Elisa Peimer

SKINNED BACK: We love the fact that singer/songwriter Elisa Peimer tells it like it is in her songs. The woman simply does not mince words. For proof, all one needs to do is investigate her first full-length album, "Shed This Skin."

The project offers a truly gorgeous array of nicely crafted songs that are underlined by lyrics far smarter and more clever than your average confessional pop. Peimer has developed an appealing vocal style that sees her glide with notable ease from white-knuckled belting to seductive whispers.

Peimer has earned high marks for taking her music to the clubs of New York. She's become a staple at venues that include Mercury Lounge, Fez, Arlene Grocery, and CB's Gallery.

Adding to the artist's increasing profile is the use of two cuts on the album - "Leaving Here Tomorrow" and "Lullaby" - on the daytime dramas, "As The World Turns," "Another World," and "Guiding Light."

- Larry Flick

WOW. This girl is talented. Elisa Peimer, from New York City, is able to successfully combine her folksy, country, ballad sound with a touch of classy soul and turn it into a smooth-sounding CD. Peimer’s CD, "Shed Your Skin,"has gotten considerable airplay on NYC stations and she supplements this with frequent, popular appearances at bookstores and clubs. I can hear strains of Indigo Girls and Paula Cole in her story-telling vocals that leave you wanting to hear more and more from her.

Type of Music: soft folk with a pop-py streak

Hometown: New York City

Highs: The first track is an incredible use of gentle-sounding vocals that speak some great lyrics. This where I first heard the Indigo Girls’ influence that she pulls off in a big way. The beautiful piano beginning on "Close" pulled me into a song that is a simple love ballad with a twinge of country woven through it. In every track, Elisa’s gentle voice flows over the well-meshed guitars, drums and bass from her excellent band. In "Driving in the Rain," Elisa describes perfectly the feeling you feel when you’re driving just to drive, as if driving will take away your worries. On "Last Train to Baltimore," a soul-packed ballad with
southern blues written all over it, I had to check the CD cover to make sure it wasn’t a cover of some 1930s blues single.

Lows: As the Elisa progresses, she will vary the styles of her songs even more and continue to bring several musical genres to her songs.

Favorite Lines: "You didn’t want to jump because you didn’t want to fall" is a great line from the first track, "Lose My Way," that perked up my ears and made me want to listen to what she was talking about because I think everyone can relate to that statement.

Who would love it: Lots of fans here, I think. Fans of the Indigo Girls, Paula Cole, and any other earthy girl singer will fall in love with Elisa’s easy-to-listen-to sound.

Foes: Elisa Peimer is not going to win over any Megadeath or Metallica fans, but then again, she doesn’t want to.

Keep your eyes open for this Elisa Peimer, but, more importantly, buy her debut album "Shed this Skin," which she’s plugging in NYC to rave reviews. She getting some airplay around the country, so after you check out the CD, call your local new music station and tell them to play some Elisa Peimer.

- Maureen Keller

I'm rarely impressed by an artist, but I was blown away when I heard Elisa Peimer. I would not be surprised to see Elisa on a major label soon! If you want to hear some great music, I suggest you go out and buy Elisa's 4 song CD, which is self-ntitled Elisa Peimer and her full length CD entitled "Shed The Skin". This is some of the best music I've heard this year.

Elisa Peimer's style could be compared to artists, such as Jewel or Sarah McGaughlen in genre, however her songs are stronger lyrically, vocally and musically. I found on Elisa's first 3 song CD "Leaving Here Tomorrow" to be a highly moving ballad, which I was compelled to listen to time and time again. It came as no surprise that Elisa's had a great deal of success with that song in film and television. I recently listened to Elisa's new CD entitled "Shed The Skin". This CD was full of cleverly written songs that were highly commercial and relateable. I felt Elisa took me through a roller coaster ride of emotions with her highly visual lyrics that we can all relate to, but are written in her own unique way. Her voice is strong and beautiful at the same time.

I loved all the songs on the 13 track CD "Shed The Skin" and could see any of them becoming radio hits. My favorite track is track 11 "Damage", this song is very cleverly written and most people can relate to going out with someone who is "damaged". It is a rock song with moody tempo changes. It's an all around wonderful song. I also loved track track 4 "Cellar Door" a song with a driving force and written in a unique poetic way with wonderful tempo changes, track 3 "Close" and 13 "Cracked" are beautifully sung ballads, and track 7 "Driving In The Rain" is another favorite of mine, but they were all wonderful songs with top hit potential.

I have no doubt Elisa will be a big star! Remember her name, because I'm sure she's going to be huge! In fact when I speak of her, I always say she's going to make it in this business. I rarely listen to music for shear pleasure due to the large amount of music we listen to, but I find myself listening to Elisa's music and really enjoying it. Do yourself a favor and check her out, you'll be glad you did!

- Mary Ann Thomas