The sisters are classically-trained musicians. Emerging from the artist colony of Fort Collins on the Eastern slope of Colorado, SHEL is sophisticated and youthful, emotional and lighthearted, classic and eccentric. SHEL's engaging live show is marked with a prodigy's creativity and a veteran's instinct for entertaining. At every performance, SHEL delights audiences with their unique songwriting style and fresh, new sound.
"SHEL has delivered one of the most impressive debuts of the year..." Chris Douridas, KCRW, Los Angeles
"These girls are sooooo amazing... the Sky's the Limit!" Chris Conn, Conman Radio/Dial Global
"SHEL performs with the precision of a heat seeking missile." Paul Kennerley, Award-winning Songwriter
Sarah, 19 (Violin, Bass) - Immensely gifted as a violinist and vocalist, Sarah also shines with her bass chops. Highly creative, Sarah's diverse artistic talents have lead her to be the primary designer of SHEL's original graphics and videography. She is also the undisputed ambassador of fun at every show.
Hannah, 22 (Piano, Keyboards) An award-winning young composer and pianist, Hannah also sings and helps arrange SHEL's unique vocal harmonies. Hannah has been studying at Colorado State University for the past three years where she's concentrated on piano performance and composition.
Eva, 20 (Mandolin, Electric Mandolin, Cello) Lead vocalist and one of the band's primary writers, Eva's passion and talent for playing both acoustic and electric mandolin has received widespread recognition. Involved in every phase of arranging and production, Eva records much of the band's tracks in their home studio.
Liza, 16 (Drums, Percussion) - Liza's natural polyrhythmic ability was spotted at an early age. Not only is she the drummer for the band, Liza is equally proficient on the Djembe and Roland Hand Sonic drum. Her creative approach to percussion enables her to create the unique rhythm patterns that help define SHEL's music.
The group glides effortlessly atop the lilting, sublime voices of the Holbrook sisters, Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza. But Shel's appeal goes way beyond the vocals. These gals are exceptional musicians as well, with each member playing an array of instruments including violin, electric bass, piano, mandolin to drums. The sisters, which got their start backing their singer-songwriter dad Andrew, have already attracted the attention of soundtrack supervisor extraordinaire, Chris Douridas from KCRW, who listed their six-song EP, Try To Scream, as "one of the most impressive debuts of the year." Couldn't agree more.
http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2009/08/tip_sheet_meet_shel_your_new_f.php#more
Toyland
SHEL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little girl and boy land
Once you dwell within
You are ever happy there
Childhood joy land
Mystic merry toyland
Once you pass it's borders
Toyland, toyland
Little girl and boy land
Once you dwell within
You are ever happy there
Childhood joy land
Mystic merry toyland
Once you pass it's borders
You can never, never
You can never return again
Toyland, toyland
Toyland, toyland
The song "Toyland" by SHEL speaks about a magical place where children can experience pure joy and happiness. It describes this place as a land filled with toys, where little boys and girls reside and never want to leave. This land is their childhood haven, and the memories and experiences they have here will stay with them forever.
The lyrics suggest that once you leave Toyland, you can never return again, implying that the magic and wonder that come with childhood are fleeting and once they're gone, they're gone forever. The song has a bittersweet quality to it, as it highlights the loss of innocence and wonder that comes as we grow up and become adults.
Overall, the lyrics of "Toyland" tap into the nostalgia and sentimental feelings associated with childhood, reminding us of the simple pleasures that we may have taken for granted when we were young.
Line by Line Meaning
Toyland, toyland
A repeated refrain, calling to mind a magical, childlike wonderland.
Little girl and boy land
A place where both boys and girls can experience the joys of childhood.
Once you dwell within
When you fully immerse yourself in the magic of Toyland...
You are ever happy there
...you will feel a lasting sense of joy that stays with you forever.
Childhood joy land
Toyland is a symbol of the pure and simple happiness we experience in childhood.
Mystic merry toyland
This place is filled with magical and enchanting toys that bring endless joy.
Once you pass its borders
If you leave Toyland behind...
You can never return again
...you will never be able to fully recapture the wonder and joy it once brought you.
You can never, never
Repeating the phrase emphasizes the finality of leaving Toyland and the impossibility of truly going back.
Toyland, toyland
The song ends with a final reminder of the magic and wonder of Toyland.
Contributed by Owen G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tiffanymcgee4074
Best rendition of Toyland ever. Dreamy, lovely, longing-filled and little sad.
@WillMinix
Great version of this old standard! They made it their own! Bravo!
@dangerkadung
Only Shell can play with winter gloves. You girls are amazing!
@LenaBeellc
I actually cried. Great version. Touching video.
@MrMuziekfan
Beautiful video,song & singing, good job !!!
@jmikeperkins
I love the harmonies and the melody. Great stuff.
@johnbelcheff3263
Sweet, sweet tunes--I'm so lost in the magical vibes displayed--So captivated over-and-over again--Wow, SHEL! ~Brother John
@buniluvr
Sweet! You captured the innocene of a Christmas long forgotten. Beautiful production and video. Magical :) cheers, julie
@MagnoliaMusicStudio
Simply beautiful!
@PwnageGravy
So beautifully innocent. I can't help but smile at this