The Dead Swim is Caron Vikre's fifth entry into an already im- pressive CD library. Caron has been around in the Sacramento music scene for many years and during that time her band has undergone many transforma- tions, which is evident if you listen to any of her past CD's. This is the first disc she has re- leased without the heavy infu- ence of usual producer/arranger David Houston. Anton Barbeau has stepped in to produce The Dead Swim, and with delightful results.

The evolution of Caron's music is very apparent and it is a treat to hear a new found rawness on this disc. A few of the tracks ("The Hurt", "Bloodbath" and "Insult To Injury") have a strong AntBar influence. The musical arrangementon "Bloodbath"isa fresh turn for Caron, but it was disappointing to hear her vocals distorted with effects throughout the entire song.

Caron is arguably one of Sacramento's best singer/ songwriters. This CD will not disappointfaithful Caron fans and will intrigue new listeners too. She has a beautiful trance-like quality to her voice that is show- cased in songs like "In the Wide, Wide Open", "Far Away", "James" and "Head Above Wa- ter". Her lyrics are always inter- esting and profound. She has a great talent for writing a pop sounding tune with lyrics that are serious and sad - "When outspoken, skin is broken" ("Bloodbath"), and "I didn't know my heart could break into such small pieces, little bits of no mat- ter, puzzled by your careless- ness" ("The Hurt").

The synth sequencing that had been such a dominating influ- ence on Caron's prior releases is absent from The DeadSwim. The resultant change is a fresh and welcome sound. Caron has released an excellent CD that is well worth a listen.
---by Mari Maggiora
Valley Music News Jan/Feb 2000
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CD (ml 0005) $14.99 To Place an order, note Title and cat. # select ORDER FORM: Or Call Toll Free: (800) 611-4698

Harmony Ridge Music e-mail: hrmusic@rahul.net

Caron Vikre (1991 ML 0001 )
Check out the Real Audio Sound Sample

1. Hiding Place (4:19)
2. Born Yesterday (4:35)
3. Ghost Of Hope (3:45)
4. Secret Wish (3:07)
5. Goodnight Kiss (4:35)
6. Rag Shadow (4:08)
7. Stay With Me (4:35)
8. State Of Grace (3:05)
9. Love And Devotion (5:00)
10. Silent Hour (4:00)
11. Midnight In The Woods (2:50)
12. No Going Home (3:42)
13. Mercy Baby (4:28)
14. City And The Town (4;48)

These songs were recorded live direct to a two track D.A.T. machine, somewhere between 1989 and 1990.

The following musicians kindly contributed to this project-

BAND 1(tracks 1,4,6,7,8,10,11)

CARoN V1KRE......lead vocals
DAVID HOUSTON......guitars. keyboards
GILDA TAFFET......guitar
LANCE TABER......lead guitar
MATT DILLION......bass
SCOTT WEST......keyboards
STEVE MITCHELL......drums
KATHY ELZEY......vocals
GAIL GEORGE......vocals

BAND 2 (tracks 2,3,5,9,12,13,14)

CARoN VIKRE......lead vocals
DAVID HOUSTON......nylon guitar,keyboard programming
RAY ELZEY......electric guitar
KATHY ELZEY......vocals
GAIL GEORGE......vocals

All SONGS WRITTEN BY CARoN VlKRE

Produced and arranged by David Houston Engineered by David Houston and Ray Elzey

Vocal arrangements - Kathy Elzey and Gail George
Front and back cover photo - Daniel Ray Tinney
Art Direction/Inside photos - Hank Tovar Logo - David McNeill
Front and back cover layout Wallrich & Landi Design
Inside layout - Matt Casner at AlphaGraphics

Recorded at MOON STUDIOS, Sacramento.California. Mastered by Ron McMaster at Capitol Records, Hollywood.CA
© 1990
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CD (ml 0001) $14.99 To Place an order, note Title and cat. # select ORDER FORM: Or Call Toll Free: (800) 611-4698

Harmony Ridge Music e-mail: hrmusic@hrmusic.com

Saqqara (1992 ML 0001 )
Check out the Real Audio Sound Sample

1. Going Blind (3:22)
2. Goodmorning World (4:00)
3. Little Murders (4:24)
4. St. Helena's Garden (5:05)
5. Always a Mystery (4:09)
6. Jesus On Dolores Street (3:47)
7. In The Arms Of Angels (4:08)
8. Grave Robber (4:48)
9. Patience (3:55)
10. Every Little Bit Hurts (3:40)
11. Leaving Val. I. (3:51)
12. Snake Charming (4:06)