"A Case of You" is my other top pick from this collection, mostly on grounds that it's the other best song. There's more memorable and moving melody here to work her magic on.
My only objection to the album is in the song selection- but that's a fairly significant point. With all the songs written by all the Canadians, why some of these? These aren't even particularly the strongest picks of these songwriters. "Jericho" is just not a memorable Joni Mitchell song. There are so many better choices in her catalogue.
Same complaint with the Neil Young selections, though it becomes muted on repeated listenings. These are just not Neil Young's best songs. I own the After the Gold Rush album, and I still couldn't tell you how it goes.
Well okay, I can now. KD's impeccable performance really sells the song, and it'll be a KD song from now on as far as I'm concerned. She's obviously a great singer, and just as obviously Neil Young ain't. "Helpless" also picks up meaning and memorability with repeat listenings. Still, I'd really like to hear her take a swing at "Man Needs a Maid."
"Hallelujah" also becomes a significantly more compelling artifact with repeat viewings. For one thing, it has a little more dynamics than some of the other songs.
The other songs here, however, just aren't that memorable, and there's no fancy singing going to fix that. The Siberry songs are equally unmemorable. "One Day I Walk" has a nice arrangement. Too bad the song itself is so mediocre. What she saw in "Fallen" escapes me.
Robbie Robertson seems glaring here in his absence. Why no Robbie? Rather than those bland Siberry songs, imagine what KD could do with "Fallen Angel" or "Rocking Chair."
Still and all, she wrings everything out of these songs there is to be gotten. The whole thing sounds better and better with repeated listenings. The subtleties of the thing will creep up on you. If the idea of this album sounds good to you, definitely get in on it.
Article comments
1 - todd
If she wants to cover Canadians, why not at least make it interesting and do some Triumph or April Wine or Rush.
That would be worth hearin'!
2 - godoggo
Or Joey Shithead!
3 - VC
so, Neil Young ain't a great singer??
How do you explain a 40 year career and he's still making vital albums?
No One in rock today can compare with this multi-talented legend.
You know Absolutely Nothing about
rock music or writing reviews for that matter, maybe she chose songs she liked, not mainstream stuff. You better listen closer to After the Goldrush maybe you'll learn something..
4 - Al Barger
VC, I'm trying to get your point if, you were capable of, writing, a coherent English sentence- which you obviously know Absolutely Nothing about, see that I'm trying to talk down to you in your own silly hostile way, but if you weren't such a Doodie Head you might get the basic point of being polite?? which I think most critics would agree on - not that this would make any difference to me, but Neil Young was never, ever a good vocal performer ie singer, and a lifetime of hard living ie dope hasn't improved his vocals though he
was a great songwriter at one time, though it's silly to claim that he's still making "vital" albums, as it's been a really LONG time since Harvest and a long time since he wrote a memorable tune.
5 - Emily
I loved this album - all of it. Interesting review.
6 - Al Barger
Thank you, Miss Emily. Again, if I seem a little tough, it's because I'm considering KD as a top ranked artist to be rated thus by the strictest standards. This is definitely an outstanding album.
7 - vc
hey- alvin you ignorant cyber-geek:
1- you don't know good music if it bit you in the ass
2-you sound like a frustrated wimp who sits behind a computer screen all day
3- Neil young Has made some great music in the past 10 years- the 70's are over- move on
4-Believe me son, you don't want to see me hostile
8 - Al Barger
Yes VC, you make a powerful argument for the latter day music of Neil Young, and a shining example of the thoughtfulness of people who like those records. Thanks for your illuminating insight.
9 - Amir
You are absolutely right! It's an outstanding album.