Music zone

Neil Diamond — The Best Of... (BMG Crescendo) ««««

Frustrated at his lack of progress on Bert Bern’s Bang label, Neil Diamond signed to Uni in 1968. By the time he left them in 1972, he was an international star and it is on these songs much of his claim to greatness lies. Many here (Song Sung Blue, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rose) are standards, but such is Diamond’s breathless intensity and absolute seriousness, they’re almost impossible to cover. Similarly, when he himself covered, The Last Thing On My Mind or He Ain’t Heavy... He’s My Brother, it was as if God had descended. Then there is "I Am... I said/To no one there/Not even a chair" on which, according to the excellent sleeve notes Diamond worked everyday for four months. Quite a gem, er... Diamond of an album.

Chris Issac — Speak Of The Devil (Warner Music) «««

Almost too blue to be true, the waggish persona and chiselled looks have always sat strangely at odds with the ex-Calvin Klein model Chris Issac’s poised but perennially pained existence as one of life’s losers. It’s nevertheless helped him acquire his own little niche. With Erik Jacobsen once again in the producer’s chair, this album sticks to the tried and tested loveless formula as though doomed to be forever haunted by the ghosts of Roy Orbison and rock n’ roll past. A little more change from Forever Blue, this latest offering Speak Of The Devil has more direct approach to the heart. The album has less restraint along the lines of the mumbling Hookeresque boogie Like The Way She Moves. The album is chiefly distinguished by Chris’ heavily mannered vocal style, while Eric’s atmospheric production gives every track an epic feel; prime cuts ranging from the relentlessly restless title track to the soft hypnotic surge of Breaking Apart and the sinewy, instantly memorable Flying. One minor caveat is that the meaning of the evocative-sounding lyrics is often so obscure that one has to listen to it a couple of times to know exactly what Chris is emoting about, but it’s fascinating stuff, nevertheless.

Bliss — Bliss (HMV) «««

R&B Ballads and harmonic pop melodies interwined with unspoilt freshness define the essence of Bliss in their self-titled debut album. Bliss is full of soulful and positive music. Comprising Scott McGinley (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Patrick McCabe (Keyboards), Matt Cadarette ( Lead Guitar), Alan Brown (Drums) and Tony Grey (Bass), the band demonstrates a sensational harmonic style here. From the smooth swinging melody of Tonight, Tonight and the syncopated rhythm of Hey Boy, to the gorgeous ballad Even If You Go, the album showcases the group’s musical virtuosity. Other songs worth listening to are First and Last, Bigger Than Us Both, Everybody Wants to Rule The World and Bye Bye Baby. The album also features the current hit single Run To Me. The guys definitely deserve a listening.

Albums of the Month

1999 Grammy Nominees — Various Artists (Warner Music)

Grammy Rap Nominees 1999 — Various Artists (Warner Music)

These are probably the world’s most powerful compilations where losers stand no place. It’s all about the top grossers of the year. NARAS (the people who put on the Grammys every year) sure know what music comes first. The two compilation albums 1999 Grammy Nominees and 1999 Grammy Rap Nominees feature songs that were nominated for awards on February 24 in Los Angeles. Of course, you know who the winners are. But, let’s not forget that even a nomination in such a prestigious award ceremony is in itself a major achievement. It’s definitely not the first time there’s been such a compilation. What’s different this year are the two separate collections, perhaps recognising the exponential growth of rap as music genre.

The pop collection is a catalogue to remind you of all the major hits you’ve been listening throughout the year. And if you haven’t already heard any of these songs — where the hell have you been? There is the country queen Shania Twain with You’re Still The One. There is the soulful hit ballad My Heart Will Go On by the pop diva Celine Dion. Meanwhile, there’s a fight for the best new artist race between Backstreet Boys doing the hit single Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) and the latest sensation in opera world Andrea Bocelle with the dramatic Amor Ti Vieta. Apparently Andrea gave a blastful performance with Celine Dion at the awards function. In the best-male pop vocal category we have Mr Slow Hands Eric Clapton with My Father’s Eyes, Brian McKnight with Anytime, Shawn Mullins doing Lullaby, Sting with You Weren’t Meant For Me and of course Eggle-Eve Cherry with the mega hit Save Tonight. Other headliners include Goo Goo Dolls with Iris nominated for their soundtrack single in the movie City Of Angels, Dixie Chicks with Wide Open Spaces, the teen sensations Brandy and Monica doing The Boy Is Mine and Natalie Imbrugila with Torn. The most prominent winner remained Lauryn Hill, who broke the Grammy record by winning the new artist and the best album award-an achievement that no other rap artist had earned before.

Meanwhile, the rap compilation is much more fun and cohesive. Opening with the hard-rdged Dangerous by Busta Rhymes and Lauryn Hill’s The Lost Ones, the album pulls itself smooth with the highly educative hit track Till November by Wyclef Jean. Will Smith tries to add spice with Gettin’ Jiggy With It. Surprisingly, Jay Z’s Hard Knock Life (The Ghetto Anthem) and Can’t I Get A.... competing in the best rap solo and group category respectively weren’t available. Beastie Boy’s Intergalactic had a tough competition with Jermaine Dupri’s Money Ain’t A Thing, Out Kast’s Rosa Parks, Lord Tariq and Peter Ganj’s Deja Vu (Uptown Baby) and our favourite Pras Michel’s Ghetto Superstar (that is What You Are), featuring Ol’Dirty and introducing Mya. Other highlights include Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey’s duet Sweetheart and Mase featuring Puff Daddy with Lookin’ At Me. Mark our words this is a collector’s item.

— Saurabh & Gaurav