Tanya Donelly

Tanya Donelly was the driving/creative force behind Belly and has an amazing career to her credit. She, along with her step sister Kristen Hersch formed Throwing Muses, the first American band to be on the 4AD label. Tanya left the Muses because she wanted more creative control and Kristen was the queen bee there. She briefly joined the Breeders for their Pod album, which was Kim Deal's creative vision. Tanya was supposed to do a second album, whcih was to be her baby, but it never happened and she instead formed Belly. Go Belly!

Since Belly disbanded in 1996, Tanya has put out four albums. The first, Lovesongs for Underdogs, was released by Warner in 1997. I just read the review on AMG, that is linked to this page. It's an interesting idea that Belly would have overwhelmed these songs. However, I don't agree with the assessment that nothing stands out. Pretty Deep is a strong opening song that moves well. I think Mysteries of the Unexplained is a beautiful song. It's just one that moves me. Bum is a fast-paced song that's catchy and stands out. I'm listening to the album as I write this. It's been awhile since I've listened to it, but it takes me back to my first days in NYC. It's a great album full of songs that exude Tanya's talent. This is going back into my regular rotation.

Her second solo album, Beauty Sleep, seems to have been better received than her first. Inbetween Lovesongs and Beauty Sleep four and a half years passed and Tanya became a mother. I guess some would argue that this album is more Tanya than Lovesongs, but I don't know that I agree with that 100%. It certainly has that ethereal sound that I associate with Tanya and it's in full display for the opening Life Is But a Dream. The second song, The Storm, would be right at home on Lovesongs. I sort of feel like I'm trying to attack Beauty Sleep to strengthen Lovesongs. I don't want to do that. I enjoy Beauty Sleep immensly.

I will write more about album's three and four later.