Cyndi Lauper – There will be some people, quite understandingly, who will criticize this album as just another jaded old pop star trying to cash in her fame for one last pot of gold. I, too may have said this if I hadn’t spent time listening to it – and boy am I glad I did, as it’s an absolute corker.
Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, this album of blues covers includes special guest artists including B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Allen Toussaint, Ann Peebles and Charlie Musselwhite – you can’t get much better and these guys add the class to the album. Though fair play to Cyndi (did you know shes 57) she carries the whole thing with a voice that appears to have been made to sing the blues.
I know there are hundreds of albums of blues covers by female artists that in their own right are just as good if not better, but this is now, this is Cyndi Lauper and I love it.
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Sandi Thom – A different kind of blues from a Scottish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Macduff in Aberdeenshire, who has ditched her pop past and created an album of bluesy/folksy songs that is really good. So good, in fact, that it entered the UK charts at 118 on its first week of release before dropping out of the top 200 – I kinda like that.
Anyway, she showcases her gutsy vocal talents and ear for a good song – includes Joe Bonamassa on ‘This Ol World’. There’s not a bad song here – I only hope she has success with this and continues her love of the blues.
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A great way to end what has been a crap weekend; thanks Dawg. Of the two tracks here, methinks I prefer Sandi Thom – LOVE the guitar work (but then you knew I would). Plus she sounds more “authentic” than Cyndi, imho. Reminds me a bit of an early Sharleen Spiteri; also Scottish. Would be glad of a few more tracks of this wench. Good one !
Hi URD glad you like – just putting the finishing touches to Julys Mini Mix and it’s way too bluesy – me think you may enjoy.
Agree with the Spiteri comparison been tempted to buy Spiteris solo stuff as I love her voice but haven’t been too impressed what I’ve heard on myspace etc. – do you recommend?
I’m stunned by how good Cyndi Lauper’s new blues album is. It is my pick for best album of 2010 (so far). Her passion for the blues shines through in every song.
Hi Darren – and welcome to musicforthemonth.com
You are right it is an excellent album – I know she has surrounded herself with some great musicians but I was quite surprised how good her voice sounds, so right to sing the blues and it wouldn’t have worked if her voice wasn’t so good.
Whats you favourite tracks on the album and can you recommend any other similar albums or artists you like?
I was amazed by the Cyndi Lauper track. I had never really considered her as a potential Blues singer, but she pulls it off surprisingly well here.
The highlight of the Sandi Thom one, as URD says is the guitar work, but there’s some nifty harmonica tucked in there too.
I could never have imagined myself say this, but of the two, I would go for Cyndi Lauper.
Hi Spacey – I’m not surprised as you know good music when you hear it and both of these albums are good. I’m glad I brought it them to you attention.
On another matter, what you think of the BBQ Mix? Have you started writing you song by song review yet……
Haven’t even started downloading the BBQ mix yet. And the reason for this dereliction of duty I hear you ask?
Simple – to the vast majority of the music buying public, it is now July – time for BBQ’s, relaxing in the sun, changing the daily tipple from beer to cider and eyeing up all those upcoming festivals with numerous great bands, dodgy burgers and near naked young people behaving with somewhat exuberant manners.
However, to the tiny majority that have to combine this line of thinking with the stark reality of who pays the bills at the end of the month, it is not July, but the beginning of the dreaded Q3, which as we all know is only one step away from the fearful Q4. To the layman, this means that already our company is gearing up towards Christmas!! So I now have at the moment, in the region of 30-40 new people to train each week in the glorious art of keeping you, our beloved customers happy when it comes time for you also to start thinking about how to spend that hard earned dosh on bucket-loads of goodies for people you hardly even know and care even less about.
Unfortunately, this means that time is of the essence and very precious when it can be rescued, so no more blethering, time to go start downloading that mix.
The Cyndi Lauper track is superb, that album is definitely on my wishlist.
Sandi Thom? Not so sure. But based on my Betty Steeles volte-face (ooh missus), will have another few listens before deciding.
And the July mini mix is bluesy? Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!
p.s. Spacey, you and your team are doing a fine job!
Both very refreshing. Great post LD.
Cyndi Lauper has moved on a million miles from her ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ days (thank God) and I will have to listen to more of this album to get a better feel for it. The song that you posted is pleasant enough, but didn’t completely suck me in.
As for Sandi Thom, I was all ears!! This sounds like authentic country blues to me and reminds me a little of artists like Shaun Colvin. I will definitely be buying this one, as not treated myself to any new music for ohh at least 3 weeks now!
The July mini-mix is bluesy?? Right, I’d better download it pronto, as me like the blues muchly, but not had chance to do it yet…