What better record to start this section off than with Norah Jones' new album The Fall?
This came out a couple of months ago, but the vinyl did not ship til a few weeks back. It was a birthday gift from one of my concert buddies (D-MAN!), and damn if the album didnt come with lots of audio AND VISUAL surprises!
The first thing out of the vinyl folds was the record itself (of course!), weighing in considerably heavier than most of the records made back in the 70s. It did not feel thin and flimsy, but very hefty. Maybe due to the fact that not many people buy vinyl these days that its not a big cost issue to produce such records with surprising thickness. Amazingly its not priced much more than if you bought the CD.
As the record started to spin and play, you can hear the subtle difference compared to a CD or digital playback. Theres no sterility and hyper-cleanness to it - something a lot of people are conditioned to look for, and in the ears of the amateur, this sound would be rated badly. But to the trained and jaded ears, this comes as a fresh breath of air. The warmth that digital playback lacks, a vinyl record exudes!
The songs themselves lend to a more rock vibe to it, a clear and distinct departure from Norah Jones' former albums. This time, she has dispensed with The Handsome Band, and employed various musicians to perform in each track. Supposedly a break-up album, the songs lyrics come off with a bit of hurt feelings and a tinge of anger and wordly wishes, but almost coyly veiled in the still-gentle approach she's trademarked. This isnt your momma's Norah, kids!
The big plus of the vinyl package is the HUGE posted foldout. Still using the album's cover theme, shes surrounded by dogs in front of what looks like a countryside backdrop, this time with her arms stretched up and back revealing her bare skin from the top of her white fluffy strapless gown to her shoulder, looking straight at the camera. Loking straight at YOU (or me!). Dare i say (dare, dare!), its very sexy and alluring.
I have to find a frame for it.
at any rate, The record is a good listen. Still mellow, but now has a bite and a growl to accompany the electric guitars used. A very good "alternative Norah" to her jazz-laden pop hits.
On a more trivial note, if anything this would be a timely purchase for Valentine's Day, whether youre buying this for your significant other, or being angry or sad at having been heartbroken, or just simply enjoying the benefits of being single!
