If you have been to a performance by Caren and you would like to write a review, we'd love to publish it on these pages. Also, we'd love to publish your review of Independent Girl. Just Email us your review and we'll put it in this space (though we may edit it a bit- no it ain't the bad reviews we fear, its more a space issue).

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dear caren
i wept when I listened to you perform 'I'm Leaving Lincoln County' yesterday in Atlanta and I couldn't even hear all the lyrics. It was this 'haunting' melody that brought tears to my eyes ... and, now I find, carries your words with such ease. What a beautiful .... beautiful song.
Your melodies and lyrics seem to spring from a well of experience that you have crystalized and made pure in the telling. I just wanted to tell you that you moved my soul and touched my heart with your songs. I could not imagine a higher compliment from another human being. I hope I have made your heart sing with this small gesture of thanks, on my part. I swear .... at $15 a pop, your CD is a STEAL!
namaste,
rg

Dear Ms. Armstrong,
I am the proud owner of your self-produced cassette entitled "MY OWN VOICE." About a year ago, a friend came across your tape at a used book/music store, and purchased it for me, knowing I'd like it. Thanks to the marvels of the internet, I was able to find your website, in hopes that this was somehow still available, and available on CD at that. Alas, I discovered it's not even mentioned on your site, but am thrilled at the news of your most recent effort, "INDEPENDENT GIRL," which I will be purchasing after next payday (funny, how money's that way, eh?).
I just want to tell you that I have thoroughly enjoyed this tape -- I especially love the song "Enlightenment Blues." May your future endeavors prosper, and that you always keep singing.
Sincerely,
David W. Bruce

Dear Caren,
What a joyful and moving performance! I did cry at some of your songs and I did laugh at your jokes and I was uplifted by your energy and spirit. Thank you so much from me and Nora. She was a tired girl, studying overtime for exams, but glad she came. Me too, especially because I got to hear your new songs. I love how real-world they are--so vivid and varied (in their subject matter), so emotionally honest (without being corny), so intelligent and loving (even the angry ones). I am really awe-struck by your gift as a song-writer. Thank you so much, Caren.
hugs
ramsay
(editor's note: ramsay is talking about the Freight & Salvage concert on 01/13/01)

Artist:
Caren Armstrong 		Venue:
Freight & Salvage
Berkeley, CA
Reviewer:
Tom "Doc" Campbell 		Date:
01/13/01
NUMB!! That is the only word I can think of that expresses the feeling I had after leaving Caren's show at the Freight & Salvage Saturday night. If you were there you know what I'm talking about, if you weren't you should have been. As a music junkie, I have been to hundreds of shows and concerts in my life, some good, some great, some no so good and some that I'd rather not remember. But I can say, without fear of doubt, that Caren's show on Saturday night at the Freight and Salvage, in Berkeley, was the finest musical performance I have ever seen. Her passion, presence, professionalism, her sexy, sultry, and oh so sensuous stage presence, her incredible talent and songwriting, the power and force of her music, and the emotional roller coaster one rides through her musical journey of self expression, and feelings of life leaves you numb and reeling from the experience. Add to this the incredible guitar work of Nina Gerber, a fabulous performer in her own right; the two of them playing back and forth off each other made for an incredible show, an stunning, visual, vocal and emotional gut wrenching experience I'll never forget. Believe me when I say Caren Armstrong ROCKS!!! -Doc

rose

It gives me great pleasure to comment on this CD. Having played her first 2 releases until they are nearly worn out. It is wonderful to hear another round of well chosen pieces blended so finly together.

I find the entire CD a hauntingly memorable experience. By the 2nd song, "you don't have to close your eyes" she has my full attention; and each time I listen I feel a different emotion. With gripping lyrics she creates images that tear at ones soul and then turns that emotion inward - by relating the feeling to a personal one. As gently as she emotes...it amazes me how easily tears of joy and pain come from me.

From the first time I heard Caren perform...at the Freight & Salvage...she captured my musical interest. She is precise and driven, and yet her delivery is one of simplicity and grace. Her charm glows thru her music and those who care to listen are lifted by her sense of reality, her wit and her exquisite technique on guitar.

May their be many more to follow.
Connie

"I'm one of those lucky guys who have a two CD ride to work", he said, sarcastically. But that's the price you pay for living somewhere beautiful. Therefore, I have to listen to good music on the road to get through the ride.

"Independent Girl" is one of those CD's I put in when I leave my house in the morning, and listen to (twice) all the way to work. Driving through the county with the sun rising over my shoulder, the sky blue, the grasses green, and the quiet sounds of morning all combine to accentuate the beautiful melodies, and haunting words of this incredible CD.

In "Independent Girl", Caren Armstrong unleashes all the passion and soul of her being. The beauty and sadness of "Leaving Lincoln County", the tenderness of "I Feel Your Love" and "It's A Long, Long Way", the dangerous "Don't Go To Sleep", the brutal honesty of "Slipping Away", "I Can't Stop Thinking About You", and "Pound Of Flesh" all combine with the other tunes to make this a keeper. This is an excellent CD that belongs in everyone's collection, but perhaps the biggest compliment I can give it is "There isn't a bad song on the whole CD, hell, there isn't even a mediocre one".
-Doc