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Saturday, April 2, 2005 |
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Saturday, April 2, 2005 |
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Best track: Hoochie Woman Worst track: Sweet The Sting Rating: *** Jennifer Lopez —Rebirth (Sony & BMG)
Best track: Hold You Down Worst track: He’ll Be Back Rating: ** Brian Wilson — Smile (Warner) It has been 38 years since its conception, but finally the masterpiece Smile has been released by Beach Boys’ resident genius Brian Wilson. Regarded by most in the industry as the Holy Grail and the work that nearly cost Wilson his sanity in 1967, Smile is proving to be the high spot of his solo career. This lush sound will have aficionados drooling. Some of the songs, including classics like Good Vibrations, have been released before, and Wilson wisely doesn’t stray far from his original blueprints. Best track: I’m In Great Shape Worst track: In Blue Hawaii Rating: **
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THE
Beekeeper holds together better than any other Tori’s albums. The
rebellious Amos of the 1990s is replaced by a "cheeky and bright
mother" of the new century. The album kicks off with Parasol,
which begins on a quiet note. If Amos had replaced the fancy production
tricks and stuck to what she does best – play with her beloved piano
keys – this album could have been completely mesmerising. The Power
Of Orange Knickers, a surprisingly powerful duet with muted
singer-songwriter Damien Rice is one of the highlights, as are the
soaring multi-layered vocals of Sleeps With Butterflies and the
torch singer’s emoting of Mother Revolution. The real driving
force of the album, however, occurs when Amos opts for an organ and
jazzes things up with a gospel feel in Witness and a funky
R&B groove in Ireland. Particularly mysterious, The Beekeeper
is the rich yield of honey.
Lopez’s exceptionally
thin voice hasn’t stopped her from doling out a steady stream of pop
hits. On the low-key Ryde or Die, Jennifer readily admits that
she’s been a fool in love. Songs that are worth a listen include the
hot little Latin vibe of I Got You; the mellowed-out groove of I
Love; and Step Into My World, which is slightly reminiscent of
Madonna’s Justify My Love. All in all, Rebirth
alternates between sweet, breezy pop tunes like the irresistible Still
Around and hard-driving club tracks like the infectious Cherry
Pie. Jennifer has dedicated her new album to the memory of a young
fan who lost her battle with cancer last year.
Best known as the
founder and leading guitarist of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler has
also committed himself to an equally successful solo career. His
recent concerts in India pretty well prove that. Shangri-La, Mark
Knopfler’s fourth solo release and his first since his serious
motor-cycle crash in March 2003, finds the eternally laid-back
Dire Straits frontman in familiar territory. Opener 5:15 A.M.
showcases Knopfler’s unmistakable vocals, Postcards from
Paraguay injects some Latin flavour with beautiful harmony.
Knopfler has more or less abandoned the British folk and
Celtic-influenced pop and has opted for a quiet and considerate
collection of country-folk ballads.