retroblog short takes for January
I was intending to finish off 2008 with a bunch of CD reviews here on retroblog but time just wasn’t on my side. I managed a “short takes” entry last month that included brief reviews for Charlie Haden, Brad Paisley and Jenny Lewis. And now I have a few more leftovers from 2008 for today’s “short takes” entry.
Girl Talk – Feed the Animals
This was probably my favorite album of 2008. Over the years, I’ve heard a ton of mashups and a lot of the time the results ended up a little grating and harsh on the ears. But here, Gregg Gillis manages to make mashups a legitimate art form with a lot of creativity, musicality and a whole lot of fun. It’s an amazing accomplishment and the disc keeps me coming back for more. the CD is a *must have* in my book!
Yo Yo Ma – Songs of Joy & Peace
The most well known Cellist in the world attempts to bridge the classical world with pop in this holiday CD. It’s pleasant listening but a bit bland and non-descript at times. It’s just another one of those CDs you put on in the background and not pay a whole lot of attention to. The big names that are along for the ride on this album include Diana Krall, Alison Krauss, Chris Botti, Dave Brubeck and James Taylor.
..and speaking of James Taylor..
James taylor – Covers
Here we find another legendary artist on autopilot. Taylor is simply “phoning it in” with an album full of unremarkable covers. The album works well as background music at the local coffee shop but it really doesn’t stand up on its own. I have to say that Taylor’s voice sounds great though after all these years but I’d much rather hear him sing new original music than stuff like “On Broadway” or “Hound Dog”.
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