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November CD reviews
ELLE Canada's picks on hot CDs this month.
By Larissa Primeau
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The Killers Sawdust, Universal
The Killers have decided to release and album of "b-sides, rarities and some new material". The result is the brand new release Sawdust. I think the reason some of these b-sides and rarities didn't make it onto Hot Fuss or Sam's Town is because, well, they're just not that good. Thankfully they included some classic covers. These save the album from completely stinking out the joint. They cover "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (a The First Edition cover), and "Romeo and Juliet" (a Dire Straits cover). Both covers aren't spectactular , but they're adequate. The trick to successfully covering another artist's song is to do something distinct and unique with them. There's no denying that Brandon Flowers has a decent voice so he's naturally going to sound good singing a song, but he lacks creativity with these covers. It's a bit disappointing , because you know they're capable of more. In fact,this whole album makes you feel like giving them a pep talk; something like , "Come on guys. Pull your heads out!You can do it! You can do anything you put your mind too!" Why? Because the Killers are a great band, but this album is not reflective of that. However, it must be said that the first track "Tranquilize" featuring Lou Reed, is awesome. Lou Reed also makes an appearance in the video for the song. As always, remember, music is subjective so I leave it up to you, dear ellecanada.com readers. Check out Sawdust by The Killers and let me know what you think.
Jully Black Revival, Universal
If you're Canadian, anywhere near a radio and not completely oblivious, you've heard
Jully Black's hit single "Seven Day Fool". It's a good song, but like classic Canadian radio, (with Canadian artists) it gets played, played again, and played some more. Nice one CRTC. Luckily it's a great song. Most people I've talked to about that particular track, first thought it was Christina Aguilera, and that's not an insult! The two artists share a similar sound and both of them are smokin hot. Jully Black isn't entirely new on the scene but at 30, she's an up and coming talent to be reckoned with. This album is truly a bit of everything. As you probably know, "Seven Day Fool" (an Etta James remake) has an original sound, whereas "Until I Stay" is straight up pop, there's lots of classic Jully Black R&B and some well produced hip hop undertones. My favorite song on the album is "Never Lost My Sight" and for the most part, it's a very listenable album. "Catch me when I fall" was a bit boring but the standard ballad for every album. I also am impressed with the whistle solo in the intro of "Wishing". I've said it before, you can't go wrong with a whistle solo. I challenge you to tell me one song where the whistle solo didn't work. You can't do it. I liked this album. She should come out with another one quickly. With Canadian radio, you should hit while you're hot and right now, Jully Black is hot.
Love or hate my reviews? Have a new band that's worth listening to? Let me know by e-mailing me here! larissa@ellecanada.com
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