Advantages: Songs never grow old, surprisingly good versions by interesting artists Disadvantages: You may not like all the artists on the album, but that shouldn't stop you
Little can be added to the praise that has always been heaped on Carole King's album "Tapestry". But a group of artists have found a better way than words to show their admiration and love for this practically perfect collection of songs. With a plethora of artists from Celine Dion to Manhattan Transfer to Rod Stewart, this Tribute will appeal to practically everyone. Granted, not all the artists' will suit the taste of true lovers of the original ... ...there is a lot to recommend this album.
My personal favorite track on this album is Manhattan Transfer's version of "Smackwater Jack". This ballad like song, with its slightly country overtones, seems to fit the voices of this group like a glove. They've done nothing particularly special with the song, but still, it seems like they have revitalized it.
You might not blame me if my least favorite track was Celine Dion's version of "(You Make Me ...
Advantages: Great songs and great singing Disadvantages: Still don't dig Eternal Life
...6 concerts in Jeff Buckley's Mystery White Boy tour make up this live album. My ratings are as follows: [*] - Nothing really catches the attention. [**] - Something grabs my attention. [***] - Gets me air-drumming, air-guitaring and singing along to the track. 1. Dream Brother Slow to start, and though in the buildup there is some laidback vocal improvisation, Jeff is having to squeeze hard for some of those falsetto notes. [**] 2. I Woke Up In A ... ...heavy, and the riffs dirty. [***] 3. Mojo Pin Solid but for the final bridge where Jeff slips into sheepish singing - however he does come on strongly for the finale. [**] 4. Lilac Wine As if Buckley has had too much to drink here, what with the guitar losing its way and his vocals being reduced to a croak at the end, though the improvisation in the singing is as strong as it is soulful. [***] 5. What Will You Say Similar to Dream Brother in that ...
Advantages: Lots of big tunes Disadvantages: Final Dance track
“My Kind Of Christmas” came out in 2000 and was the first Christmas album for the Pop singer Christina Aguilera. Coming directly off her debut album, which was then re-recorded in Spanish, it was released prior to her “Stripped” years and so has her in a position where she was much more accessible to the 'family' market. Here she mixes traditional carols with well-covered Christmas classic and some of her own original ones. 1.“Christmas Time” We ... ...that I felt made a strong impression as it shows that here she is down to bring an album that reflects how her debut album sounded with the heavy R&B influence, but she ensured that it sounded as though it stuck to the main 'Christmas' themes. It was one of only two singles from the album, and I felt that it was a nice way to get it underway. **Four Starr** 2.“This Year” We see that she comes in with another fresh tune (a non-cover) here and she ...
Advantages: Some good tracks Disadvantages: Not as good as the previous volumes, less covers
I have been eagerly anticipating Live Lounge Vol 4 having loved the previous 3 volumes. However, I was very disappointed with this collection. It contains less covers than the previous volumes. The covers for me where always the best thing about it. There are several good tracks including Little Boots doing Beat Again, Biffy's Love, Sex, Magic and Kasabian's cover of Gwen Stefani. I found Lady Gaga's Pokerface an unexpected highight. However, there ...
Advantages: Incredible guitarist with fifteen well written songs, its almost like a novel! Disadvantages: slightly harder to access than his other work
...entirely sure that was intended. Spinning Top is that change from the Indie Rock that Graham mastered with his previous two albums (Both I recommend) but its a change that proves his diversity. The flow of this album is exceptional; each ending becomes the start of the next and so on which gives that feel of a well thought out story. With this album, their are some tracks that are more memorable though; If You Want Me and In The Morning especially ... ...mix with that almost punk like voice in a magical way, adding to the apathy or emotion of songs such as Brave the Storm, Humble Man or Tripping Over. I was a bit apprehensive the first time I listened to this album as I was so used to his more punkish aspects of Graham Coxons library. After a second listen, I realised that i was wrong; especially when getting into his more obscure original albums. It was a sign that Coxon is underrated and deserves ...
Excellent performance, tonnes of steam, ventilated ironing board (*)
