Friday 28 February 2014

Tweet - Simply Tweet

Recommended by Bex:

One of the main things that's always made Tweet a distinctive presence in R&B is that, unlike many other female vocalists, she makes no attempt to sing as forcefully as possible.

So it's surprising that for this EP, Tweet chose to cover a song by a lady who has perhaps the biggest, boldest voice of all time: Aretha Franklin. Impressively, Tweet's version of 'Day Dreaming' compares favourably to the original; her subtle, emotive vocal style perfectly fits the romantic lyrics, and the production values are ahead of those of the '70s version.

Tweet also shines brilliantly on the closing track, a heartbreak song called 'Enough'. On the tune, she calmly lays out her case for calling it quits and manages to come across as weary, but resigned to the fact that the relationship must end.

It's going a little far to say the EP was worth the huge (eight year) wait. But it certainly satisfies the itch to hear new material from her.

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Kate Bush - Never for Ever

Recommended by Bex:

It's no secret that my ultimate, all-time favourite vocalist is Kate Bush. If there is a mood or occasion she cannot cater for, I am yet to find it.

All tracks stand out, my current top five being: 'Babooshka', 'Breathing', 'Army Dreamers', 'Violin', 'Egypt' - especially the wailing part.

'Egypt' acts as a bridge between her early, piano-based work and the artistic leaps forward on The Dreaming and Hounds of Love. This was Kate testing the waters as a producer, before she just went for it.

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement

Recommended by Bex:

The beauty of the album is that, despite having many things going on all at once, the songs have a base of simplicity. They are catchy while having a certain depth to them too. The guitars are present for older listeners and fans, but they are washed in all kinds of synthesized fun.

Stand out tracks include 'Citizen of the Planet', 'Straitjacket', 'Not as We', 'Tapes', 'Orchid' and 'Limbo No More'. The bonus disc, in particular, contains some of the best work on the album.

Sunday 2 February 2014

Tweet - Southern Hummingbird

Recommended by Bex:

I have always loved this album. I really connected with it years ago but, for reasons unknown, it took me some time to return to it.

'Oops', while brilliant, is one of the weaker tracks in the context of 'Motel', 'Always Will' and 'Smoking Cigarettes'. The main drawback being the listener, inevitably, ponders smoking cigarettes at night!