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I guess this is the closest thing to a Joan Armatrading note in
here. I just picked up her latest, "The Shouting Stage", last night
(Its been out about a month) and thought I'd drop in a quick review.
Once again, Joan is producing herself, but unlike the rock and roll
clutter of her last album, this one moves back to the progressive
pop sound of stuff like "Walk Under Ladders". Instead of playing
all the guitars this time, she uses outside lead players again,
including Mark Knopfler on a few cuts. Other notable sidepersons
include bassist Pino Palladino, drummers Dave Mattacks and Manu
Katche, and guitarist David Rhodes.
The songs, as usual, are about love (what else does she ever write
about) and in particular the search for a strong partner in a
relationship. "Stronger Love" is a standout with a lovely arrangement
and a emotional vocal performance. The other tunes are good, but
titles escape me. I already like the CD very much and I'm sure it
will be growing on me further.
It's on A&M, and it is AAD.
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