Private Life (The Compass Point Years) [CD On Demand] - Grace Jones

Advantages: The super-infectious Nipple To The Bottle
Disadvantages: Is less than 40 minutes long

..., again, recorded at the Compass Point Sessions in Nassau Bahamas. What does set Living My Life apart from its two predecessors is that theres only one cover version here (The Apple Stretching) and the rest showcase the songwriting talents of Grace Jones, a skill at which she proves herself most adept as riviting songs like Nipple To The Bottle and Everybody Hold Still prove. Just as on Warm Leatherette and Nightclubbing, those two renowned reggae wizards Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespere play on each session, with Sly credited for playing the drums and syndrums (Sly also co-wrote the classic Nipple To The Bottle with Grace) and Robbie on that ever-effective, cracking bass guirtar. Other top-notch muscians jamming away include Barry Reynolds (who co-wrote many of the songs with Grace) and Mikey Chungy on guirtars, Wally Badarou on keyboards... Read review

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Advantages: These two discs capture some of Grace Jones most enthralling recording work
Disadvantages: Strangely omits the classic "Slave To The Rhythm" - one of Grace's biggest sellers

...consistently excellent, and in my opinion represents Grace Jones at her best (prior, of course, to her 2008 "Hurricane" album). The disc opens with Grace's fantastic, compelling version of the Pretenders "Private Life", again succesfully combining an astute mixture of reggae-new wave-rock-soul. Grace talks in her renowned, deep, evocative voice on the thrashing verses and singing gently on the haunting chrous. "Private Life" became one of Grace Jones biggest sellers, flying into the UK Top 20 chart. Grace's startling cover version of Joy Divisions "She's Lost Control" had first surfaced as the B side to her Top 20 hit "Private Life". The track is rather manic throughout! Although beginning endearingly enough, it careers along to a point where it becomes monotonous. Far better is the funk-driven "Pull Up To The Bumper". The lyrics are riddled... Read review

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Advantages: Hurricane emerges as Grace Jones most compelling recording project
Disadvantages: None that springs to mind

...My Life (1982), Grace had been teamed with those two renowned Reggae wizards: Slyn Dunbar and Robbie Shakespere. They were the classic Compass Point Sessions. So, if anything, buying this brand new CD by Grace Jones was largely out of curiosity. I was immediately delighted to see Grace had hooked back up with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakepere for Hurricane. From the opening track, i knew this album was going to be RED HOT and a WINNER! This was not least backed up some of the critics reviews that have been unanimous in their praise for Hurricane, many correctly stating that this was a significant comeback for Grace Jones. Hurricane(2008) is a deep, reflective, often spiritual piece of work by the legendary Grace Jones. On tracks such as Williams Blood and I'm Crying (Mothers Tears) the songs are almost autobiographical. The profound... Read review

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