Hi
All,
While my CD has yet to
arrive from Amazon, they have released the MP3 version to my Amazon Cloud
Player, and I just finished listening to all 20
tracks.
While I find it
musically
wonderful, I wonder if it will ever really make it to Broadway.
It doesn't sound
like a Broadway musical; I think it's too Geordie for
American
tastes!
I can see it being
successful on the London stage -- there are many references that will
resonate
with British audiences.
For example, the whole
song about Isembard King Brunell will not register with 99.9% of
Americans; the
only reason I know who he was is because I watch a lot of
BBC
America!
Also, I enjoy British
folk
music; many Americans do not. The romantic ballad is beautiful and
has a
universal message,
but it would undoubtedly
be eschewed for the rock'n'roll number! (which is great, by the way,
but not on
a par with the ballad.)
I love his lyrics
(although
these are mostly dark) because they presuppose that the listener
will understand
what he has to
say,
and his rhythms and
schemes
are so clever, I just shake my head at his mad
skills!
The music does indeed
reference the Soul Cages -- he actually sings about the Soul
Cages
in one number! -- but that
is completely fine with me. As far as I'm concerned, that was some of
his finest
work.
This is also a fine work,
which I really enjoyed listening to, and will enjoy many times over, but
it
isn't terribly commercial.
But what a refreshing
break
from the trashy pop that passes as music
nowadays!
There are no gimmicks or
needless noise; just music. Really good
music.
My grade for this CD? I
give
it an A+, but that's me. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I
did.
Can't wait to hear what
you
all think!