Funny - while it's still so far off from anything produced by an experienced tech, each recording here at Six Strings & Sunshine Studios sounds a little better than the last... Keys, Morrison, Trini...lookout.
I'm expecting a call from Alicia's manager at any moment - asking me to make an appearance on the fourth press.
Keys, As I Am, has it's potent moments. I can admire the dramatic piano, bob my head along with the rim shots, and dig on the strong harmonies. No doubt, Pop has taken me over. The Purest in me, who remains in remnants and has a few complaints, does delight in the Hammond Organ accompaniments spread throughout the album and the overall doo wop feel that tracks like Superwoman and Wreckless Love carry. No One, obviously caught my attention - still, I can't wait for the live version without the fake whomping kick drum and honking synthesizer bass line. What were they thinking? Awfully bold of a critic to throw down his amateur cover next to his critique, huh;) Anyway Alicia, emulation is the highest form of compliment. I dig it.
Like You'll Never See Me Again's gripping simplicity might me better served with a stronger vocal style - the breathiness sounds forced and smells like, hmmmm, onions? Again, the song begs the question: Why are pop producers insisting on drum machines when a crisp snare hit would better compliment the class with which Keys belts soulful verse and rains simple melodic ivory rain drops?
Perhaps John Mayer asked the same question - thanks for the drum kit, John, on track Five, Lesson Learned. Wreckless Love also has the sense to "Take it Back" and leave the drum machine in the future. Would love to hear a Joss Stone, Keys duet - live.
No comments:
Post a Comment