... 'Pointless Nostalgic', one of two tracks on the album that are penned by Jamie himself, is very impressive. 'It Ain't Necessarily So' oozes style, and the whole record is rounded off with the always amusing 'I Want To Be A Popstar'. The quieter numbers on the album include the soothing 'I ... Read review
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best newcomer accolades. It also got him a spot on Parkinson and eventually saw him land a million pound record deal with Verve--not bad for an LP made on a student loan. It's clear from the outset that Cullum is no minor talent. Taking pride of place with his ample piano skills and hopelessly romantic voice (he hasn't been dubbed "Sinatra in Sneakers" for nothing), he surrounds himself with live musicians to create an album that, as the title suggests, revives a number of past classics. While some would argue there's no point in revisiting the past yet again (acknowledged by Cullum in the title), Cullum's considered covers and new arrangements of songs like Warren and Burke's "Devil May Care", Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't" and Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" are justification in themselves. His own songwriting prowess (alongside that of his brother Ben) is showcased on the title track, which shows him more than capable of creating modern songs with a classic and timeless feel. When nostalgia sounds this good, who cares if it's pointless? --Paul Sullivan
Advantages: Impressive Piano, Exceptional Vocals Disadvantages: Most Songs Covered
...genre. The album POINTLESS NOSTALGIC is in itself a master piece of sorts. What makes it exceptional is the way in which the artist can take a song written by another musician, and make it his own. The covers on this album are not just copies of songs. Some are almost unrecognisable, and incredibly original. Apart from being blessed with an outstanding singing voice, Jamie's pianist skills are also impressive. Instrumental solos scattered across ... ...CD carries a cool, refreshing feel with it. It puts you in a good mood however you are feeling. It soothes, it massages, it comforts. It does everything a good jazz album should. And the fact that this miraculous feat has been accomplished by a young musician makes it even more special. It is difficult to pick highlights in this album, as all the tracks are exceptional. 'Pointless Nostalgic', one of two tracks on the album that are penned by Jamie ...
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