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4.0étoiles sur 5
New sound to classic songs, Juil 23 2009
One of Stevie Nicks' key traits is her unique, mystical, submissive songwriting, and this C.D brings out some of those essential moments in her career.
This collection contains signature Fleetwood Mac songs, 80's solo hits, as well as lesser known solo songs which get what they deserve, a second chance.
Although the majority of Stevie's music is timeless, she eventually succumbed to the stereotypical production of music of the 1980s, full of synthesizers and overdubbing. This was unfortunate, being as it greatly distracted from her key element - songwriting. On this compilation, such songs (Ie. Stand Back, If Anyone Falls) got reworked to sound fresh, crisp, and modern - so one can enjoy Stevie for her real talents.
Then we have CLASSIC Stevie, (Sara, Landslide, Beauty and the Beast) songs where if they were released today in their original format, would still be hits. She didn't need to rework these ones, but it was a nice bonus for her long time fans. Sara, no matter what decade it was ever performed in, has and always will be timeless. Landslide and Beauty and the Beast both were joined with an orchestra, which brings these already emotionally vulnerable songs to a whole new level.
Some of her lesser known songs, (How Still My Love, Sorcerer, Fall From Grace) don't sound too far off from their originals, being as the latter two were only released a few years ago on her last solo album. It is cool to hear How Still My Love nowadays though, being as her vocal range is definitely different (not a bad thing) than the Bella Donna sessions.
Then we have the two "new" contributions. While its a bit disappointing that they're both cover songs, and not new Stevie material, she delivers them like they were her own.
Crash Into Me could easily have been written by a 1976 Stevie. Lyrically, it's full of themes she is famous for writing about, seduction and vulnerable love. She knows how to keep the sexual innuendos classy, while also making a cute love song, and this song is no different. The acoustic atmosphere and submissive lyrics have could easily make this a sequel to Leather and Lace.
Circle Dance is a duet with Vanessa Carlton. Stevie has shown throughout her 30+ career span that she has a knack for harmonizing and dueting with various artists of a great deal of genres - and this is no different. Lyrically, it also classic Stevie - a classic ballad of forsaken love.
The only reason why only gave it four stars is that there are only 10 songs on the album. With Stevie's catalog of music, she could easily have made this collection longer, especially considering these songs were originally taken from her Live In Chicago DVD.
Overall, this is CD is an essential not just for die hard Stevie fans, but even for ones who are just being introduced to her. Or even if you are just looking for a Stevie Nicks compilation album to add to your library.
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5.0étoiles sur 5
A great companion to the concert DVD, Jui 6 2009
It's hard to believe that after nearly 30 years as a solo artist, Stevie Nicks had never released a live recording. "The Soundstage Sessions" finally corrects the situation by providing ten live recordings, culled from Stevie's "Live in Chicago" concert (also available on DVD).
It must be pointed out that these are not songs actually recorded in concert, but rather live recordings with minimum subsequent overdubbing. While that choice may sound odd, the results are actually fantastic and will please Stevie's loyal fans. In this different musical environment, the songs are able to stretch out a little more. Stevie's vocals, while not as flexible as it was in her younger days, have lost none of their emotional power; she has surrounded herself with amazing musicians and the result makes you want to listen to the concert DVD - something which I strongly recommend.
Her song selection is impeccable. Covers such as Dave Matthews' "Crash into me" and Bonnie Raitt's "Circle dance" are impeccable and perfectly delivered by Stevie, who makes them her own. Solo hits such as "Stand back" and "If anyone falls" are given a whole new life here with a more organic sound than the studio versions. Key album tracks such as "Sorcerer", "Fall from grace" and "How still my love" are reminders that this woman was always about much more than writing hit singles, while her take on her own Fleetwood Mac evergreen "Landslide" is everything you'd expect it to be. Still, the album's nicest inclusion is her solo rendition of Fleetwood Mac's classic song "Sara"; she delivers it with a nostalgic and dreamy edge that makes you wonder why Stevie has been reluctant to sing this one in her solo concerts. It's an impeccable take on an impeccable song.
Of course, this album is for diehard fans only and it's only a sampling of what the actual concert DVD has to offer. Still, you can tell that a lot of time and care was put behind this package. What a thrill it is to finally have audio live recordings of the songs that Stevie has selected for the CD ! She also recorded a live version of "Beauty and the beast" exclusively for this CD; the song is not available on the concert DVD, and Stevie sings it beautifully here. So this is not a rip-off or just a quick way to dig money in the pockets of her fans; rather, it's a great companion to the concert DVD and yet another proof that Stevie always tries to go the extra mile in order to make her fans happy.
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DVD ~ Joe Thomas
~ Simon & Garfunkel
~ Pretenders
DVD ~ Mick Fleetwood
