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September 2001's Best New CD's

© Chad Bowar

Welcome to the September CD reviews. Here’s how we select which CDs are featured. Out of the large number of CDs released each month, we listen to dozens and dozens of them and select what we believe are the best, and feature them here. The great thing about pop music is that it’s such a wide and inclusive genre, which is represented in the reviews. Popular music includes pop, rock, dance, country, alternative, metal, punk and more. You’ll read reviews about superstars on major labels, but you’ll also hear about brand new artists, or artists on small independent labels that are very talented and deserve to be heard. Here are this month’s best new CDs, in alphabetical order:

Tori Amos – Strange Little Girls

What a great concept for a CD. Tori Amos takes 12 songs done originally by men, and records them from a woman’s point of view and attitude. The results are spectacular. The highlight of Strange Little Girls is Amos' version of Eminem’s “Bonnie and Clyde”. She also covers the Boomtown Rats’ 80’s hit “I Don’t Like Mondays”, Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence”, Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and 10cc’s “I’m Not In Love”, among others. Cover songs are often forgettable, but Amos puts her own spin on each track, making them memorable. Strange Little Girls shows Tori Amos can sing anybody’s songs, from Lou Reed to Slayer, and make them her own.

Web Link: http://www.toriamos.com/

Artful Dodger – It’s All About the Stragglers

2-step garage music is the hottest thing in the UK right now, and artists of that genre such as Craig David have had some success in the US. Artful Dodger is producer Mark Hill, who has had several hit singles and a number 1 album in England. It’s All About the Stragglers is a great introduction of 2-step garage to US audiences. It’s dance music that combines R&B, reggae, breakbeat and drum & bass music. Craig David is featured on 3 tracks, and there are also appearances by All Saint’s member Melanie Blatt and several other talented UK singers.

Web Link: http://www.theartfuldodger.co.uk/

Jennifer Daniels – Dive & Fly

Here’s a genre you’ve never heard of until now: Tennessee Celtic Rock. It’s a wonderful combination of haunting Celtic based melodies, rock guitar and powerful vocals. Jennifer Daniels has a beautiful angelic voice that could be compared to such pop luminaries as Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega and Joni Mitchell. Dive & Fly is a showcase for her vocal abilities, moving easily from lilting ballads to uptempo rock. The unique combination of Celtic, folk, gothic and pop music along with Daniels' mellifluous voice makes this a memorable CD.

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