as Kristi's music echoes into my walls, my artwork flows out with simultaneously serene and intense forces. I listen to her in my house as I wake in the morning, in my car as I cruise Austin, and the music is in my head in between. Yes, I love this.

The music and lyrics are very complementary. There is a transcendental vibe of human emotion and sincerity that is haunting and pure. If this 1st cd is any indication of future projects, Kristi is definitley on her way to positively impacting the lives of others!

This artist allows you to look into her soul through her songs. She shows true vulnerability without sounding weak. Both lyrically and musically these songs are strong, poetic and true. This c.d. has not left my c.d. player since I received it. Simply awesome!