Vestida De Vida [Digipak] - Susana Baca

Advantages: Different, intriguing, virtually pan pipe free
Disadvantages: Maudlin and sombre

.... A bit faster than the previous tracks and you can see the change in Susana's voice. She's less whispery and maudlin and her voice shimmers with confidence and sheer joy as her backing singers join in singing the title track. Her accent and pronunciation remain both alien and captivating to me. A joy and one for my i-Pod (if I owned one). Mark: 5/5 **6. Luna Lena** Shit! Duck! It's a pan pipe intro. Luckily they disappear as quickly as they arrive becausethe track is largely acapella with a little bit of bass to add volume. Her voice goes back to being mournful but she hits some low notes quite impressively on this song. Near the end, some percussion rattles in and Baca goes from deep voiced chanteuse to some quite thrilling falsetto notes as she sings the title. Mark: 3/5 **7. Caras Lindas** Still slow-paced, I find... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: great new material, showcasing great songwriting and an enjoyable sound
Disadvantages: needs a good few listens to find the best parts of each song (possible advantage)

...This album represents a great succession for Coldplay into developing their already unique sound and style. Listeners may find similarities in style from the later tracks on X&Y during the first listen. However further listening reveals an altogether deeper experience with the band experimenting with tempo changes mid song which is accomplished successfully in songs such as "42". In addition the album includes more upbeat, faster tracks unlike previous albums. Songs such as "Vida la Vida" and "lovers in Japan" really stand out in this respect. When the tracks do slow down Martins skills as a writer really bloom with the melancholy lyrics of "strawberry swing" and the enchanting sound of "Death and all his friends", providing a great ending to a great album. Previous fans of Coldplay wont be disappointed by this album and will find... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A album that builds.
Disadvantages: It takes time and a little effort.

...ColdPlay have moved on to the next level, and although some critics have knocked them, listen to "Viva La Vida" for the music. This is the sort of album you need to sit and listen to, and although all the tracks are strong, it's not a 'dip in' and listen type. This is a well constructed body of work, played it in the car on the way down to Cornwall, I wasn't bouncing out of my seat, but when it finished, wow! This is definitely what albums are for. From the atmospheric opening of the first track "Life In Technicolor" (their spelling) the album builds and each track follows naturally. There is undeniably a feel of 'the concept album', a couple of tracks with a 'Pink Floyd' mood to them and a little Leonard Cohen mixed in as well, but not in an 'over blown' manner. If you are an MP3 'shuffle' type, this might not suit, but for all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful