K.T. Oslin - Live Close By, Visit Often

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Free Music Notes for Live Close By, Visit Often

Free Music Review: Visitation Awelcome
Hit: 5 Stars

Though in her 50s, thanks to genius of lighting, Oslin looks like Shania's rival. Indeed, she is musically. "Live Close By," Oslin's "comeback" CD, finds her at her creative best. Every song has an identity of its own. The CD opens with an upbeat latino influenced title track. Here Oslin sings about the life of a single woman weathered by the trials and tribulations of romance. Backed with the occassional horns and an infectious melody, it's just a breathe of reality as she sings about independence and the unreliability of romance.

Another gem from this album is "Maybe We Should Learn to Tango." In terms of emotive uctions, this song ranks high up there with another Oslin classic "Hold Me." "Tango" recounts the tale of a desperate wife trying to salvage her marriage by giving it another goal through tangoing together. Sung with so much emotion, you could hear the pain ringing through Oslin's voice. "Drivin' and Cryin'," another heart wrenching ballad, comes close to being another favorite. "Drivin'" reminds me alot of Oslin's hit "New Way Home."

Despite being scarred by romance, not all hope is evaporated. Oslin does celebrate the power of love in "A Moment of Forever," a tender a tender ode to forever love. This song could easily be used as a wedding classic.

Moving away from romance is "Neva Sawyer"--a vivid story song about a barroom brawl. Oslin paints such a picturesque scene that you can't help but listen. Though the song runs above 6 minutes, you can't help but want to hear more episodes of Neva Sawyer. On the other hand, "Mexico Road," with its latino inflenced beat, is an upbeat decalaration of indepence.

Raul Malo, Oslin's co-producer, has never allowed himself to be pigeonholed. His own solo records and those with country group the Mavericks are testaments. With Malo on the helm, Oslin veers into unconventional territory as she gives us three short (almost medley like) standards. Her rendition of "Mean to Me" showcases Oslin's wit and sassiness that she brings to this pop standard. My only complain is that Oslin should sing all the verses of these standards, rather than singing excerpts of them all running just within a couple of minutes.

Though there are some very strong country songs ("I Don't Remember Not Loving You," "Tango,"), there's a surprise at the end. Oslin closes the CD with a dance version of Rosemary Clooney's "House." Ironically, the song became the biggest hit from this CD. While country radio shun Oslin from their playlist, dance clubs embraced "House" and has placed Oslin on the rungs of Billboard dance charts. Oslin on the dance chart, that's almost unheard of. But that's what this diva is capable of and lots more.

This CD has been one of my most played CDs. Every song is different and they are always interesting. With songs like this and talent so enoromous, I would echo Oslin's title track, please "live close by and visit often."

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