Reflecting the growth Amy Ray and Emily Saliers experienced during the late '80s and early '90s as songwriters and as performers, Swamp Ophelia finds the duo feeling more experimental, and also more relaxed. Guests like Lisa Germano (violin, mandolin), Jane Scarpantoni (cello), and Jane Siberry (vocals) assist in creating a satisfying and full sound. Songs like the romantic "Power of Two" and Amy's solo venture "Fare Thee Well" would do Jackson Browne proud. The Roches add a lovely vocal layer to "Reunion," and bongos and percussion give the bouncy "Least Complicated" an interesting texture. The darker tones of "Dead Man's Hill," with its haunting melodica and tom-toms, provide needed contrast to the lighter moods in the collection. Their harmonies are a delight, and the closer, "This Train (Revised)," is a wonderful, energetic nod to Woody Guthrie.--Lorry Fleming

The Indigo Girls are always consistent, putting out albums that are always a high quality mix of folk and rock. On "Swamp" most of the album is acoustic and rather quiet. There are a couple of more rocking tunes on the disc, but this is a rather low key album for the most part. Several tracks that continue to be staples of the girls live show are here including the sing along ditty "Least Complicated" and the pleasant "Power Of Two". If you are a fan of what the Indigo Girls do then you should enjoy this album. If you are not, this is not a disc that will probably change your mind. There are other Indigo Girls albums that I like better, but this is certainly another solid release.

Probably the best album that this group has put out. All of the tracks are decent and it pulls you through from beginning to end. Worth your money.

I like a few of the songs off this CD, but it is by far their best effort. For me it was very much same song, second verse. I appreciate that their laid back lyrical style has persisted over decades, now, but beyond about three tracks on this CD, I found it boring. Just not for me.

The Indigo Girls have consistently churned out great album after great album throughout their career, but Swamp Ophelia holds as their best album. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have very distinct writing styles, yet each serves as a compliment to the other. Amy's guts as a vocalist and a songwriter shine on "Reunion" & "Fugitive". Emily's gift of melodic guitar and intricate harmonies flow on "Mystery" & "Least Complicated". On Swamp Ophelia, the diverse writing styles of the girls is blended seamlessly from track to track. Swamp Ophelia's showcases are "The Wood Song" & "This Train Revisited" - two songs that couldn't be more different, more powerful, nor more perfect to represent their writers and the glorious album they appear on. Amy & Emily, thank you both for the wonderful music you create & thank you for this classic album.

I rediscovered this record while I was studying for an exam. I'd forgotten how textured and yet melodic it is. Truly one of their very best; they haven't rocked this hard since then. (No, the forgettable "Despite Our Differences" doesn't count.) Who can forget the insane rockout on "Touch Me Fall" and the wonderful "This Train Revised"? Then there are the classics "Least Complicated" and "Power of Two". Pure perfection.