British soul singers, even explicitly retro ones, aren't exactly a new phenomenon. But Alice Russell is an arresting voice on the vintage soul scene, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that her singing style could hardly be more faithful to the traditions of her stylistic forebears. Those influences include everyone from Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield to, when she's at her full-throated best, Aretha Franklin. Despite the occasional incursion of relatively modern-sounding keyboards, Pot of Gold sounds like it could ...
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British soul singers, even explicitly retro ones, aren't exactly a new phenomenon. But Alice Russell is an arresting voice on the vintage soul scene, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that her singing style could hardly be more faithful to the traditions of her stylistic forebears. Those influences include everyone from Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield to, when she's at her full-throated best, Aretha Franklin. Despite the occasional incursion of relatively modern-sounding keyboards, Pot of Gold sounds like it could have been produced in 1968: drummer Jack Baker plays in a studiously old-school style and the production keeps his tone rather thin and trebly, just like it was on those old Motown recordings; the horn charts are sharp and funky, and Alex Cowan's guitar parts are historically accurate as well. But at the center of the album is that voice, and on such brilliant period pieces as "Turn & Run," the skitteringly funky "Hesitate," and the slow-burning "Let Us Be Loving" she pours all of her skinny blond self into her singing, vibrating with energy yet never losing control. The album's most startling moment is her cover version of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," which she turns into a gospel-flavored soul workout complete with massed backing vocals and a surprising layer of bowed harmonics. "Universe" is a Brazilian samba that gives her the opportunity to croon sweetly -- until the chorus comes around and she blows the roof off again. Let this one send you back to the vaults for her earlier work on the Tru Thoughts label. ~ Rick Anderson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Pot of Gold to cart. $3.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Six Degrees.
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Seller's Description:
Burton/Callaway/Rev; Cowan/Russel. Poor. Used-Acceptable, DISC ONLY, Withdrawn library disc(s). Includes a case. Artwork and liner notes not included. Disc(s) should play great, without any playback issues. Disc may include library markings, like writing, sticker, and protective label covers.
Add this copy of Pot of Gold to cart. $4.57, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Six Degrees.
