Post by billcs on Jun 2, 2007 12:30:28 GMT -5
Oh boy am I ever happy about this CD I was hoping it wouldn't be as eclectic as his last CD, 2004's Want Two - and it's not. For this happens to be a CD of a Pop Vocalist - you know how that term might imply Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, perhaps even k.d. lang. If Release The Stars doesn't give Rufus that kind of title, well he's certainly on his way.
My favourite CD by Rufus is his self-titled debut, which is a grand mix of elegant and eloquent production, and an introduction to Rufus' unique vocal talents. Release The Stars captures the same elegance and eloquence, along with some of the other characteristics of Rufus CD's since his debut, including a delightfully naughty number featuring spoken words by actress Sian Phillips called "Between My Legs". AFter all, this time Rufus got to produce, so he's in as much control as a new producer can be, with the guidance of Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant as Exec Producer. What a great team.
While it's a good hint of things to come, lead off single "Going To A Town" doesn't capture the vibrant ensemble-like playing or the excellent vocals that are omnipresent on other tracks like "Do I Disappoint You", "Tulsa", "Leaving For Paris No. 2" and the title track.
Release The Stars, thankfully, does not go over the top, in the same way that Michael Buble could go all out Frank Sinatra but takes two steps back so that he can entertain. This CD gives me the absolute assurance that Rufus in concert on June 11 will use a similar plan.
I look forward to listening to this CD more and more. If there's any Rufus CD that you should take a chance on, it's Release The Stars. I cannot stress enough the supurb vocal performance and I sincerely hope that the Grammy academy looks Rufus' way for some nominations for the next awards!
My favourite CD by Rufus is his self-titled debut, which is a grand mix of elegant and eloquent production, and an introduction to Rufus' unique vocal talents. Release The Stars captures the same elegance and eloquence, along with some of the other characteristics of Rufus CD's since his debut, including a delightfully naughty number featuring spoken words by actress Sian Phillips called "Between My Legs". AFter all, this time Rufus got to produce, so he's in as much control as a new producer can be, with the guidance of Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant as Exec Producer. What a great team.
While it's a good hint of things to come, lead off single "Going To A Town" doesn't capture the vibrant ensemble-like playing or the excellent vocals that are omnipresent on other tracks like "Do I Disappoint You", "Tulsa", "Leaving For Paris No. 2" and the title track.
Release The Stars, thankfully, does not go over the top, in the same way that Michael Buble could go all out Frank Sinatra but takes two steps back so that he can entertain. This CD gives me the absolute assurance that Rufus in concert on June 11 will use a similar plan.
I look forward to listening to this CD more and more. If there's any Rufus CD that you should take a chance on, it's Release The Stars. I cannot stress enough the supurb vocal performance and I sincerely hope that the Grammy academy looks Rufus' way for some nominations for the next awards!