Onion Dream

Album Review

Although 2001's Onion Dream isn't Meghan Cary's first release, it is the singer/songwriter's first full-length album; her first release, 1998's New Shoes, was an EP. For recording artists, full-length albums are more of a creative challenge than EPs because the artist needs to hold the listener's attention for a longer period of time. It is easier to be consistent for 21 minutes (which is how long New Shoes lasts) than for 47 minutes (which is how long Onion Dream lasts). But making the transition from an EP (or mini-album, to use a term that was popular in the '70s) to a full-length album was a challenge that Cary was obviously ready for. Onion Dream not only makes good on the promise of New Shoes, it is even stronger. Cary wrote all 11 of the songs on this CD, and her writing is solid on reflective, poignant tracks like "Sorrow's Waltz," "Quiet of the Lie," and "Lori's Song." Many of the tunes are melancholy, although the infectious "You Don't Know Me" demonstrates that Cary is quite capable of providing something that is upbeat and optimistic; it is one of the few tracks that thrives on feel-good optimism. Cary's influences remain the same; 10,000 Maniacs and Indigo Girls were prominent influences on New Shoes, and their influence is equally beneficial on Onion Dream. Cary, who plays acoustic guitar on some of the material, co-produced this CD with Kevin Lacy; thankfully, they don't over-produce. Cary has an earthy, unpretentious approach to folk-rock and Americana, and she does herself a favor by avoiding an overly slick production style on this impressive release.