Stranger Things Have Happened by Athena Reich

Athena tours constantly across North America, and has opened for Sarah McLauchlan and Jim Carrey. She is author and star of "Athena Under Attack" (a one-act rock opera about 9/11, cycles of abuse & peace) that has been produced by various theaters and festivals across the continent. Most recently, Athena released her 3rd CD, "Stranger Things Have Happened" which features a full band with quirky string and horn arrangements. She has been featured in the Montreal Gazette, She Magazine, GO NYC, Big Breakfast TV and more. And, she just got a national distribution deal with Goldenrod music! Athena is constantly pushing boundaries, mocking taboo, and spitting truth.

REVIEWS

"Pop in an Athena Reich disc, and expect talent, originality, a thought-provoking jolt here and there and possibly a touch of offense sprinkled in for good measure...Her latest disc, Stranger Things Have Happened, mirrors (an) unabashed approach to tackling life. There's a sonic slice of everything, from ska, folk, pop, punk and cabaret woven into tunes from the delicate insight of Blue Eyed String of Pearls and the quirky, sweet-natured Back to Canada to the raging, profanity-laced Contra*dick*tions and the downright odd Limbs. Songwriting strengths can't be denied. Reich's mastery of blending genres is remarkable, as is her knack of pouring the right amount of expression into her vocal performance. Her voice matches the stylistic fluctuations from elegant and polished to gritty and unrestrained. Witness the sheer vocal gymnastics she wields in Merry Go Round... Listeners may wince at some of what Reich offers up, but her refusal to let her creativity know boundaries - of any kind - will attract more." - Red Deer Express

"Musical contortionist and self-described "anarcho-feminist and cabaret-punk pop star," Athena Reich serves up a delightful buffet of bravado and bliss on Stranger Things Have Happened. Theatrical and thrilling, Reich hams it up like a natural born drama queen, but knows how to keep it in check, as is clear from opening track "The Ballad of Chicken Shower." Reich also has a rough and tumble rocker persona which she whips out on "Contra*Dick*Tions" and "Anarchy." In terms of sheer musical variety and enthusiastic performance, Reich rules." - Baltimore OUTloud

"There are a couple of things that make Athena Reich stand out among the wasteland of today's music industry. Those are her look, the structure and content of the songs on this album, and her stunningly impressive voice. Her voice is really what makes the difference between a four ranking and a perfect five ranking on our system. The album itself (Stranger Things Have Happened) is very good. It has the balance of a psychiatric ward as it flows from emotional music to an insane outburst, to some disturbingly funny lyrics, back to emotional music. The album can best be described as a Broadway musical on acid...We here at Thebrandonshow.com give the album a 5/5 and can't wait to hear the next album." TheBrandonShow.com

"Athena Reich is an original artist. Her style is hard to pin down with one label, but that's just fine. On her record we get sensitive ballads, angry punk songs and cabaret pearls. Her voice and approach is refreshingly unique...This album is a striking piece of work." - Luna Kafe, Sweden

"This woman is odd...and I mean that in the best way possible. I mean, with a song title like "The Ballad of Chicken Shower" I guess you don't need me to tell you that. That song is a cute little waltz that actually includes some squawking. Her voice is as unique as her song stylings. It's perfect for the songs, which range from pop to punk to ballads. Many with a cabaret-ish feel." - Collected Sounds Rea

"Stranger Things Have Happened is Reich's quirkiest, liveliest, and most fully integrated project to date. Combining folk, punk, ska, pop, and cabaret, Reich intertwines her exceptional musicianship into gorgeous and innovative melodies." Outsmart Magazine

PLAYERS

Athena Reich: vocals, guitar (tracks 4 & 11)

Greg Pliska: piano

Cordell Hennebury: guitar

Jean Cyr: bass

John Fraboni: drums

Francine Kay: piano (track 7)

Tim Halliday: cello

Madeleine Messier: Violin

Sean Craig: sax

Dave Mossing: trumpet

Bruce Pepper: trombone

CREDITS

Produced by Athena Reich and Greg Pliska.

String and Horn arrangements by Greg Pliska.

Recorded by Paul Johnston at PJ Studios and Hendrick Hassert Studios in Montreal.

Vocals recorded by Mere and Touch at Running Water Lab in Stamford, CT.

Vocals edited by Denise Barbarita in New York.

Piano for "I am Just a Hole" recorded at Manhattan Beach Recording in New York.

Mixed by Gary Maurer at Stratosphere Studios in New York.

Mastered by Rick Rowe at Media Lab in New York.

Manufactured at Play-itProductions.net.

CD design by KneesandToes.org

Photography by Denise Grant, Jesse Harold, Mebeeb.com, and Athena Reich.

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