Cabin In The Woods

Retsin is Tara Jane O'Neil (Rodan as well as solo efforts) and Cynthia Nelson (Naysayer and Ruby Falls). Home recording techniques that Tara Jane O'Neil honed in the making of her debut solo record, "The Naysayer," and Karla Schickele’s (Ida) solo debut, came in handy in capturing the acoustic beauty of old guitars, banjos, and violins reverberating off the A-frame wood ceilings. Actual insect choruses appear, along with the occasional four-wheel drive crossing the bridge, and drop-in guests (Liz Mitchell and Ida Pearle of Ida) all add even more homi-ness and smoky flavor to the already intimate interchange of Retsin lifers Tara Jane and Cynthia. Their songs elevate the daily observations of both city and country life to the point beyond familiar, wherein you could never have spoken of things that way yourself, but now they're dangling in your head entrenched in catchiness.

Their skills as acoustic musicians have improved wildly over the years. Tara Jane has become renowned for her fingerpicking on guitar and banjo, while Cynthia's knack for melodic decoration/percussive additions has been sharpened by her work in the Naysayer. Gorgeously understated har-monies abound. Lyrics about hard-travellin' and city livin', and looking for a long time at your own hand. They've grown into Folkies. Respect them.