So finally Paul Oakenfold got round to writing and producing a whole album by himself. But those who have been enthralled by his reign as a world-famous super-DJ might be surprised.
This is no trance or acid house set straight from the dance floor. It’s more creative and shows Oakey knows much more about music than beat-mixing. But it’s as if he couldn’t decide which style he liked best, so he decided to just go with it all.
The result is a daringly diverse and textured mix of genres and styles. There is a Chemical Brothers sound on opener Ready Steady Go; floaty girl vocals; head-on rapping by Ice Cube; bouncy pop on Starry Eyed Surprise; and much more. Other guest stars include Nelly Furtado, Tricky and even vocals by author Hunter S Thompson.
Its eclecticism is also its weak point: the different tangents don’t seem to come together. But it’s still an inspired collection, worth owning.
The Fortune Cookies: Ordinary Day (Musketeer)
What strikes one on listening to this local group’s debut is the emotional depth. Singer, songwriter and founding member Cathy Stadler’s songs, overflowing in feeling, are about the upside and downside of everyday life and love. Backed by subtle, laid-back harmonies, they form a stirring whole. It’s gentle but confident; an extraordinary album for an ordinary day. — Riaan Wolmarans
Dave Goldblum: Cape to Cairo (Richie S Records)
This local singer and songwriter’s music is a comfortable mix of jazz, blues and folk, with his skilful guitar accompaniment and poetic vocals (sometimes reminiscent of Luka Bloom) proof of his years of musical experience on stages all over the country. It’s romantic, laid-back and undemanding, well suited for repeat listening. — Riaan Wolmarans
Liberty X: Thinking It Over (David Gresham)
Life is funny. The British Popstars is won by Hear’Say, who get a record deal, good hairdos and sponsored cars dropped into their laps. Along come the five runners-up and form Liberty X — and maybe because they are more determined, they come across as much more talented than Hear’Say. This is a collection of vibrant, edgy and upbeat pop with a sexy R&B undercurrent and the five members’ voices harmonise exceptionally well. Some tracks are unremarkable, like Doin’ It and Saturday, but it’s all very listenable. The Popstars judges must be fuming. — Riaan Wolmarans
LeAnn Rimes: Twisted Angel (Curb)
Most people know LeAnn Rimes for the vapid pop jingles How Do I Live and Can’t Fight the Moonlight. On this new release the 19-year-old hits out with a more grown-up sound. The pop songs, like single Life Goes On, are more contemplative with crafty and honest lyrics (Rimes co-wrote four tracks). She also dips her toes into new waters, sometimes with lesser success. Trouble with Goodbye is an irritating R&B disaster, ballad The Safest Place sounds a tad too much like Celine Dion and the country-blues twang of the title track is jarring after the smoother preceding material. Still, it’s a step in the right direction for Rimes to become a serious star. — Riaan Wolmarans
Various: The Very Best of 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Top 8 @ 8 (Gallo)
A double-CD collection of hits from this Gauteng pop station that varies from painful (Celine Dion, Alice Deejay) and predictable (The Corrs, N’Sync, All Saints) to playful (Wheatus, Nine Days, Gorillaz) and perfect (REM, Jamiroquai, Coldplay). It’s your personal copy of the Highveld Stereo playlist. — Riaan Wolmarans