Drive TV Vancouver - Sarah with Sarah MacDougall
@ the (new) cultch
July 27th 2009

http://www.myspace.com/sarahmacdougall

Some reviews and quotes about Sarah MacDougall:

"The Stockholm syndrome

Sweden and Canada share a few things - harsh winters and a love of Americana music are two obvious ones. MacDougall born in Sweden and living in Vancouver doubles the love. When I first heard her voice on this record 'The Ballad of Sherri' it was shrouded, a scratchy sound - one string guitar sounding like it was recorded in a cardboard box, her voice still entranced and when the full colour version arrives later in the song, it was too late, I was already smitten. Any remnants of reluctance were dissolved by 'Ramblin'' which is built from a pool of tears and has the kind of chorus that breaks hearts and connects at some emotional level. She sings 'I don't want to be alone anymore' and I'm checking flight times to BC whilst making favourable comparisons to Neko Case. MacDougall is dramatic though in a more matter of fact way - it just so happens that she has a beautiful voice - The songs aren't so much showcases for her voice, the voice is put to work in the service of the songs.

Heartbreak is what she does. 'I've Got Sorrow' is a lament where she cradles the lyrics with the passion and devotion of someone holding on to the hand of a loved one who is slipping away. She questions mortality on Crow's Lament' where she wonders where birds go to die and says 'Goodbye Julie' with an air of finality and no small measure of tenderness as she goes deeper and higher than she does elsewhere. She'll be crossing the Atlantic to tour England throughout May and June and with this record acting as a primer it'd be just as well getting your tickets early." - AMERICANA UK, DAVID COWLING

"MacDougall s latest effort, Across the Atlantic (due out in early 2009 on Copperspine Records) is a moving blend of Scandinavian folk and indie Americana. From sing-a-long ditties to heart-breaking epics, Across the Atlantic gracefully highlights the