20th Century Blues - Marianne Faithfull

Advantages: raunchy and emotional
Disadvantages: may be a liitle dark for some

...This is such a classic album from the late 70's (1979:re-release 1989) that I'm very surprised nobody has written a review on it yet. If you haven't got it in your collection or, worse, have never heard it check it out. If you've got a soul you'll be moved, at least by half of its content. It's what journalists like to call a 'landmark' album in that it was recorded at the end of the punk explosion of the 70's and was made by Marianne Faithfull who was a personality with a great deal of influence, and high profile in the pre-punk days of the late sixties. I certainly remember that every house had a copy along with the ubiquitous bean bags in the early eighties. It has an overall dark emotionally troubled Jazzy feel, with moments of slow punk and also a touch of reggae. Marianne Faithfull started out as the girlfriend of Mick Jagger back... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Shola Ama and Vic Reeves are surprisingly good....
Disadvantages: however Robbie Williams and Marianne Faithfull are awful.

...Another charity record! This tries something bizarre and ridiculous, a complete dedication to Noel Coward. But why!? The songs were perfectly fine on their own! Most are of dire quality that you indeed wonder about Neil Tennant’s taste. Marianne Faithfull is awful as she lurches into ‘Mad About The Boy’. Shola Ama manages some good with help from Craig Armstrong as she sings ‘Some Day I’ll Find You’. But there is nothing to redeem the rest of the volunteers. The worst is Robbie Williams’ effort which reeks of Neil Tennant’s ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. If you want to listen to Noel Coward, buy a Noel Coward record not this rubbish that passes for an album.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: New Sound
Disadvantages: Not enough

...I must confess to not being a fan of the music my son enjoys, but this album is truly magnificent. The sampling of early 20th century blues combined with 21st century dance rhythms shows that this guy is a real genius. "Natural Blues" is easily my favourite song at the moment, but I can't think of any track on the album where I need to find the skip button, not something I can say for many albums I purchase! Moby told Jools Holland that the tracks were recorded in a bedroom in his New York apartment - I just wish more artists would spend time at home if this is the standard of work that they would produce.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful