Olivia Newton-John-2 (Festival/Mushroom) Lately in Europe, there have been several slightly-past-their-prime artists who have done all-duets projects to show that they still have some hipster cred. Probably the best of these was Tom Jones’ Reload, in which he proved he could get the kids like Barenaked Ladies, Robbie Williams, Natalie Imbruglia and the Pretenders on board, and … Continue reading
Elton John – Greatest Hits 1970-2002 (Mercury) From 1970 to 1977 Elton John had an almost unprecedented run of musical brilliance, during that time his work with lyricist Bernie Taupin rivaled the work of Lennon and McCartney and Brian Wilson. In this short bridge of time, John recorded about two very good albums a year … Continue reading
Vanessa Paradis – Au Zenith (Barclay/Universal-France) In the United States, Vanessa Paradis is probably best known as Johnny Depp’s live-in girlfriend. Other people may know her as the Chanel model or an actress. But in her native France, she is an institution. Paradis first made waves when she was only 14, with her 1987 international hit … Continue reading
Shania Twain – Up! (Mercury) Never in my life have I seen so many exclamation points as there are in the song listing for Shania Twain’s latest. There are nineteen song titles on Up! and ten exclamation points. It’s almost like a teenaged girl’s diary. Now Shania has a long history of unwieldy titles anyway, and this album’s … Continue reading
Axelle Red – Alive (Virgin-France) I might have never heard of Axelle Red if I weren’t channel surfing one August night last year in the Sofitel Méditerranée in Cannes. With my admittedly rudimentary skills in the French language, I was looking for something, frankly, which I could understand. That’s when I stumbled upon an hour-long interview … Continue reading
Rod Stewart – It Had To Be You: The Great American Songbook (J Records) With this album, Rod Stewart gives up any pretense of trying to hold onto his rock and soul following. And that’s fine, he’s well into his late 50s now and rock and roll is supposed to be a young man’s game. He really … Continue reading
Sixpence None the Richer – Still Burning by Jay S. Jacobs Originally posted on December 23, 2002. What could be worse? You are member of a band since high school. As you tour hard and record your band’s poppy sound and positive message starts picking up a buzz. People want to hear what you have … Continue reading
flickerstick causing a commotion by jay s. jacobs The world’s gone reality show mad these days. Instead of working on and honing your craft in crappy honky-tonks and gin joints, today everyone thinks the best way to the top of the pops is to make a fool of yourself on TV. At this writing, you … Continue reading
Chicago – The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning (Rhino) Very few bands have had two completely separate stylistic periods. The late 60s-early 70s incarnation of Chicago was a pioneering force that wed rock and roll with jazz horns and improvisational playing in a way that was totally unique. By the time the late 70s … Continue reading
Shakira Tour Service by Jay S. Jacobs The Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City is a world famous old restaurant right in the heart of downtown Manhattan’s entertainment district. A classic old club that was opened in 1934 in the heart of the Great Depression, designed to radiate class, glamour, elegance, luxury and the spirit of New York … Continue reading
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