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Madeleine Peyroux - Careless LoveWhen Madeleine Peyroux's debut, Dreamland, was released in 1996, its success threw her for a loop. She's taken eight years to create this follow-up, and, at age 30, she brings a confidence and resilience to this dozen-song set. She's able to move seamlessly between songs by writers as diverse as Elliott Smith and W.C. Handy, whose title track was popularized by Bessie Smith. Though American-born, Peyroux absorbed the language and culture of France growing up in Paris with her French-teacher mother. On her debut, she covered Edith Piaf, and this time out she wraps herself around "J'ai Deux Amours," which Josephine Baker sang to the Allied troops during World War II. --David Greenberger... Read More »
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Average User Rating: 80% (30 Reviews) | |
| 3 / 5 | Great, if you like this kind of thing
IWFIcon - 15 April 2005 It is no exageration to say that someone listening to this CD for the first time, with no knowledge of the artist in question, could believe that this was some remastered version of some classic 1920's or 1930's album long since forgotten about. Whilst this is very much a modern album, featuring tracks made famous by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Boby Dylan, there is that authentic air of Billie Holliday and Bessie Smith always permeating through. Quite how this is seen as the "true" style to Norah Jones' "commercial" efforts is beyond me, but it is clear that Madeleine is donig the music she loves and she's doing it bloody well. My particular favourites include "Dance Me To The End Of Love" which surely makes any man listening want to do whatever she asks of them and "Don't Wait Too Long", which is, ironically, one of the few original tracks on the album. Where it falls down is the over-abundance of slower melancholic songs, which whilst being authentic, don't do much for me. But having said that, the very fact I like this album, when the "style" is certainly not one that I am over-enamoured with, perhaps shows just what a classy piece of work this is. If you have any liking whatsoever for the era of Billie Holiday, then this is certainly an album for you. |
| 5 / 5 | Romantic, Soulful, and Full of Spice
prisrob "pris," (New EnglandUSA) - 6 February 2005 Madeleine Peyroux, just the name forecasts a feeling of the French, of someone who has lived life and knows how to sing about it. And, we listen to "Careless Love" and we realize we are listening to someone special who has an innate understanding of how to sing these songs. How can this be when Madeleine is in her late twenties and an American to boot? She is a special find and we intend to keep her. Madeleine was born in Georgia, but grew up in Paris and New York. She got hooked on French culture and began to sing with street musicians. She learned her craft by listening to the greats and then signing the way she knew best. She was found in a small club in New York and was signed by a major record label. The songs on this CD are glorious and each one has its own story. "Dance Me To The End Of Love" is a love song found on Leonard Cohen's last CD. Great words and music. 'You're Gonna Make me Lonesome When You Go" is one of Bob Dylan's; songs that brings back the image of love and loss. "Don't Cry Baby and "Careless Love' were sung by Bessie Smith and reminds me of New Orleans and the jazz of life. "No More" sung by Billie Holiday brings us the reminder of love and tragedy. "Between the bars" is a tribute to Elliott Smith and his remarkable songs and tragic life. "Don't Wait Too Long" is an original song with Jesse Harris Jesse Harris helped Norah Jones with her first "J'ai Deux Amours" sung by Josephine Baker in her particular French drama. "Weary Blues" sung by Hank Williams is a true country flavor. "I'll Look Around" a Billie Holiday favorite. "Lonesome Road" has a background of gospel and folk. "This Is Heaven To Me" gives us a feeling of freedom and life. Madeleine Peyroux will be a name to be reckoned with. Her voice and timing with her words and music brings us a fresh clear view of life. Wonderful CD and highly recommended. prisrob |
| 5 / 5 | The Smoky Smooth Sound Of Madeleine Peyroux - A Special CD
Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA) - 11 March 2005 I had never heard Madeleine Peyroux sing before until last weekend, when a friend played her new CD, "Careless Love," for me. I was enchanted at first listen. Since then, I have heard many people couple her name with Billy Holiday's. I don't want to be contrary, but I don't want to compare her smoky smooth sound to anyone else's either. To me, there is no other like "Lady Day," nor does there have to be. And Ms. Peyroux, who brings sensuality and a romantic languor to her songs, certainly does not have to stand in another vocalist's shadow. She clearly stamps her excellent collection of songs with her own special style - and a very classy one that is. The content of this CD is quite diverse, ranging from Hank Williams to a WWII favorite. Many of her cuts are romantic ballads which deal with heartache and love gone wrong. A melange of jazz, country and light blues, backed by rhythm-guitar, and occasionally a low-key Hammond organ, she covers Hank Williams' "Weary Blues," Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love," and Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go," and makes them her own. The WWII era torch song "J'ai Deux Amours," and "Careless Love," the Bessie Smith oldie, are terrific. A cover of Elliot Smith's "Between the Bars" is sung with a haunting melancholy and is probably my favorite cut, along with a song called "No More." "This is Heaven To Me," lovely and lullaby-like is pure heaven to hear. And "Don't Wait Too Long" is an original co-written by Jesse Harris and producer Larry Klein. A fine band joins her, including Larry Goldings on the keyboard, bassist David Piltch, guitarist Dean Parks, and drummer Jay Bellerose. This is one of the best CDs I have heard in a long time. Needless to say I bought myself a copy the day after I heard it. It merits a spot in the collection of anyone who loves great jazz vocalists. |
| 5 / 5 | Madeleine Peyroux
dragondrums "dragondrums" (Ingleby Barwick, United Kingdom) - 31 March 2005 This second album from Madeleine Peyroux lives up to the promise she showed 'Dreamland', her brilliant debut album. When you first hear her wonderfully smoky, smooth tones, it's hard to believe it isn't one of the great female jazz artists of the 30's or 40's. She has a voice reminiscent of Billie Holliday and yet uniquely her own. This brilliant selection of songs is expertly delivered and is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who loves Jazz. |
| 5 / 5 | Pure Madeleine Magic
- 3 August 2005 I first heard this magical album or rather a track from it, 'Don't wait too long'whilst on holiday on an island. The voice was so familiar, tender, that my husband could not wait to get off the island, home and buy it. I implore you, so does he, to buy this album and play it constantly. |
RRP
£16.99
Release Date
25 October 2004
Price Range
£7.99 - £15.93