The Indigo Files

Indigo Girls Released: February 24, 1989

The girls exploded onto the national music scene with their 1989 self-titled debut album after spending several years as major players in the Atlanta and Southeast areas. This work, powered by the single "Closer to Fine", still their biggest hit to date, won a Grammy for best Contemporary Folk Album. The album begins with Emily's upbeat soul-searcher "Closer to Fine", eases into Amy's powerful reflection on childhood in "Kid Fears", to her passionate, desperate attempt to ease the pain of a lost love in "Blood and Fire", to Emily's take on constant dissatisfaction in "Love's Recovery". As far as intense acoustic music goes, you can't get any better than this.

Strange Fire Epic Release: October 31, 1989

Originally released independently in 1987, this stripped-down and naked folk abum was rereleased by Epic in 1989 minus Emily's "High Horse" and an early version of Amy's "Blood and Fire". (In their place, a cover of the Youngbloods' "Get Together".) This classic album houses two of tree's personal favorite songs, Emily's pretty, floating love song "Crazy Game" and Amy's passionate "Land of Canaan". (Not sure if it means anything that my favorites are Emily singing "I'll wait for you" and Amy singing "I'm not your promised one".) Also not to be missed are the title track, containing Amy's reflections on religion, the playful "I Don't Wanna Know" which Amy co-wrote with Michelle Malone, Emily's plea to God over a lost love in "Hey Jesus", and the very sexy "Walk Away". Without the crowded sound of a full band, the Girls talent shines through and carries this simple yet extremely powerful album.

Nomads*Indians*Saints Released: September 21, 1990

The Girls' second full-length Epic release, Nomads*Indians*Saints is the most underrated Indigo Girls album. However, N*I*S, the last true folk album recorded by the Girls, is much stonger than it gets credit for. Leading off is Emily's inspiring community service encouragement in "Hammer and a Nail", and the Girls probably have never combined for as beautiful harmonies as on Amy's "World Falls". Emily's gorgeous "Southland In The Springtime" celebrates the natural beauty of ol' Dixie, and on "1 2 3" the late great Ellen James Society make a guest appearance. The Girls harmonize about unrest in Emily's "You and Me of the 10,000 Wars", followed by Amy's lament about people "Pushing the Needle Too Far", and the album is rounded out by Emily's solo and moving "The Girl With The Weight of The World In Her Hands".

Indigo Girls Live Back On The Bus, Y'all Released: June 1, 1991

The Girls' first *official* ; ) live album, Back On the Bus, Y'all contains seven tracks recorded live at concerts throughout the Southeast, several (including "1 2 3") with Ellen James Society, as well as a raw cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower". Also included is the studio version of "1 2 3". A nice little EP, BOTBY gives a bit of a taste of the Girls' live shows, as well as blending the genious of EJS with IG in acronym heaven. (Ha!)

Rites of Passage Released: May 12, 1992

Overall, this has to be my personal favorite album. The fun pop sound of "Galileo", the haunting qualities of "Ghost", the almost sinister feel to "Jonas and Ezekial", the soaring harmonies of "Love Will Come To You", Amy's passionate cover of Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet", her moving take on close-mindedness in "Nashville", Emily's cry for political action in "Let It Be Me", there just isn't a bad song on this record. The Girls hit the pop music world with a bang with this album, yet it is one of their more political releases, proving that selflessness can be fun and hip. But over all, there is just a fun, happy quality to this album as well as a pensive one. Just a great album.

Swamp Ophelia Released: May 10, 1994

Swampy fans may be glad to know that I've changed my tune regarding this album. (Okay that was a little corny but it fit.) After listening to live versions of "Language or the Kiss" and "Mystery", I've realized what little jewels these songs are. I even like "Power of Two" now that I heard the hip, rockin' version from Suffragette. (The blessed Kate can do that to a song.) The lesson here: don't judge too quickly; one may have to listen to "Mystery" 200 times first.
I still love the Amy songs on this album. From the intense "Fugitive" to the almost light-hearted "Reunion" to the solemn reflection in "Dead Man's Hill", Amy hits a new high note (no pun intended that time) on this album.

1200 Curfews Live Double Album Released: October 6, 1995

This is the second *official* live album put out by the Girls, a two disc set, and it is one of the best live compilation albums around. (I'm not biased no never lol) Seriously, it is a fine piece, with great versions of all the Girls best songs. From the rockin' breakdown section on the lead track, "Joking", to the crowd chiming in on the "na na nas" on "Least Complicated" to a brilliant cover of Bob Dylan's "Tangled Up In Blue" (don't miss the bluesy part!) to a lonely and naked version of the haunting "Ghost", and on to the second disc which leads off with a playful rendition of "I Don't Wanna Know" with the always effervescent Michelle Malone, to a jammin' cover of Neil Young's "Down By The River" to a cute step into the past with Emily's "Back Together Again", recorded in the early '80s, to a killer ride on the "Midnight Train To Georgia", it doesn't get much better than this. As always, the Girls have several stellar guest stars, adding to this incomparable album. This is a must have for even the most casual of Indigo Girls fans.

Shaming Of The Sun Released: April 29, 1997

The Girls' latest, Shaming is an eclectic mix of rock and folk as Amy and Emily whip out and rock down on a whole lot of instruments, many of which have never found their way on to an IG album before. Banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy, piano...the list goes on. The good gals show off their growing talents as Emily picks up the banjo on the lead track and hit single "Shame On You" as well as "Get Out The Map", with Amy joining on her mandolin. Emily also shows her versatility with the hurdy gurdy on the piano based (that's right, I said piano) "Leeds". Amy's versatility also shows through in the variety of rockers, including "Shame On You", "Shed Your Skin", and "Scooter Boys" (the three S's), as well as her ballads such as "Don't Give That Girl A Gun" and "Hey Kind Friend". This diverse and electric mix would be my recommendation for those who would like to get into the Girls but do a half shudder at the thought of folk music.