NORAH JONES

THE FALL

(CDSTEM WF 1297)

This was my first attempt at listening to Norah Jones - not hearing her on the radio, but really listening to her... and I’m happy I did!

Her voice hypnotizes in seconds, and having sat in a trance for a few minutes I could barely hear the background music. Then she stopped singing, at which point I was mesmerised by the clever instruments further tugging at my emotions.

Norah has the ability to make you think about the lyrics as if you were the one who scribbled them onto the note pad. You would have to be emotionally dead not to appreciate this album.

`The Fall’ is a cleverly constructed album with both awesome lyrics and melodic guitar strumming. Here are the song names delivered in my special way to give some background to her album: I was “chasing pirates” “even though” you were as “light as a feather”, with “young blood” running through my veins “I wouldn’t need you”. “Waiting”, “it’s gonna be” “that you’ve ruined me”, so I’m going “back to Manhattan” even if I’m “stuck” there till “December” you can “tell yer mama” you’ll never be my “man of the hour” again.

Yes, it’s about heartbreak and moving on -  but beautifully done. LV

Performance: ****

Recording: *****

Supplied by EMI

SHAKA ROCK

JET

(CDEMCJ6541)

South Africans love to hate Australia and everything to do with their country but there’s no denying that the Australians have given us some of the biggest musicians of all time including AC/DC, INXS, Midnight Oil, Crowded House, The Bee Gees and Kylie Minogue.

Jet emerged from Melbourne in 2003 and have since released three albums. Their latest album, ‘Shaka Rock’, has the typical ‘Jet’ sound, a sound that has evolved from the influences of bands such as the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. They’ve managed to use these influences and craft their own sound, though.

This album contains what is arguably Jet’s finest work to date (not counting, Are You Gonna Be My Girl). The songs are catchy, cohesive and riddled with heavy guitar riffs. One may be excused for feigning guitar playing while listening to this as it’s near impossible to not to.

Standout tracks include lead single, She’s A Genius, Black Hearts (On Fire), K.I.A, Beat On Repeat, and my personal favourite, Seventeen. A worthwhile contribution to 2009's rock music collection. For maximum enjoyment listen loudly while consuming a half-jack of Jack Daniels and showing off your best Jagger-like impersonation. Don’t forget to invite the neighbours too. BS

Performance: ****

Recording: ****

Supplied by EMI