46 of 47 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
What I'd been waiting for, Feb 11 2006
By Schuyler Corry "culinary chemist" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Original Life Aquatic Studio (Audio CD)
I have had "The Life Aquatic" soundtrack on my wishlist for awhile, but never bought it for two reasons: it's copy-protected, and it only included a few of Seu Jorge's songs, NOT including my particular favorite from the movie, "Queen Bitch." I actually got Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" album after seeing the movie, because I was so impressed with Seu Jorge's interpretations of Bowie's songs. Many songs from "Ziggy" are on this acoustic album, including "Starman," "Ziggy Stardust," "Lady Stardust," Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," "Suffragette City," and "Five Years." In the liner notes, David Bowie himself is quoted as saying, "Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs in Portuguese I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with."
One reader was disappointed there was no lyrics sheet. I agree, especially since the lyrics in Portuguese don't correspond with Bowie's lyrics. By the way, "Seu Jorge" just means "Mr. George." "Seu" is not a first name, just a title. You may recognize him as "Man? Galinha" (literally "Chicken Manuel," but strangely translated as "Knockout Ned") from the movie "City of God."
This is a great album for fans of David Bowie and Brazilian music. If you like this album, or acuoustic Brazilian melodies in general, you should check out Jorge Ben's 1974 album "A T?bua de Esmeralda," which is probably the best album I've purchased in the past year.
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brillance, Love and Portuguese Bowie, Dec 6 2005
By M. Lin - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Original Life Aquatic Studio (Audio CD)
Even after a year "The Life Aquatic" was released, Seu Jorge's Protuguese versions of David Bowie songs still remain soft and genuine with Jorge's guitar and compelling voice. Half the reason for buying the original "The Life Aquatic" Soundtrack was listening to Seu Jorge. Then, half the reason for buying the special edition DVD was listening to Seu Jorge yet again!
With the release of "Studio Sessions," Jorge proves again that his versions of Bowie's songs are original songs, with a slight hint of Bowie sprinkled here and there. The standouts here are "Ziggy Stardust," "When I Live My Dream" and well everything else. The original five tracks on "The Life Aquatic" soundtrack are rerecorded (Starman, Rebel Rebel, Five Years, Life of Mars and Rock'n'Roll Suicide) but do not carry as much life as they did in their first release. However, that's not to say that are not great songs, but the other nine songs are more powerful.
While one reviewer suggests that this release is "bad" because one song, "Space Oddity" is not on the cd but as a download via iTunes, that does not give anyone the right to give this one star. Go ahead and spend one dollar (One dollar) on "Space Oddity" but it will not kill you. Seu Jorge's "Studio Sessions" deserves more credit for its originality and loving sound.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bowie in Portuguese by Way of Brazil...Brilliant., Jan 28 2006
By Geek Chick - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Original Life Aquatic Studio (Audio CD)
Like everyone else, I agree that the Seu Jorge tracks were undoubtedly the best musical part of the movie. Like the movie, these songs are a little eccentric but also beautiful and sincere. Few people can cover a David Bowie song and not sound like a wannabe, but Jorge manages this grace to produce a wonderful aural experience. I will definitely check out his other musical work...his voice is so rich, and his guitar totally unaffected. Lovely.
Word of advice: Get it on iTunes so that you pay $3 less and get "Space Oddity."