Albums of the week (released 1st September 2003) - Tiscali Music News

2003-09-01

For this week's albums, read on, but for this week's singles, please click here

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Jewel - 0304 (pictured above)

'0304' is the follow-up to Jewel's previous album 'This Way'.

Produced by Jewel in collaboration with Lester A. Mendez (Shakira, Santana), the album sees Jewel taking an exciting new direction, blending elements of dance and r&b into her own inimitable sound.

The end result is a dazzling and creative mixture of sounds and textures, with highlights including the first single 'Intuition', the breezy summer-pop of 'U & Me=Love' (originally written for Holly Valance)and the gentle love-song '2 Become 1', written with former Robbie Williams songwriter Guy Chambers.

Other writers that have contributed to '0304' include Rick Nowels (Ronan Keating, Kylie) and Anthony Bell.

"This record may sound different to you. To me, it's closer to what has been in my head for years. I wanted to make a record that was a modern reinterpretation of big band music. A record that was lyric-driven, like Cole Porter stuff, that also had a lot of swing" - Jewel

Buy this album here

Abs - Abstract Theory

Following on from the massive success of the singles 'What You Got', 'Stop Sign' and 'Miss Perfect' (featuring Nodesha - the first signing to Jam & Lewis' new label Flyte Tyme), ex-5ive member Abs returns with his stunning debut album, 'Abstract'.

Recorded with the Dublin based hit factory that is Biff Co Productions (5ive, Dido, Kylie Minogue), Hod David (producer and guitarist for Maxwell), and Sugababes producer Brian Higgins, this is the album that cements Abs move from pop band member to solo artist, an album that is impossible to second guess and which teems with a dark, wry humour mixed with an unabashed pop sensibility.

Buy this album here

Bushwacka - Everlasting

Now one of the most sought-after faces on the house and breakbeats scene, the past year has been a pretty hectic one for partner of Layo and one half of the team behind the 'Love Story' chart single.

'The Everlasting' album is Bushwacka flying solo and provides the perfect showcase for the man's styles, both as a producer and a deejay. Recorded and mixed live at the Womb Club in Tokyo, 'The Everlasting' finds Bushy mixing down both his own and other people's productions whilst MC EQ gets wild on the mic.

Buy this album here

Elton John - Greatest Hits: 1970-2002: 3cd: Extra Track: New Edition

Greatest Hits 1970-2002' traces Elton John's career from his flamboyant early years right through to the present day.

Hit after hit after hit, 'Greatest Hits 1970-2002' is a stunning collection of Elton's best loved songs and truly highlights an incredible songwriter, an incredible singer and an incredible career - including 'Your Song', 'Rocket Man', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' and the spine-tingling 'Candle In The Wind'.
The bonus disc included with this 3CD special edition version includes duets with Luciano Pavarotti ('Live Like Horses'), George Michael ('Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'), Alessandro Safina ('Your Song'), Kiki Dee ('True Love'), Blue ('Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word'), plus the brand new single 'Are You Ready For Love' (as featured on the current Sky Sports TV advert).

Buy this album here

Doug Kershaw - Easy

'Easy's' rollicking Cajun-influenced honky-tonk will sound familiar to long-time fans of Mr. Kershaw, who describes the blend simply as my way of looking at things. A renowned multi instrumentalist who plays, by his count, 29 instruments, Kershaw's Cajun fiddle is front and centre throughout 'Easy', and the album rings with chiming mandolins and banjos, anchored by Kershaw's expressive and idiosyncratic voicing.

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Heather Nova - Storm

'Storm' is the beguiling fifth album from Heather Nova, undoubtedly her best to date. Sitting somewhere between Eva Cassidy and Nora Jones, it's a stripped down roots affair showcasing Heather's beautiful voice as never before. Recorded in her native Bermuda and Woodstock , Mercury Rev played a dual role as both backing band and producers. Mixed in NYC with seminal U.S. producer 'Bassy' Bob Brockman (Mary J Blige, Biggie Smalls, Toni Braxton), all songs are Nova originals, while Lenny Kaye of The Patti Smith Group also features on one track, 'Everytime'. Includes the single 'River Of Life'.

Buy this album here

James Taylor - You've Got A Friend

Superceding 1976's multi-platinum 'Greatest Hits' package, this 20-song anthology at last gathers together the best of James Taylor on one definitive album. Drawn from the Apple ('Something in the Way She Moves' - Taylor's only release for the Beatles' imprint), Warner (1969-1976) and Columbia vaults, 'You've Got A Friend - Best Of ' covers the entire span of this legendary singer/songwriter's career - including hits such as 'Sweet Baby Jane', Carolina in My Mind' , 'Shower The People' and many, many more, plus the brand new track, 'Bittersweet'.

Buy this album here

Billy Connolly - Humble Beginnings: 6cd

This 6CD box set celebrates the seminal years of the legendary 'Big Yin.' This latest addition to the Connolly canon brings together for the first time many of his freshest, funniest, and most outrageous comedy pieces.

In addition, his eclectic and often hilarious contributions to The Humblebums demonstrate his often overlooked songwriting and performing skills.

This highly collectible box set also contains a 28-page booklet with extensive notes and background information, many illustrations photographs, plus full discographical details.

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Undertones - Teenage Kicks: Best Of: 2cd: Includes Dvd: Ltd

Formed in Derry, Northern Ireland in November 1975, this much-loved punk/pop quintet comprised Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John O'Neill (guitar), Damian O'Neill (guitar), Michael Bradley (bass) and Billy Doherty (drums).

'Teenage Kicks' boasts all of the Undertones' hits and highlights on one superb album - including their nine hit singles - from a band who defined the spirit of late 70s/early 80s New Wave.

Buy this album here