New CDs in stores today come from a new (but already tired) post-punk band, an opera singer loved by the mainstream and a man who writes – and covers – the songs.
She Wants Revenge, “She Wants Revenge” (Geffen) If you were approaching this band with a blank slate, you’d be impressed with their distinctive vocals, pounding electronics and potent guitars.
But this electro band is derivative, “borrowing” from Interpol, Joy Division and other relevant post-punk reference points. This isn’t to say it isn’t fun, because it is – as the band should prove Wednesday at the Larimer Lounge.
Andrea Bocelli, “Andrea Bocelli – Amore” (Sugar) There’s a reason megaproducer David Foster is a megaproducer. He finds artists like Andrea Bocelli (he also found Josh Groban) and pairs them with ideas. Here the singer tackles love songs, including “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and “Somos Novios” (Perry Como’s “It’s Impossible” in Bocelli’s native Italian).
Barry Manilow, “The Greatest Songs of the ’50s” (Arista) Since you’ve always wondered about Barry Manilow’s opinion of ’50s music, here it is.
There are indeed some classic tracks here – from Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea” to Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Made,” from from Frankie Avalon’s “Venus” to the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have to Do Is Dream” – but it’s Manilow’s arrangements that make this record (the brainchild of industry honcho Clive Davis) a must-have for his fans.
– Ricardo Baca
