All it takes is 3 chords and a dream!
Showing posts with label The Mills Brothers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Mills Brothers. Show all posts

Friday, October 16, 2009

Review: Michael Buble - Crazy Love


Michael Bublé - Crazy Love
2009, 143/Reprise Records

Michael Bublé is back with his latest, an album entitled Crazy Love. The multiple Grammy-winning Bublé turns introspective and autobiographical on Crazy Love, which features 11 standards/covers and two original tracks. Bublé has sold over 22 million albums around the world, and his 2005 release, It's Time, holds the records for the longest run on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts at two years (with 80 weeks at #1). Guests on Crazy Love include the acapella group Naturally 7, and Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. Production responsibilities were shared between David Foster, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica.

Bublé opens with a darkly modern take of Cry Me A River. With a martial air, Bublé illuminates the song in bright new fashion while holding on to it's classic nature. All Of Me is done in more classic style with a touch of Vegas flair. Bublé does a good job with Georgia On My Mind, but I have been forever spoiled by the late, great Ray Charles on this song. Bublé's version is good but just doesn't stand up to the original. Bublé does much better with his cover of Van Morrison's Crazy Love. This is a classic song that mixes elements of Folk, Rock and Soul, and Bublé and his ensemble work magic here. Bublé opens up to a Broadway meets The Partridge Family style tune with the ebullient Haven't Met You Yet. This is a hopeless romantic's tune with a bouncy chorus you won't be able to get out of your head. Bublé is inspired here, and the arrangement as a whole plays to all of his strengths in a golden Pop moment.

Bublé visits the 1950's for his rendition of All I Do Is Dream Of You. The collective spirit of Louis Prima and Bobby Darin shines down on this particular number in one of the brightest moments on Crazy Love. Bublé creates a moment of musical déjà vu with Hold On, a song so instantly familiar I was certain it was a cover. This is an incredible tune that could be a pop classic, sounding like something that might have been written by Elton John or Billy Joel. Bublé goes Honky-Tonk with a live jazz/rock cover of The Eagles' Heartache Tonight. This is a fun version that's a bit livelier even than the original and certain to inspire some dancing. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You is done in classic Sinatra style and paves the way for Baby (You've Got What It Takes), featuring Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. This is the highlight of the album, as singing with Sharon Jones seems to bring out a more soulful side of Bublé.

Bublé's cover of Billy Vera & The Beaters' At This Moment is another bit of magic. Bublé sticks pretty close to the original here, and while his voice may be prettier he doesn't hope to match the sound and heart of Billy Vera. Nevertheless, Bublé's performance is dynamic in it's own fashion and serves the song very well. Accapela group Naturally 7 lends their vocal talents on Hoagie Carmichael's Stardust. The result is a rendition that sounds like a young Bobby Darin singing with The Mills Brothers. The vocal arrangement here, in particular of Naturally 7, helps to build a classic sound for one of the greatest compositions of the twentieth century. Bublé closes out with the Latin-styled Whatever It Takes, a song of love and devotion that's a bit cliché but sweet.

Michael Bublé does it again. Crazy Love is the sort of transitional album that will allow Bublé to keep his traditional fans while beginning to build more present among folks with slightly more modern tastes in music. Crazy Love is certain to continue Bublé's string of Gold and Platinum albums while earning him serious Grammy consideration. Crazy Love is the work of a consummate professional at the top of his game.

Rating: 4 Stats (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Michael Bublé at http://www.michaelbuble.com/ or www.myspace.com/michaelbuble. You can purchase Crazy Love as either a CD or download via Amazon.com.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Review: The Handsome Family - Honey Moon


The Handsome Family - Honey Moon
2009, Carrot Top Records

The Handsome Family is husband and wife duo Brett and Rennie Sparks. The Albuquerque, new Mexico tandem decided to celebrate their 20th year of marriage by releasing their eighth album, the aptly titled Honey Moon. Their previous CD, The Last Days Of Wonder was recognized by Mojo magazine as one of the top ten American albums of 2006, as well as recognizing their third CD, Through The Trees as one of the ten essential Americana albums of all time. Inspired by classic brother duos (Monroe, Everley, Louvin) of early country music and the great vocal R&B groups (Mills Brothers, Ink Spots, Platters), The Handsome Family crafted twelve highly melodic and deep songs for Honey Moon.

Honey Moon opens with Linger, Let Me Linger, which sounds like it might have come right out of the Grand Ol' Opry itself, circa 1952. Little Sparrows comes to a bit more modern sound, hitting a classic country stride that might have haunted AM radio in the 1970's and early 1980's. Brett Sparks has a very full and somewhat heavy voice that is something of a period sound. Rennie Sparks is the perfect vocal counterpoint, with a light and airy sound that illuminates the darker edge of Brett Sparks. The Loneliness Of Magnets explores the junction where early rock, jazz and country meet in one of the aural highlights of the album. Other highlights include The Petrified Forest, When You Whispered, Wild Wood and The Winding Corn Maze.
I am not as enraptured with The Handsome Family as some critics seem to be, but they are certainly very talented. The Sparks show a strong sense of melody and harmony, and lyrically there is a real sense of movement to the songs on Honey Moon. Fans of classic country and Americana will definitely dig this one.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Handsome Family at www.myspace.com/thehandsomefamily or http://www.handsomefamily.com/, where you can purchase Honey Moon.