home  /  Navigate Our Site Site Map Home News Information Discography Media Coverage Images & Sounds In The Night Live Chat Contact The Hope Blister: Smile's OK A covers collection. Dagger (Halstead) Only Human (Berry) Outer Skin (Knox) Sweet Unknown (Shaw/Shaw) Let the Happiness In (Sylvian) Is Jesus Your Pal? (D.J.H.T.G.T) Spider and I (Eno) Hanky Panky Nohow (Cale) released : ?? ?? 1998 x CD © 1993 Arista ASCD-2644 "A sequel to his This Mortal Coil project, the Hope Blister was led by 4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell, who this time out chose to dispense with a revolving ensemble approach in favor of assembling a core lineup consisting of vocalist Louise Rutkowski, bass virtuoso Laurence O'Keefe and cellist/arranger Audrey Riley. The Hope Blister debuted in 1998 with the covers collection ...smile's ok. — Jason Ankeny ALL MUSIC GUIDE Though the Hope Blister is technically a continuation of 4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell's project This Mortal Coil, its small, steady lineup of musicians and focus on covers sets it apart from his previous project. Smile's ok, the Hope Blister's 1998 debut, takes this seemingly restrictive concept and integrates into the larger 4AD vision, thanks to the return of former This Mortal Coil vocalist Louise Rutkowski and the album's versions of labelmates' songs. Heidi Berry's "Only Human" and "Dagger" by Neil Halstead (of Slowdive and the label's own Mojave 3) receive new readings, while "Is Jesus Your Pal," by Iceland's Slow Blow, was also covered by the label's Gus Gus. "Sweet Unknown," written by the similarly ethereal Cranes, is also remade on smile's ok. The album's sparse instrumentation, which includes Laurence O'Keefe's subtle bass and Audrey Riley's cello playing and string arrangements, convey great emotion with little clutter. For Watts-Russell and crew, as well as 4AD, the Hope Blister is a natural progression, and a welcome one. — Heather Phares ALL MUSIC GUIDE back © 2001 Starblood.org.  Disclaimer.  Site Credits.  Designed by Jessie.