k.d. lang - Drag
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Free Music Notes for Drag
Free Music Review: heavenly
Hit: 5 Stars
this is a fantastic album. not only does the wonderful kd lang have the most fantastic voice, but the album also has a very interesting concept. all of the songs talk about smoking (of all things) and how it is oddly tied with romance. included is a cover of the hollies, 'the air that i breathe,' and torch songs like, 'smoke dreams,' 'don't smoke in bed,' and, 'theme from valley of the dolls.' a very worthy purchaceFree Music Review: Drag is no drag
Hit: 5 Stars
K.D. Lang sure likes to provoke controversy...first with her anti-meat campaign which upset farmers, and now the non-smoking Lang puts out an album of smoking related songs. But, it in no way glamourizes smoking at all. What we have here is a wonderful album of songs ranging from country, pop and jazz. Each song has something to do with smoking although some are very loosely tied to that. The cover and booklet photos show k.d. in various men's outfits, a play on the album title. This is a great album to relax by. The highlight of the album for me, is the beautiful "Smoke Dreams", but every song is well done and the orchestrations and arrangements are just right.Free Music Review: More torch, less twang...
Hit: 4 Stars
It's been said that k.d. lang is a quality singer in search of her voice. Like Linda Ronstadt she has a restless, wide-ranging sensibility and refuses to limit herself to any one genre. Even if country fans had cottoned more to this lanky Canadian, whose unique fashion sense, vegetarianism, and somewhat ironic take on the music (to say nothing of her being a Lawrence Welk fan) left many nonplussed, she would likely have moved beyond her C&W roots in any event. As concept albums go, "Drag" isn't the greatest concept. Most of the songs at least mention cigarettes or perhaps some even worse addiction. Two, "The Air That I Breathe" and "When The Heart Cave In," may only be included because their titles make for anti-smoking in-jokes. And, of course, the CD title allows for a visual pun on the cover, allowing k.d. to get up in 30s-style men's drag. It all cute and playful. Yes, it's ironic that this well-known vegetarian and non-smoker has unearthed all these chestnuts with smoking themes. But in the last analysis the question is: does she deliver musically?
Happily, the answer is a somewhat qualified yes. "Don't Smoke in Bed" is a little overwrought (compare Peggy Lee's wry take on it if you get the chance). But she breathes new life into "Air that I Breathe" and her take on "Till the Heart" penned by Roy Orbison, along with T-Bone Burnett and Bob Neuwirth, is gorgeous and true to Orbison's spirit. Some of the jazz-tinged numbers are a bit mannered, however. "My Old Addiction" sounds eerily like Karen Carpenter would have if she had ever ventured into smokier territory. And "Theme from the Valley of the Dolls" is not likely to make anyone forget Dionne Warwick's elegant version, although I find I like lang's version more with each new hearing.
There's a tension here between lang's ironic sense and her out-and-out romanticism. The irony is undeniably fun and likely an essential part of of lang's personality. But what hooks you, ultimately, is the romantic conviction she lends to a song like "Till the Heart Caves In."
Free Music Review: Nearly a 5-star...
Hit: 4 Stars
Having first seen k.d. lang perform many of these songs in an acoustic setting, with simply her, her voice, and a piano, I was disappointed with the arrangements on this album. Her voice is never at fault, but what suffers are the songs that are much more poignant without the dreamy overtures in the background. I loved the theme that persisted throughout the album, but after having seen her perform on Sessions at West 54th, I can't help but wish for more from this album.Free Music Review: The best sizzle and smoke since the Divine Miss M
Hit: 5 Stars
Before "Drag" the only music I had heard by kd was the duet she did with Roy Orbison "Crying", which ranks as one of the best pop duets. "Drag" had some interesting selections so I purchased it on a whim. "Don't Smoke In Bed" could only be equaled by Midler's sizzle and sarcasm. You can almost feel the burn baby burn as she's walking out of the bedroom. Carly Simon did this same song on her "Film Noir" Cd but kd's version takes the prize. "The Air That I Breathe" was one of the songs I wanted to hear (I thought if she did half as well on this one as she did on "Crying" it would be worth the Cd). This song was made for infinite interpretations, and kd's is by far the one I like best. You feel a sensuous humanity in her voice and the lyrics. Albert Hammond remains one of the great underated writers of pop music, and his music really shines here. "Smoke Dreams" takes you into some smokey nightclub with smoke rings spiraling upward and everywhere. "My Last Cigarette" a perfect blend of country (not my favorite) and pop music. This one sneaks up on you. "The Joker" a very personal and suggestive piece. Read between the lines and enjoy. "The Valley Of The Dolls" is the big triumph on this Cd. The thoughtful lyrics and wind-swept melody sweeps you away. My favorite version of this song. "Your Smoke Screen" a quiet piece that holds its own. "My Old Addiction" great cello and piano intro. Again, this is the type and quality of music that made Bette Midler famous. This one reminds me of Midler's "Am I Blue". Same subtle intensity and message. "Till My Heart Caves In" is one of a handful of country type songs that really works for me. You can feel the earth slip from beneath you as she slowly brings your heart into this twangy crescendo until you can only give in to its irrisistable tug and pull. "Smoke Rings" is a little more country than I like but is well done and is ripe for some nightclub act. "Hain't It Funny" probably her most steamy and honest song on this Cd. Fantastic! "Love Is Like A Cigarette" a perfect song to end this perfect Cd. I suppose you could live without this Cd, but why? Press on the order button immediately!