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PURCHASE DATE: 02/08/06
REVIEW DATE: 02/08/06

CD Release: 10/04/05

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ONCE again I am jumping upon the popular-artist-bandwagon late in the game.  However, James Blunt's CD, "Back to Bedlam", is more than worth the while.  His smooth, ashy voice--with a hint of raspiness--combined with rather genuine and sincere introspective lyrics provide for a good CD from start to finish.  While there is a theme in his music from song to song, there is enough variety to appreciate his voice against subtle tunes.  Nothing about his music is overwhelming, but utterly soothing.  The lyrics are sensible, structured, and pithy, avoiding most extreme, ethereal artistic flamboyancy, which I find usually detracts from the music.  At first I though his voice texture would be a detriment, but it is truly his strength.  I purchased the "explicit" version of the album, but it is far from a 'PARENTAL ADVISORY' label-toting work.  I certainly hope he has staying power and enough drive within him to continue with his creativity.  He seems to be a true poet.  I find a lot of flavor from song to song, which makes an artist and his album unusual.  You'll know the hit single, "Beautiful," but the other songs are just as captivating.

PURCHASE DATE: 12/30/05
REVIEW DATE: 02/08/06

CD Release: 06/07/05

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THE White Stripes have been growing in strength with their minimalist, garage sound with a hint of Motown flavor as it echoes the creativity of legends such as Led Zeppelin.  The artistic creativity and sound of "Get Behind Me Satan" is an expansive and broad range of music.  From xylophones to the banjo to solely acoustic to bare snare drums with no bass and the piano, The White Stripes strive toward a musical genre and heritage left by few others.  Three hit singles from this album, Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, and Walking with a Ghost, really show off their talent and give one a feel for the variety on the album.  No song is boring.  No song is unimaginative.  This is a classic as it reveals their maturity and the continual progress of coming into their own.  It is safe to say The White Stripes are one of the greatest and most talented bands past and present.  This album won a 2004 Grammy.  Buy it and find out why such brilliance was awarded as it was.