Lost Series acted by Cats!

Best Early Birthday Present Ever!

Just got news from Joel's daughter Nomi. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl this morning at about 10:30. Moms and Daughters are doing well! More to come (name, etc).

My Amazon Reviews: Duncan Sheik "Brighter: A Collection"

Before the Awakening
4 Out of 5 Stars 

This review is from: Brighter: A Duncan Sheik Collection (Audio CD)

In the late 90's, Duncan Sheik released his debut album on Atlantic Records. It was a modest affair of semi-confessional singer-songwriter material, but a minor hit began to get attention, and "Barely Breathing" became his first and only top 40 record. He seemed to be keen on the moodiness of Nick Drake (that the double disc of this set is called "Brighter/Later" makes the point obvious), yet often cleaves towards Elton John at that artist's most introspective.

That makes the 16 songs on this disc all satisfying listens; Sheik matches his poetic lyrics to low key but memorable songs. It made him perfect for the emo-soundtrack set, and his contribution to the teen angst-fest "Great Expectations" is included. There's also a telling previously unreleased cover of Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark," which fits in among his own work quite well. He could also rev up a guitar on occasion, and the power-pop contribution to this set is "Bite Your Tongue."

However, Sheik is far more at home with the folkier aspects of his music, and the big reveal was the album "Phantom Moon." There are three songs from that album here, and they are the ones that come closest to realizing his Nick Drake aspirations. They're also noteworthy in that they mark the moment when Sheik began his collaboration with Steven Sater. This partnership would help bring Sheik back into the spotlight, when the two of them took home a pile of Tony Awards for the musical "Spring Awakening" and, I would bet, finally nudged this collection into being.