Ralph Interviews The
McGarrigles 1996

RALPH, ALBERT & SYDNEY
Kate & Anna McGarrigle

Dancer with Bruised Knees
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Release Date: 1977
Release Info: Warner Brothers 3014
Billboard Review: 3/12/1977
This is the second LP by this talented sisterly songwriter team, whose works have been interpreted by Linda Ronstadt and Maria Muldaur, and it's as beautiful as the Quebec countryside where they were raised. Music and lyrics (some in French) are tender, evocative, longing, cynical, and exotic in a charmingly stylized folk singing vein, Joe Boyd (who co-produces Muldaur) turns in a fine production job. Best cuts: "Dancer With Bruised Knees," "Southern Boys," "Be My Baby," "Kitty Come Home,"

French Record
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Release Date: 1980
AMG Review
Many McGarrigle fans cite this as their favorite, even if they don't speak French. The Canadian-based sisters are expressively at home in the country's other language, and this may be the most musical of their albums. William Ruhlmann


Heartbeats Accelerating
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Release Date: 1990
Release Info: Private Music 2070-2-P
AMG Review
Eight years later, the McGarrigles have adopted a more new-age sound, with extensive synthesizer programming. The sound may be lush and modern, but the sentiments are still deeply felt and the observations remain laser-sharp. William Ruhlmann
Billboard Review: 12/11/90
Sisters wrap their angelic pipes around some homespun yet heartfelt folk-pop melodies, ably supported by a low-key Canadian band. Entire production is subtly satisfying, with title cut, poignant "I Eat Dinner," and "Love Is" tailor-made items for public radio and mature AC. A nice bouquet for the McGarrigles' cult of long standing.


Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Release Date: 1975
Release Info: Hannibal HNCDA4O1
AMG Review
This album was Melody Maker's pick for Best Record of 1975, and it's hard to argue with that choice when you listen to the tart harmonies and solo singing on one of the best songwriting collections ever. From Anna's famous "Heart Like a Wheel" to Kate's bouncy "Kiss and Say Goodbye," the songs paint a deeply felt, highly detailed portrait of life and romance. A revelation when it was released and a classic today. William Ruhlmann

Love over and Over
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Release Date: 1983
Release Info: Polydor 1062,1982
AMG Review
The first English-language record the sisters had done in several years found them rocking harder (Mark Knoi,fler of Dire Straits was a prominent guest star), but the layoff had also given them time to write a strong set of songs that found new things to say about love and motherhood William Ruhlmann

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