BETH ORTON - CENTRAL RESERVATION

I'm always, always going on and on about how I'm not drawn to vocalists.  I prefer musicians.  And yet her voice is one of the qualities I love about this amazing singer songwriter.  There's not a single track on this record you couldn't take on its own and not see the absolute brilliance of it.  Not to mention the power of the songs together.  Orton is a true poet.  She starts the record out with 'Stolen Car' which is an amazing number and seems to poke fun at righteous indignation.  It's the perfect door to open as we join her on this glimpse of her world.  'Sweetest Decline' is the next number and in my opinion, the most powerful of all the songs on this record.  I'm not sure what it is about the song...  But the sheer poetry of the lyrics is astounding.  She makes me constantly think throughout this wonderful track.  It's a tune about growing older.  And she delivers it with such conviction and power.

'Couldn't Cause Me Harm' starts off sounding like a cop movie from the 70's.  Suddenly, Beth's breathy vocals float in and you know you're far from that head space.  It's followed by a tune that leaves me feeling haunted...  'So Much More' promises the hope of something more and yet the song itself is a mystery to be solved.  There's a sense of unresolved questioning here.  'Pass In Time' starts off small and it never really leaves that place.  And yet there's a quality in the song...  She consoles you.  Gives you hope.  And you can hear that certain quality all great singer songwriters have.  That ability to charm you with their words and reach right into your heart.  "Come on, now, come on, now, child...  You're here just a while".

'Central Reservation' is an incredible song.  I heard the remix at the end of the album before I heard the original version.  But both of them are equally powerful.  The remix because you see how easily Orton can transition between musical styles and how effective her voice is no matter what she's singing.  The original, slower version is nostalgic and as light and drifting as leaves floating on a small stream as they rush past.  Many of the lyrics she sings remind me of experiences I've had and still think of fondly.  'Stars All Seem To Weep' is the first song to employ a major sound change.  There's an almost hip hop quality to the electronic drums playing under her.  This is a song about unanswered love.  There's no resolution, just a longing...  A question being sent out into the void.  'Love Like Laughter' is much like its title; it's sweet and joyful.  It's about opening yourself to happiness and love.  How they're so intertwined.

'Blood Red River' feels like a creepy story you'd tell around the campfire.  One of those stories with a moral at the end.  A warning sign.  It's got some hesitant moments and Beth sounds almost forlorn here.   'Devil Song' is another tune in the same vein.  Only this time, Orton knows exactly who the Devil is.  And you'd better watch out when he blows through your door.  He's a dangerous soul to love.  If you don't count the remix of 'Central Reservation', 'Feel To Believe' would be the closing track on this record.  And it's an amazing way to end.  You feel like you've been on a strange journey that this lovely, visionary voice has narrated for you.  

But it actually ends on an even higher note than you'd expect.   The 'Central Reservation (The Then Again Version)' feels like a blanket of memory washing over me everytime I hear it.  "I can still smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath..."  This song could be an anthem of sorts.  For the 90's, for the all nighters at clubs in Vegas...  Hanging with my friends...  Wow, what an awesome adventure this record is.

If you don't know Beth Orton, it's time you did.  You need to run to a music store and find something.  Give her a shot.  I can't recommend her enough.  My final words:  AN INTENSE ALMOST COUNTRY RIDE WITH A TRUE VISIONARY POET!!!

BETH ORTON - CENTRAL RESERVATION
01. Stolen Car
02. Sweetest Decline
03. Couldn't Cause Me Harm
04. So Much More
05. Pass In Time
06. Central Reservation (Original Version)
07. Stars All Seem To Weep
08. Love Like Laughter
09. Blood Red River
10. Devil Song
11. Feel To Believe
12. Central Reservation (The Then Again Version)

DEEP FOREST - MADE IN JAPAN

By now, I'm sure you're aware of why I like Deep Forest and respect their work.  This is a little different than what you'd expect from them and that's because this is a live album.  Normally, electronic artists who try to convert their sound to live instruments often end up losing the intensity of the music.  In most cases, it just sounds blah...  Depeche Mode is an example of a band that has some success transitioning their electronic songs to a live stage.  But it doesn't always work.  Juno Reactor is another band who does it and I normally think it doesn't work at all when they do it.  However, I enjoy the songs anyway.  Deep Forest have one advantage to all of those groups.  They incorporate many live instruments into the electronic music during the initial recording.  Along with the vocals.  So you have a blend that has a good chance of transitioning to a live setting.  It still sounds a bit off, but it's a magnificent attempt at recreating the sound you get on the albums.

My biggest complaint with this release is the fact the Japanese version includes two additional tracks not featured on the US version.  And I don't understand that.  It makes no sense why the Japanese versions end up with more material.  They're expensive to buy in the states if you're wanting to own it.  And I don't know why the record companies think one country should have access to the entire concert while others shouldn't.  I think it's a ripoff and I'm disappointed I'm missing the two tracks.  Eventually, I'll have to upgrade my copy to the Japanese version.  If I ever find it for a reasonable price.

My second biggest complaint is why the band didn't do a world tour...  I'd love to see them live.  But as far as I know, they never came to the states.

There's some improvisation in the songs you don't ever get on the albums happening here.  And that's fun to hear.  Especially during the breakdown portion of 'Cafe Europa'.  I love that track anyway, so it's exciting to hear. 

They have 3 vocalists who do a very good approximation of the vocals you hear on the albums.  I was very impressed with the way they came out.  I believe this attention to detail demonstrates the respect and dedication the band have for the traditional folk music they seek to preserve and protect.

I won't bother breaking this one down track by track because I'll do my individual reviews of the songs on their respected albums.  But I will comment on the overall presentation of them.  The songs are all wonderful and they're showcased nicely in these live arrangements.  The audience is appreciative and you get the sense the atmosphere was dynamic!  There are a couple highpoints I'd like to point out.  'Forest Power' has an amazing instrumental jam, 'Sweet Lullaby' is absolutely amazing and 'Madazulu' is fantastic live.  Of all the tracks, I think 'Madazulu' would be the one least suited to a live performance and yet they pull it off brilliantly.

I won't go on and on about the disc.  You'll have to decide yourself to pick it up.  I'll just sum it up in my final words and say:  TOTALLY WORTH IT, BUT BUY THE JAPANESE VERSION...

DEEP FOREST - MADE IN JAPAN
01. Ekue Ekue
02. Green And Blue
03. Deep Weather
04. Bohemian Ballet
05. Deep Folk Song
06. Freedom Cry
07. Cafe Europa
08. Forest Power
09. Hunting
10. Forest Hymn
11. Sweet Lullaby
12. Madazulu