Advantages: Good choice of tracks. Good cover versions. Diversity of artists. Disadvantages: Can't think of any other than maybe a couple of strange choices for covers.
I own all three Live Lounge albums to date and would say they have got better with each release. There is a good mix of revamped versions of well known tracks by the original artists combined with interesting cover versions.
This particular album also showcases the talents of a few artists I previously knew little about namely Elliot Minor, Ida Maria, Santogold and Bat For Lashes although a friend had actually recommended the latter to me. As these artists all perform covers versions on here it has left me intrigued as to the quality of their own material and I'm sure others will feel the same about the artists who appear that they know little about.
Most of the tracks here have been big hits so you will be familiar with all but a few of the 40 offerings.
Another interesting feature is the inclusion of two versions ...
Advantages: Consistency of sound, not mixed, great value Disadvantages: Formulaic after a while, lacks credibility
released, neither is included here probably due to the fact that Data Records is still trying to promote the original artist’s album. If you are looking for a compilation of all the chart hits then you might be better off looking for one of the Now Dance series instead. The appeal of Clubland 3 for me is discovering new tunes or re-discovering records that you’ve previously heard in the clubs.
As it would be impractical (and very time-consuming) to review all 41 tracks, I’ll once again try and stick to giving a run down of my favourite tracks. With volume three, it’s harder than ever because there are so many songs here that I really like, but I’ll do my best.
PLUMMET – DAMAGED
The standout song of the album, the year and probably the decade – I love this song more than words can say. Damaged ...
Advantages: Great sense of fun and music abilty, lacking ego! Disadvantages: The Automatic and Fiddy!
Covers have always been a bit of a hit and miss affair. Some people do it well, some people don't. It can be commercial suicide and ruin artists' credibility. The recent trend over the years, pushed particularly by Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, and other ventures such as Warchild, is that an artist can perform live, or record a cover and still retain their credibility and not come over as a sell-out. Maybe it's just that people have lightened up a little, or maybe it is just because there are things like the Live Lounge, that encourage well-picked songs to do as a cover.
Granted that the concept is not a new one, and even Jo would not say that. But, I think the idea of the Live Lounge is maybe new. For the last couple of decades, musicians and music lovers have been concerned about what is cool and what is now. Noone would have dared ...
