This Is My Hand

This is an incredible selection of unique music from a great artist. The vinyl record itself arrived in shockingly poor quality, however. The packaging was in tact, but the record sleeve was bent and full of deep creases from being improperly stored. The disc was slightly warped and had cardboard bits stuck all over it, even though the album was shrink wrapped. Thankfully, sound quality wasn't too bad and it is a welcome addition to my collection.

I honestly can't say anything critical about this album. I've been a long time listener and every time I pop in MBD I get attached to each tune, this album is no exception. I love the range and vocals, and I'm always pleased with the variety of each album. I'm glad they don't play this sh*t on the radio, it's far too good for the masses.

Heard Shara Worden live in July, and then again in September with her band -- she's simply amazing! It's harder to get the recordings convey what a remarkable and subtle performer she is! However, this album, of all of hers, comes closest. Could not get several of her songs out of my mind for days -- thank you Shara, and looking forward to your voyage forward!

I really like this, but I like some strange things. Is it Rock? Absolutely. Is it Avant Garde? Definitely. Do you like Mark Stewart and Eroc? You'll like it too.

Great voice, innovative sounds. My Brightest Diamond should be a bigger act with more airplay.

I was introduced to this artist by a local publication........I checked it out on youtube.com and was sold on the ladys' creativity, and agreeable attitude. Thanks!

Fantastic album by the always great My Brightest Diamond. I love the more percussive sound on this album; it only adds to the beauty of Shara's vocals.

Saved me in one of my life transitions. Do inspiring, thanks Shara!

I always approach new CDs featuring Shara Worden with a weird mixture of excitement and trepidation. You are never sure what you are going to get. Yes, that wonderful voice that comfortably crosses the disciplines of pop and classical is ever-present, but the music - what is going to be going on with the music?In the past Shara has chosen to back her creations as My Brightest Diamond with everything from rock to trip hop, and most things in between - sometimes all within the time limits of one song! It can be both exhilarating and exhausting. However, when it clicks into place it is a wonderful thing - and when it doesn't it can be a car crash.Thankfully, there are far more moments of magnificence on This Is My Hand than there are failures. The backing is more considered for a start, although just as creative, and occasionally challenging, as before. The textures are also warmer with grater use of woodwind, strings and brass, and even the 'out there' production ideas never stray into the kind of jarring realms that her sometime employer, Sufjan Stevens, has got rather bogged down in.Nevertheless, she could still do with some of Sufjan's song-writing craft and ability to provide a truly killer lyric or melody. For me, Shara comes closest to hitting a high when she strips things back and gets to the heart of the song, such as on the title track.A true artiste, I doubt whether this CD is going to trouble the mainstream (Shara remains far too quirky for that), but it is a record that a very large niche audience might like to hear. Spread the word.Score: 3.5/5

Shara Worden is indeed a Diamond. Rare and powerfully beautiful. Each of her projects has a colour and flavour of its own. And each is incredibly wonderful. 2014 sees her totally on top of her game - in fact she's mining that rare seam, that purple patch of a talent in full flow.She nails it on this album. From the song-writing, to the performance, to the production. It is a total treat. Such a shame that most people won't ever get to know this even exists. But for those that do, you are the lucky few.The "None More Than You" EP from earlier in the summer was my favourite work of hers up to this point, even eclipsing the amazing Tear It Down remix album. But this tour de force takes everything up a gear. I do hope more people get to hear this extraordinary thing of exquisite beauty, but if not... then I am so glad I came across her work eight years ago.

DIve into it. It's fantastic.

Was soll man sagen. Diese Künstlerin ist immer wieder toll. Man muss sich ein wenig hineinhören und ein Faible für ihre Stimme haben. Übrigens ist die Künstlerin auch live der Hammer.

Neo-Celtic ambient Gothic pop,... like a slow motion collision between Laurie Anderson and Apocalyptica!