Saturday, July 24, 2010

An Other Cup CD review

Yusuf Islam, 2006.

This is the album that relaunched the artist formerly known as Cat...
It's a wise album - doesn't attempt to branch off into terra incognita musically, chooses a set of songs positively but gently outlining Yusuf's more defined spiritual path, and contains some simply lovely new material.

On first hearing, I remember the positive vibes that sprang forth on Midday, especially hearing the brass ection that underscores the chorus and bridge of the song - made me think how some of those very early 60s songs MIGHT have sounded if Cat had had a little more experience and artistic/production freedom at the time (looser, less frenetic).

Andy heard Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and recognised it for the Animals' cover it is - there's also a cover of "I Think I See The Light" (Cat), so a goodly dollop of familiarity.

The new songs which make this a special album for me are Maybe There's A World, One Day At A Time, The Beloved and There is Peace (This last one makes a superb epilogue for the whole album, offering hope and serenity for those wanting it)...

Much to enjoy!

10/10.

ps I think that might be Youssou N'Dour singing lead on The Beloved - any clues?

No comments:

Post a Comment