NORAH JONES - FEELS LIKE HOME DELUXE EDITION

The smokey sultry sounds of Norah Jones explode on this deluxe edition of "Feels Like Home" and you get a ton of bonus material.  Three unreleased bonus tracks plus a bonus DVD with videos and some live performances.  Price wise, there wasn't too much different between the regular release and this deluxe edition.

The bass kicks off the opening track, 'Sunrise'.  The percussion plods along like a strolling cowboy on a horse and borders on country.  But it's absolutely delightful.  It's followed by a guitar driven blues number, 'What Am I To You?'.  This track features some organ playing over a rocking number.  Norah is asking her lover to verbalize how he views her and the relationship.  It's a smooth number and it flows like a long slow drag from a cigarette.  Next up is 'Those Sweet Words' with it's relaxing melody and soft sentimentality.

'Carnival Town' is the next number and it's an almost total departure from what you'd expect from Jones.  The minor chords and haunting piano take this song in a direction completely different from the previous numbers.  There's a Georgia swing reminding me of Johnny Mercer.  'In The Morning' clocks in over 4 minutes and has the distinction of being the longest track on the regular album.  There is one track from the bonus songs that clocks in a little longer, but this little groove is the longest.  There's some hesitation happening.  Something tense.

Imagine yourself sitting in a bar with maybe one or two other people; cigarette smoke drifting lazily around and a table all to yourself and you're in the moment set up for this number.  'Be Here To Love Me' drifts around you like absolute atmosphere.  'Creepin' In' chugs up next and increases the tempo of the album.  If I'm not mistaken, Dolly Parton is singing on this number with Jones and she's phenomenal.  It's an absolutely addictive sound.  'Toes' is another easy going number that washes over you like a stroll down a tree lined sidewalk.  It's followed up by 'Humble Me' which sounds more like a lullaby than a love song.  

'Above Ground' features some satisfying brush snare.  'The Long Way Home' comes back and revives the country sound you've heard a little on this album.  'The Prettiest Thing' is probably my favorite number on the album.  It's a combination on all the various sounds showing up on the disc.  'Don't Miss You At All' is the final track and you can picture Jones sitting in a lounge at a piano singing this incredible number.

The next three tracks are the bonus tracks.  'Sleepless Nights' is another country crooner.  It's got some lovely harmonies and the vocal performance is delicate and lilting.  'Moon Song' is a sweet track that's very fanciful and dreamy.  'I Turned Your Picture To The Wall' is the final number on this version and is another amazing number.

The DVD contains 4 live performances, 2 music videos and an interview with Jones.  It's a thrilling disc and very enjoyable.

This record, more than the last one, is almost pure country.  There's some electric guitar and electric organ, but it's infused with a more organic sound.  Jones is at the height of her ability and she delivers on this one.  100%.  My final words:  ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM AN AMAZING TALENT!

NORAH JONES - FEELS LIKE HOME DELUXE EDITION

01. Sunrise

02. What Am I To You?

03. Those Sweet Words

04. Carnival Town

05. In The Morning

06. Be Here To Love Me

07. Creepin' In

08. Toes

09. Humble Me

10. Above Ground

11. The Long Way Home

12. The Prettiest Thing

13. Don't Miss You At All

14. Sleepless Nights

15. Moon Song

16. I Turned Your Picture To The Wall

DVD

01. In The Morning (Live)

02. She (Live)

03. The Long Way Home (Live)

04. Creepin' In (Live)

05. Sunrise (Music Video)

06. What Am I To You? (Music Video)

07. Norah Interview

ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

So Roisin O came to my attention through a promotional release and I put the disc in not sure what to expect.  I'd heard 'Hold On', but I wasn't sure what to make of it.  Then I decided to go for it and let me tell ya...  I've been listening to the disc now for a few weeks.  I've lived with the music and I've tried to think about it without feeling so much.  Mostly because the music on this disc causes you to respond involuntary.

I remember reading one of Seal's liner notes and he wrote something about not printing lyrics because sometimes what you hear in your head is radically different from what the actual words are.  And this disc is a prime example of that notion.

Roisin O is one of those vocalists with the ability to emote her songs.  And in my opinion, that's the most success you can achieve as a musician.  If you can make people internalize your music, relate to it on a personal level, you succeed.

The first track on the disc is 'Here We Go' and it's a fun, bright pop tune worthy of a place on any pop chart.  Without diving into the world of electronic blips and whirls, Roisin jumps out at you with a lively number that would make anyone jump out of their seat.  It's followed by the slower paced, 'Synchronicity'.  It doesn't drop the bottom out of the momentum of the disc.  In fact, it softens it and prepares you for a more in depth experience.  The chorus is catchy and it's one you can enjoy singing along with.  With the breathy "ahs" towards the end of the song, it's easy to see why this number is so infectious.  

The next track is one I found extremely powerful.  The first time I heard it, I was listening to the disc as I was driving in my truck.  It reminded me of Ani DiFranco's singing style.  But the music itself and the rhythm...  It made me think of my sister and in minutes I was in tears.  Roisin sings, "Strive to climb high", but I heard, "Strive to come home" and my heart broke.  No matter how often I hear the song, I hear the lyrics I want to hear.  Each time, I feel an overpowering response.  By itself, this song makes the album worth owning.  

She moves the record along with 'How Long'.  I hear a lot of folk instrumentation happening here.  I read online Roisin is an Irish singer and I hear a lot of that in this song.  But it's quite energetic and keeps you interested.  Next up is 'Filled With Snow' and at this point I started hearing Wendy & Lisa in the music.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love them and when I hear artists who remind me of their unique style of composition, I get excited and enthusiastic.  This song is no exception.

Next up is the haunting single from the album, 'Hold On'.  This is another song that causes an incredible emotional response in me when I hear it.  Where so many ballads deal with losing love, devotion or other such ideas...  Roisin uses hers to encourage her audience.  She sings songs of hope.  More than once I've found myself listening to this song when I've had a bad day and needed someone to talk to.  To lean on.

'Let's Find Some People' is another track I can hear the timeless groove of Lisa and Wendy shining through.  There's a wonderful bop happening here and I love it.  Especially the organ pumping away under the guitars.  'Tea Song' is another one that reminds of Ani DiFranco.  In fact the opening few strums recalls a track from "To The Teeth".  When the organ cuts in again, I feel almost like I'm in the smooth arms of a Norah Jones lullaby.  It's followed by 'You Owe Me A Drink'.  A hurried number, this one kinda chugs along and includes an amazing arrangement of electric organ and guitar strumming.  This is one of the tracks where Roisin's vocals really shine through.  She's got an interesting range and she's fun to listen to.  At certain points, the song almost sounds like Country and you could swear Dolly Parton was singing backup.

Winding the disc down, 'Find The Light' is almost lost on the disc.  The interesting percussion mix is a highlight and the sounds are ethereal yet earthly.  She never seems to leave you behind.  Each word pulls you along and yet, if you're not paying attention, this little gem will slip past you.  Finally, the title track, 'The Secret Life Of Blue' winds up the disc.  When I hear it, I feel like I'm sitting on the porch of the house in North Carolina.  Up in the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Playing guitars on a summer night while a warm rain strums against the roof.  It's a peaceful and lovely way to end the record.  The harmonies are delightful and enchanting as they fade leaving you longing for just a little more.

There are so many sounds happening on this recording and all of them make me want to hear more from this vital exciting new artist.  I was fortunate to have this disc brought to my attention and I hope you'll take the time to discover it and enjoy it as much as I have.  My final words: BEST NEW MUSIC I'VE HEARD IN AGES!

ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

01. Here We Go

02. Synchronicity

03. Climb High

04. How Long

05. Filled With Snow

06. Hold On

07. Let's Find Some People

08. Tea Song
09. You Owe Me A Drink

10. Find The Light

11. The Secret Life Of Blue

VIOLENT FEMMES - VIOLENT FEMMES

This album came out in 1982. I remember discovering this band in junior high school. So many kids were listening to them. I think because they used some naughty words. Seems like when you're a kid, hearing someone swear is pretty intense. Of course these days, I don't even pay attention to language like that. It just kinda slides past me. So what can I say about this record? It wasn't the first Femmes tape I bought. The first one was "Hallowed Ground"; which is actually the band's second release. But it was the first one I was exposed to. The band consists of guitar, bass and drums. What the musical trio lack in inventive sound, they make up for with interesting lyrics, rapid paced music and infectious melodies. As simple as it is, this is one record you can readily sing along with and really jam.

Probably the most recognizable songs from the Violent Femmes repertoire show up on this release. I suspect it's also the band's most successful recording to date. Subsequent releases have failed to come to my attention, but most of these tracks are 80's classics. Arguably the most famous song, 'Blister In The Sun' starts off the record at a romping pace. Gordon Gano delivers this ode to pre-ejaculation with as straight laced a vocal as one can expect. In fact, unless you're paying close attention to the song, the lyrics are quite vague and wouldn't even make you think of sex. It's followed up by 'Kiss Off', probably the second most famous Femmes track. During the volatile early 80's when Punk was transforming into the New Romantic or New Wave sound, there was a musical void desperate to be filled and bands like the Femmes combined Americana rock with teenage angst to create a different sound that eventually found a home with alternative country artists like Ryan Adams, Old 97s, Whiskeytown and even some Honky Tonk singers like Wayne Hancock. You can also hear them in the sound of Norah Jones. Mainly from her time with Lee Alexander and you can hear them sometimes in the lyrics of Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins.

'Please Do Not Go' is the group's first attempt at a slow song. I say slow, but it's more of a meandering stroll, making it's way along the neck of the bass guitar. The lyrics tell the story of a man trying to win the heart of his love back. But seriously, if I was leaving and someone sang me a song like this to get me to stay, I'd be running for the hills. Hehehe. 'Add It Up' starts off with Gano singing sadly in the background. Then here comes that driving tempo again. Another classic tune and another well known track from this record. 'Confessions' really is a slow tune in every sense of the word. However, like 'Please Do Not Go', it kinda rambles. There is a strange urgency in the vocal delivery. Gano seems on the verge of revealing something, but never really lets you in on his secret. Once again, the beat picks up with 'Prove My Love'. This is my personal favorite. I love the description of the relationship and the confusion he feels when he sings, "what do I have to do, to prove my love to you."

'Promise' continues the beat. Another excellent tempo tune with an interesting vocal delivery. 'To The Kill' borders on freeform jazz in some ways. The music takes a minute to find a groove, but when it does, it falls into that same half ballad slow song mix we've already heard twice on the record. They perfect this approach on later albums. This particular track has an extremely disjointed feel to the music and I believe the intent is to keep the listener off guard and not knowing what to expect. 'Gone Daddy Gone' introduces a xylophone into the musical mix and is probably the most radio friendly of all the songs on the record. This song would be great for greaser bands or even a Honky Tonk band to cover. I really love this tune. 'Good Feeling' brings in a piano and has the odd feeling of a hymn. You can imagine the song being sung in church. Well if it had anything to do with religion. But like the other songs on this record, it deals with unfaithful lovers, problematic relationships and sex.

This cd release features a couple of unreleased bonus tracks. The first, 'Ugly' sounds like a 50's rock track you'd hear in a soundtrack to a John Waters' film. 'Gimme The Car' is another slower paced tune, but it features some really great guitar playing and I actually love it.

So the Femmes are an interesting band with strange lyrics, odd arrangements and minimalist sound. Altogether, it's quite effective and worth listening to. If you remember this little corner of 80's history, you should pick up this release and enjoy it! It's worth the purchase. My final words: IT ALL ADDS UP!

VIOLENT FEMMES - VIOLENT FEMMES
01. Blister In The Sun
02. Kiss Off
03. Please Do Not Go
04. Add It Up
05. Confessions
06. Prove My Love
07. Promise
08. To The Kill
09. Gone Daddy Gone
10. Good Feeling
11. Ugly
12. Gimme The Car

NORAH JONES - COME AWAY WITH ME

I'd heard 'Don't Know Why'... This was back in the day when I actually watched television and I'd seen the video. I knew the name, but I never really listened to the music. It wasn't until I saw "Two Weeks Notice" where Norah appears in a cameo singing 'The Nearness Of You' that I realized how interesting this up and coming artist was. The first disc I actually bought was her second and it wasn't until much later that I finally picked up 'Come Away With Me'. Still, I always knew I'd have it one day.

Norah has one of those sultry seductive voices. It floats across any room it fills and kinda wafts like rich hot chocolate under your nose on a cold day. She's as soothing as lemonade in summer and warm as a fleece blanket in fall. She welcomes you, wraps you up and makes you feel like an old friend hanging around under a pile of fluffy pillows.

As much as I love her voice and style, I sometimes take exception to the songs she chooses to perform. Most of them are written by her band members. And for the most part, they're exceptional. Still, some of them seem like throwaway country at times. On this disc there are some amazing stand out cuts. Like 'Turn Me On', 'The Nearness Of You' and the haunting 'I've Got To See You Again'. 'Feelin' The Same Way' is a bouncy number with an enjoyable rhythm and a lovely intensity while 'Come Away With Me' starts out sounding like 'Moon River'. As a title track, it's mellow and sweet sentiment aptly describes the look and feel of Norah while at the same time showcasing her whispery vocals in a sensual blend of emotional longing and practiced skill. 'Shoot The Moon' is a remarkable song with powerful lyrics about missed opportunities and loss. 'Painter Song' almost reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel, while 'One Flight Down' has an almost Dolly Pardon-like quality to it. 'The Long Day Is Over' feels like an old negro spiritual at first before morphing into a number you'd expect to hear in a smokey piano bar. I think the only song I don't really like on this disc is 'Lonestar'. Not for any reason other than it just seems predictable and somewhat lackluster to me.

Although it wasn't my first Norah Jones cd, it certainly is the root of my appreciation for her. Subsequent albums have special places on my music shelf and I find myself turning to her during stressful times to just kinda take the edge off the day. If you haven't heard it, find someone who owns it and borrow it. Let it play softly in the background while you go about your day and see if Norah doesn't become a ready friend you've known your whole life. My final word: SULTRY.

NORAH JONES - COME AWAY WITH ME
01. Don't Know Why
02. Seven Years
03. Cold, Cold Heart
04. Feelin' The Same Way
05. Come Away With Me
06. Shoot The Moon
07. Turn Me On
08. Lonestar
09. I've Got To See You Again
10. Painter Song
11. One Flight Down
12. Nightingale
13. The Long Day Is Over
14. The Nearness Of You