Member:
Windhawk
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by Windhawk)
Date:
9/7/2007
Format:
CD (Album)
(originally written for www.prog4you.com)
Lana Lane is a US based artist that has steadily released records for the past 12 years. Gemini is her 13th release; and is a cover album.
Now, cover albums in too many cases are a bitch. Much too often one or more covers are made by artists either trying to get more popular again after a downfall in their careers, or due to creativity having dried up for an artist or a band. For every classic rock track written in the past, you'll find dozens of versions that at best are lackluster.
Entire albums with cover versions are a tad more rare than individual tracks, but often with the same results - more or less lackluster to mediocre versions that subtracts rather than adds listening value to the songs in question.
Thankfully, Lana Lane's outing is much more inspired than most releases of this kind.
Now, saying something useful and informative about 15 tracks in varying styles is a daunting task, and I won't even go there. Generally speaking, how much you'll enjoy this release depends largely on how much you like the originals of these tracks - and to how great extent you feel that the original recordings are "holy cows" or not.
A general impression of the album is that the production and the vocal delivery is the red thread here. The songs have been made and produced with what in my ears is a warm and organic tinge, being a very fitting musical backdrop for Lane's somewhat cold voice. And the vocal delivery here adds touches of melodrama to the songs, creating a special nerve and tension throughout the album. Lana Lane also shows that her voice is very versatile, singing songs in somewhat different styles with what appears to be the greatest of ease.
The musicians used on the album are all well known and accomplished musicians the lot of them. And all of them treat these songs with respect, but at the same time adding subtle nuances and individual touches (unless my ears are badly out of order).
Personal highlight: "The Pink Moon Suite" - tracks by Pink Floyd and one from Heart seamlessly interwoven in 15 minutes of pure musical pleasure.
My rating: 87/100
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