Sarah Pierce – Birdman
The first thing that jumps out at you when listening to Birdman is that voice. It’s powerful and emotional, a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll. Pierce’s voice has been compared to Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin. That’s pretty impressive company. Birdman is an eclectic mix of pop, country, folk and rock. From the opening notes of “My Street” all the way to an amazing cover version of “What A Wonderful World”, Birdman is a delight from start to finish.
Web Link: http://www.sarahpierce.com
R.E.M. – Reveal
Just as U2 followed some mediocre CDs with one of the best of their career last year, R.E.M. has done the same in 2001. Reveal has the band returning to their roots while still sounding relevant. Michael Stipe’s lyrics and vocal delivery are his best work in years. Mike Mills is one of the most underrated musicians in rock and roll, but his bass riffs and backing vocals are the backbone of R.E.M. The songs on Reveal are mostly midtempo grooves and gorgeous ballads, which are the band’s strength. From the opening notes of “The Lifting” to the last note of “Beach Ball”, R.E.M. takes you on an amazing musical journey.
Web Link: http://www.remhq.com/
Various Artists – A Nod to Bob: A Tribute to Bob Dylan on his 60th Birthday
This is an excellent tribute to one of the biggest legends in popular music. There are no superstar artists on this compilation, but that’s actually a good thing. It’s a great introduction to some very talented artists. Most of the songs on A Nod to Bob are from his early folk days in the 60’s, and haven’t been heard for many years. One of the highlights on the CD is “Restless Farewell”, by Norman Blake and Peter Ostroushko, who actually recorded with Dylan. Ramblin Jack Elliot’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, is another standout performance. A Nod to Bob is a varied, interesting and very well done tribute.
Web Link: http://www.redhouserecords.com/154.html
Various Artists – Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman can really sing! Their songs make up about half of the CD. They sing a very entertaining “Elephant Love Medley”, made up of snippets several songs, including Kiss, Dolly Parton, Beatles, Phil Collins and U2. McGregor sings an excellent version of Elton John’s “Your Song”, and sounds a lot like Robbie Williams. The rest of the soundtrack is very solid as well, including the outstanding “Lady Marmalade”, with Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Mya, and Pink. David Bowie, Fatboy Slim, Beck and Rufus Wainwright also have songs on the soundtrack. Once the movie hits the big screen, Moulin Rouge will start flying off the shelves.
