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"In the days of trite lyrics and formulaic melodies, Over the Rhine shines like a light in the darkness. The Virgin/Backporch re-release of its critically acclaimed independent album, Good Dog Bad Dog, encompasses every human experience--pain, joy, loss and love. ... In the song "Latter Days" vocalist Karin Bergquist sings, "I'm dyin inside to leave you with more than just clichés." Bergquist and band member/producer Linford Detweiler don't have to worry about that. The album is a passionate collection of honest, unconditional songs."
- Jen Waters, Patriot News, Harrisburg PA (full review here)

"This band's real river is not the Rhine but the Ohio--they're from Cincinnati--and they write and play a luxuriously slowed-down kind of pop-rock that will appeal hugely... Not to be missed."
- John Stifler, Hampshire Gazette, Northampton MA

"Thirteen examples of the haunting and hypnotic folk-pop that has won Over the Rhine respect from fans nation-wide. On songs like "Latter Days" and "Poughkeepsie," OtR paints all of life's depths, uncertainties, and horrors while somehow keeping hope..."
- Phil Christman, Banner, Grand Rapids MI

"...their homespun masterpiece. The stark beauty yielded by the minimal settings, along with the depth and maturity of the songwriting, are the album's greatest assets. When Karin Bergquist sings "We don't need a lot of money, we'll be sleeping on the beach, keeping oceans within reach, (whatever private oceans we can conjure up for free)," it has the feeling of a mission statement."
- Evan Cater, All Music Guide (full review here)

"The kind of CD you want to put on continuous play... on a rainy Sunday afternoon."
- Heather Lalley, Spokesman Review, Spokane WA (full review here)

"Now hear this... You might want to play Good Dog Bad Dog at home while you're curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine and the lights down low. But as the liner notes say, "Quiet music should be played loud." Loud works with this. This collection of sparsely arranged and melodic songs, brought to life by the sweetly aching voice of Karin Bergquist, is full of much to enjoy. Highlights are the gospel-tinged guitar and a voice "Poughkeepsie," the somnolently funky "Faithfully Dangerous," and "All I Need is Everything."
- Brian Sink, Washington Times

"...an intensely strong collection of touching tunes about darkness, self-awareness and deep human values. The piano that underscores and transcends the otherwise basic guitar/vocal dialogue is just one obvious Over the Rhine distinction. The poetic, literary quality of the lyrics is what raises Over the Rhine over so many of their folk-pop contemporaries. ...Over the Rhine overwhelms.
- Christopher Arnott, New Haven Advocate (full review here)

"A beautifully rendered album cataloging the frustrations of unrealized dreams and the expectations of starting anew. Producer and bandmember Linford Detweiler defines the sentiment resonating throughout Good Dog Bad Dog, and the album's endearingly bittersweet hopefulness is complemented by Karin Bergquist's evocative vocals. Bergquist contributes the lovely "Poughkeepsie," a penetratingly emotional song on which the vocalist seemingly achieves catharsis. The tone is triumphant and fragile... The honesty and lyrical complexity of Good Dog Bad Dog make the album extraordinary. Anyone who appreciates effective artisic expression, or loathes the politics of the music industry, should own a copy."
- Eric Robinson, BC Magazine

"The CD is a fine introduction to one of the best bands to emerge from the local scene. Good Dog Bad Dog has been a private pleasure for hard-core OtR fans for too long. It's time the mainstream national audience sat up and took notice."
- Larry Nager, Cincinnati Enquirer (full review here)

"Cowboy Junkies junkies should check out Over the Rhine. The ambient rock band from Cincinnati has a new album--"Good Dog Bad Dog"--that is filled with downtempo, mood-enhancing songs. Karin Bergquist brings her dreamy voice, rich songwriting and excellent band to the U-District's all-ages Paradox Theater..."
- Tom Scanlon, Seattle Times

"'What a beautiful piece of heartache this has all turned out to be' is the first line sung by Over the Rhine vocalist Karin Bergquist, which pretty much describes the compelling and haunting nature of this record. Also enjoyable are the numerous instrumentals which make this feel more like an "album" and less like a CD, which is no easy task. Done with a piano and a top notch production that weaves in a Hammond B-3, cello and numerous layers of acoustic and electric guitar, each song builds and builds with exponential intensity. Bergquist's dramatic vocal delivery hovers over it all with a deep and bittersweet sorrow that has been made jagged by splintered rays of hope. It is just like this music is being released in time delayed capsules that will slowly, steadily, creep into your world."
- Paul Dickinson, Pulse Magazine, Minneapolis MN

"Not very often does an unconventional, lyrically intense band rise up from relative obscurity without giving into the demands of major labels. Powered by the flowing voice of Karin Bergquist and songwriting of Linford Detweiler, the band Over the Rhine is on the brink of success. The group's frontwoman could be counted among the best female vocalists in the country. Good Dog Bad Dog contains powerful, meandering journeys into the depths of human emotion. There is no doubt that their best work is featured on this new album."
- University of Wisconsin Exponent

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