Thursday, October 28, 2004
ROD STEWART...STARDUST on CD
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK Volume 3.
According to USA TODAY (print version) this CD is currently #1 in its first few days in the stores. That accomplishment, believe it or not, is a first for Roderick Stewart, a voice that is as important in rock history as any other.
But this CD, like the last 2 volumes is NOT rock. It is however a nice collection of classic songs, that still hold up, and I suspect will for our great grandchildren too. Special guests this outing include Eric Clapton (on "Blue Moon"), Stevie Wonder ("What a Wonderful World"), Bette Midler (not my favorite singer, on "Manhattan") and Dolly (I can't see my shoes" Parton (on "Baby, It's Cold Outside").
I felt the 2nd volume of this (now) trilogy was sup-par compared to the first. Volume 3 corrects all that, and gives you a better "program" if you will; the tunes just seem to mesh better and the flow of the album is just lovely. And the tunes are so aptly delivered, I think volume 3 may indeed be the best one yet.
Should you buy it with real money? Well, if you are a Rod ("I used to be Mod") Stewart fan, the answer is an unqualified YES. But if you don't stomach your grandparent's music, keep your change.
One last hint, if you own the other 2 (or even just the first), pick this up, the companionship of these 3 discs played in order, or even on random track performance is like a wood fire on a cold winter night, SOOOOOOOO GOOOOD.
Bottom Line: 4.5/5 stars IF you tolerate the subject matter and perhaps only 1 star if you do not.
Zeph, out
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK Volume 3.
According to USA TODAY (print version) this CD is currently #1 in its first few days in the stores. That accomplishment, believe it or not, is a first for Roderick Stewart, a voice that is as important in rock history as any other.
But this CD, like the last 2 volumes is NOT rock. It is however a nice collection of classic songs, that still hold up, and I suspect will for our great grandchildren too. Special guests this outing include Eric Clapton (on "Blue Moon"), Stevie Wonder ("What a Wonderful World"), Bette Midler (not my favorite singer, on "Manhattan") and Dolly (I can't see my shoes" Parton (on "Baby, It's Cold Outside").
I felt the 2nd volume of this (now) trilogy was sup-par compared to the first. Volume 3 corrects all that, and gives you a better "program" if you will; the tunes just seem to mesh better and the flow of the album is just lovely. And the tunes are so aptly delivered, I think volume 3 may indeed be the best one yet.
Should you buy it with real money? Well, if you are a Rod ("I used to be Mod") Stewart fan, the answer is an unqualified YES. But if you don't stomach your grandparent's music, keep your change.
One last hint, if you own the other 2 (or even just the first), pick this up, the companionship of these 3 discs played in order, or even on random track performance is like a wood fire on a cold winter night, SOOOOOOOO GOOOOD.
Bottom Line: 4.5/5 stars IF you tolerate the subject matter and perhaps only 1 star if you do not.
Zeph, out
DAVID BOWIE on DVD...A REALITY TOUR
I ordered this DVD online and it arrived today, and I am enjoying it while I type this. It's 140 minutes of a great show from November 2003 recorded in Dublin. My only gripe is it does not include "China Girl," "Let's Dance," or "Space Oddity," which are arguably his greatest hits. Bowie always did alot of non-radio-friendly stuff in concert, and this collection is no exception. But it's redeemed by the wonderful show. It's a show in every way. I think Bowie is simply the master "front-man" for any band, even his own. Bottom Line: 5/5 Stars!
PS: It's also a bargain compared to a ticket to see this tour. David had his angioplasty towards the end of the tour, so probably won't be on the road again any time soon. So buy it! I have seen this DVD sell for as little as $9.99 the first week it was out. Right now, Best Buy dot com has it for $12.99 plus $1.25 shipping (via mail) in the USA.
Zeph, out
I ordered this DVD online and it arrived today, and I am enjoying it while I type this. It's 140 minutes of a great show from November 2003 recorded in Dublin. My only gripe is it does not include "China Girl," "Let's Dance," or "Space Oddity," which are arguably his greatest hits. Bowie always did alot of non-radio-friendly stuff in concert, and this collection is no exception. But it's redeemed by the wonderful show. It's a show in every way. I think Bowie is simply the master "front-man" for any band, even his own. Bottom Line: 5/5 Stars!
PS: It's also a bargain compared to a ticket to see this tour. David had his angioplasty towards the end of the tour, so probably won't be on the road again any time soon. So buy it! I have seen this DVD sell for as little as $9.99 the first week it was out. Right now, Best Buy dot com has it for $12.99 plus $1.25 shipping (via mail) in the USA.
Zeph, out
