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Written by Gregg Shapiro
Apr 21, 2011
Patti Austin
Patti Austin
Patti Austin had one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. Her “Baby, Come To Me” duet with James Ingram (linked to the popular soap “General Hospital”) was inescapable for most of that decade. Gays of a certain generation also recall her 1984 disco hit “Rhythm of the Street.” She’s a first-rate vocalist in possession of a powerful set of pipes.
Austin’s latest “Sound Advice” (Shanachie) is a diva-lover’s delight. The dozen inspirational (but not too preachy) tunes run the gamut from Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be,” Don McLean’s “Vincent,” Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” and The Jacksons’ “Give It Up” to The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” Wings’ “Let ‘Em In” and Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence” (!).
‘Glee’
With each subsequent “Glee” soundtrack, the members of the New Directions glee club sound as if they’re more interested in singing solos or duets than performing as a chorus. As has been the case in the past, “Glee: The Music, Volume 5” (Columbia), is an inspired mash-up/medley. But when actress-turned-singer Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s featured on three songs (including covers of Stevie Nicks’ Fleetwood Mac masterpiece “Landslide” and Prince’s “Kiss”) is the star attraction, it might be time to reevaluate.
Scala and Kolacny Brothers
CDs featuring choral groups performing pop tunes are nothing new. From the unexpected success of The Langley Schools Music Project disc to the Young @ Heart Chorus to the a cappella groups heard on Ben Folds’ University a cappella album, there is something fascinating about hearing all those voices singing well-known rock numbers in unison.
Scala and Kolacny Brothers fits in well with the previously named acts. Under the guidance of Kolacny brothers Stijn and Steven, Belgian choir Scala transforms songs by Metallica (“Nothing Else Matters”), Oasis (“Champagne Supernova”), U2 (“With or Without You”), Foo Fighters (“Everlong”), Radiohead (a live version of “Creep”) and Kings of Leon (“Use Somebody”) into pleasant choral pieces.
‘Sucker Punch’
Various artists’ movie soundtracks have often been the place to find interesting cover versions of popular songs. “Sucker Punch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” (WaterTower) is no exception. The music accompanying the latest from Zack Snyder (“300,” “Watchmen”) consists of remakes, including Emily Browning’s take on the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This,” The Smiths’ “Asleep” and The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind.” There’s also the return of Skunk Anansie (featuring out lead singer Skin) remaking Iggy Pop’s “Search and Destroy” and teaming up with Björk for the Sucker Punch Remix of “Army of Me.”
‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’
It’s essentially a jukebox musical (but what a jukebox!), as you can hear on “Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical – Original Broadway Cast Recording” (Rhino). In addition to some of the songs heard in the movie, such as “Go West,” “I Love The Nightlife,” “I Will Survive,” “Shake Your Groove Thing,” “A Fine Romance” and “Finally” (considered the “finale”), the enhanced and expanded musical includes unforgettable versions of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Like A Prayer,” “Pop Muzik” and many others. Based on the recording, “Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical” sounds like it’s as campy as “Xanadu” and a hell of a lot more fun than “Mamma Mia!”
‘American Idiot’
Easily the most legitimate rock musical to hit the stage since “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “American Idiot” is based on the acclaimed and award-winning Green Day opus of the same name (and enhanced by songs from the band’s “21st Century Breakdown” follow-up). Green Day’s songs make the transition well, as you can hear on “American Idiot: The Original Broadway Cast Recording” (Reprise), thanks to a talented cast, including John Gallagher, Jr., Stark Sands, Michael Esper, Mary Faber, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Tony Vincent and Christina Sajous, who strike a balance between the show’s rock roots and the theatricality of Broadway.
David Campbell
Don’t expect to hear anything from “American Idiot” on “On Broadway” (Masterworks Broadway) by Aussie tenor David Campbell. With the exception of the “world premiere recording” of “Goodbye” from “Catch Me If You Can” by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (of “Hairspray” fame), Campbell plays it very safe. He does what he can to leave his mark on easily recognizable selections from “The Pajama Game” (“Hey There”), “Company” (“Being Alive”), “Les Miserables” (“Bring Him Home”) and “Stop The World – I Want To Get Off” (“What Kind of Fool Am I?”), among others.
Jane Krakowski
From the sound of things, “30 Rock” star and Broadway diva Jane Krakowski wanted to have more fun with the material she selected for her live recording “The Laziest Gal in Town” (DRG). Recorded before an enthusiastic audience, Krakowski has her way with songs by Cole Porter (the title track), Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer and Marve Fisher (the “I’m Old Fashioned/Old Fashioned Girl” medley), Jule Styne (“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”) and Irving Berlin (“Let’s Face the Music and Dance”) and more.
Barbara Cook and Michael Feinstein
“Cheek to Cheek” (DuckHole), by Barbara Cook and Michael Feinstein, was recorded live at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency in New York. As with the Krakowski disc, Cook and Feinstein touch on Porter, Berlin and Mercer. There are also pleasant surprises, including the Feinstein original “The World Keeps Changing,” as well as the contemporary cabaret tune “Ever After” by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich.
