Web Link: http://www.nataliemerchant.com
Pink - Missundastood
It is a huge risk to reinvent yourself on your second CD, especially when your debut was hugely successful. Pink has done just that, and has pulled it off. Her debut CD was dance pop and R&B lite and spawned several hit singles, but Missundastood is definitely rock and roll influenced. Pink has changed from Destiny's Child and Britney Spears to a tougher but less pissed-off version of Alanis Morrisette. Her collaborator on this CD is former 4 Non Blondes singer Linda Perry, who co-wrote and produced most of it. Pink moves between 80s flavored new wave, alt-rock, and even a power ballad or two, including a duet with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Missundastood shows Pink is indeed a musician of many colors.
Web Link: http://www.pinkspage.com
Psychedelic Furs - Beautiful Chaos
They are one of the pioneers of new wave music, and they are back together again. The Psychedelic Furs had some success in the US, bigger success in their native UK, but never reached the heights a band of their talent deserved. They broke up in the early 90's, and lead singer Richard Butler formed the group Love Spit Love. The band has reunited, and Beautiful Chaos is a live recording of their greatest hits, along with one new studio track. The Psychedelic Furs' first live album ever was recorded at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Butler's unmistakable voice sounds great, and the rest of the band is in fine form. Beautiful Chaos is the sound of a rejuvenated band, and hopefully we'll hear some more new studio material from them soon.
Web Link: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/thepsych...
Sting - All This Time
This CD was recorded in Tuscany, Italy on September 11th. The entire concert was supposed to be webcast, but after the terrorist attacks, they transmitted only the song "Fragile". All This Time reflects the surroundings in which it was recorded, a small gathering of 200 friends and family in his backyard. It's intimate and emotional. Sting's live shows always have a jazzier musical feel than his recordings, and that is the case here. He is always reworking and putting new spins on his older material, and it's always interesting to hear what twists he comes up with. Many of the songs are mellower than their original versions, but Sting proves he still has some rock and roll left in him during the cathartic finale "Every Breath You Take". All This Time is a poignant and memorable live CD.
