J. N. Valente

Dido's much awaited comeback, Sep 16 2003

Here with us, after what seemed a far too long break. But not only doesn't she measure up to the strongest songs in 'No Angel', with the single 'White Flag / Paris' she in fact surpasses our expectations - well, certainly mine. The melody, the arrangement of strings vs. electronic, and *that* voice. She seems to have expanded her range. And the firmly rooted in reality poignancy of the lyrics is the good fish out of the murky waters of pop.
She proves herself unique, again. But we were all aware of that from the first time we ever listened to her out of this world harmonies, weren't we? Well, some of us were. I would like to believe all who will listen to this will be, as well.

Sublime Film, average DVD transposition, Dec 12 2002

Decidedly inspired by 'Madame Bovary' but more closely adapted from its namesake Agustina Bessa-Luís' novel, Abraham Valley is a cinematic masterpiece, tracing more than the main character's ennui de vivre (my apologies if it sounds pretentious...) to encompass a whole repressed way of living that is set in the second half of the 20th century but might easily feel familiar to any 18th century Flaubert.
The cinematography and spectacular scenery of the Douro valley in northern Portugal (where all of the exteriors were shot) are a work of art all by itself.
It's a pity that the DVD doesn't add much more to this gem of a movie. Still - that should be no reason to keep you from… Read more

Lord, I'm starting to take him seriously and enjoying it!, Dec 11 2002

After the ego-trip that was his swing album, this throws me back to his earlier pop-rock efforts. And guess what? It sounds effortless but deep. Anti-musical establishment and mocking himself. Still delivering the melodic goods in songs like 'Feel' or 'Monsoon'(but the lyrics in that one have a twist). 'Me and My Monkey' is pure Hollywood bashing and all the better for it.
So does he have a *thing* for America? Who cares? He already rules everywhere else, doesn't he? Only hope there's no serious riff with his long-time songwriting partner Guy Chambers - it wouldn't suit his style. Then again this is the man who can reinvent himself time and again! I'm pleased and expectant