20th Century Blues (The Songs Of Sir Noel Coward) - Various Artists

Advantages: The Music of Noel Coward.
Disadvantages: Some dubious covers.

...-Bryan Ferry (Good but Nelson Eddys version was far superior) 9 Mad about the Boy-Mariane Faithful (A song always best sung by a girl) 10 Mad dogs and Englishman (They were brave to attempt this, because no one can come close to Noel's diffinative version) 11Poor little rich Girl-Suede (Brilliant) 12 I'll Follow my secret heart-Sting (I am not a sting fan, but a good cover) 13 London Pride-Damon Albarn/Michael Nyman (Excellant) 14 Don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington-Vic Reeves (His individual style suits this comic rendition well) 15 Twentieth Century Blues-Elton John (Very Good) An interesting album for any Noel Coward Fans, though many pureists will find it offensive. An excellent in road to the many varied talents of Noel Coward, for the uninitiated pop fan. All in all a good album. I am sure the master if he could have heard... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat 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