Stefan Kozalla is the rare DJ who doesn’t usually dial back his presence when producing vocal tracks, nor does he overwhelm the singer; instead, he insists that everyone shine simultaneously – a nice metaphor for the dance floor’s egalitarian, communal spirit. You can admire this fine touch in much of …
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Various Artists, Revamp: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin | ★★★Various Artists, Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin| ★★★★ There’s a valedictory air hovering over these Elton John tribute albums, and no wonder: John recently announced his final tour, the capper to nearly …
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On the title track of this remarkable collection of Bob Dylan covers, Betty LaVette wraps her voice – full of grit, brass and soul when she started recording at 16 in 1962; worn and sharpened by experience now at 72 – around a lyric about sitting on the lap of …
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Singer-guitarist Torres‘ 2015 breakout, Sprinter, was a stirring study in spiritual reckoning. Her latest is even more raw, offering conflicted images of emotional and physical release over bracing industrial-rock textures co-produced by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey). The harsh, predatory “Skim” spools through questions like “Did he hold your hips with …
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