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Monsieur Gainsbourg revisited |
French singer Serge Gainsbourg has been influential internationally and this tribute album of English adaptations of some of Gainsbourg's most beloved songs is proof of that. Contemporary artists including Franz Ferdinand, Tricky, and the Kills add an updated and fresh twist to Gainsbourg. "I Love You (Me Either)," more popularly known as "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus," sung by Cat Power and Karen Elson exhibits the same sensuality of the original sung by Jane Birken and Gainsbourg. Birken can also be heard on this album with Franz Ferdinand in a charged version of "Sorry Angel." Gainsbourg enthusiasts will enjoy hearing these songs in an entirely new way. |
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Portrait of a legend, 1951-1964 |
There are some songs that, no matter where you are or how socially inappropriate it may be, you cannot help but sing along with when you hear them. Listening to this collection by legendary singer Sam Cooke, you realize that he is responsible for many of them. With his gospel background, Cooke brings a soulfulness to even the lightest of pop songs, such as the extremely catchy "Cupid" and "Only Sixteen." His romantic odes "You Send Me" and "What a Wonderful World" are equally memorable, and the collection is rounded out with some of his best gospel recordings, both solo and with his early group The Soul Stirrers. A remarkable songwriter with a voice that elevates his material to an even higher plane, the 30 tracks on this collection will astound listeners with their enduring appeal over 40 years later. Come on, you know the sound of the men working on the chain gang, don't you? Sing along. |
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Santogold |
An energetic mix of dub/reggae, punk rock, and hip-hop, Santogold's self-titled album is one of the freshest collections of tracks to drop this year. It may take a few spins to really adjust to the bracing mix of styles, but it takes just one to start enjoying it. Tracks like "I'm a Lady," "You'll Find A Way" and "Say Aha" will appeal most readily to rock listeners, while songs like "Anne" and "Lights Out" are slower-tempo numbers that emerge as stunners the more time you spend with the record. Meanwhile, tracks like "Creator" and "Unstoppable" are reminiscent of M.I.A. but have their own dancehall flavors. |
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The reminder |
I was a latecomer to the Feist bandwagon, and kick myself daily for all the time I wasted not listening to the raves from my friends. OK, that's a slight exaggeration, but I do love The Reminder, her third solo release. I can't get enough of her sound. It's got a little bit of pop and a little bit of jazz, mixed with breathy vocals and lyrics both mournful and wistful. I may have been late to the party, but I'm so happy I finally joined in. Favorite track � "I Feel It All." |
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