| | Paul Anka Rock Swings CD Paul Anka Discography of CDs
 (11 Customer Reviews)
Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley always seemed closer to Sinatra-style vocalizing than rock & roll rough-housing, so his band's signature tune "True" fits right in with Anka's approach. The dreamy, melodic elegance of Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face" and even Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" allows them to be adapted to a big-band style with grace. Van Halen's "Jump" gives Anka room to display his playful side; here, as on the rest of the songs, it's his rock-solid pipes and confident phrasing that carry the day, pushing the expertly crafted arrangements into a place where they not only accomodate the unlikely source material, they redefine it.
Swing versions of classic rock tunes, performed by an old-school easy-listening crooner? It's not without its precedents; don't forget that Pat Boone, for one, made a surprisingly popular heavy metal album a few years earlier. And against all odds, Paul Anka's ROCK SWINGS is neither a novelty album (though the format undeniably bears novel appeal) nor an ill-starred culture clash.
Personnel: Paul Anka (vocals); Dean Parks, Larry Koonse (guitar); Dan Higgins (flute, alto saxophone); Charlie Davis (trumpet); Steve Higgins (trombone); Mike Lang, Randy Kerber (piano); Emil Richards (vibraphone); Mike Valerio (bass guitar); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).
Entertainment Weekly (No. 829) - "...{T]he results are that genuine rarity: a novelty album worthy of begrudging respect." - Grade: B
Uncut (p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "That the album succeeds so charmingly owes everything to the integrity and flushed exuberance of Anka's approach..."
JazzTimes (p.78) - "When ROCK SWINGS is good, it's very good - most notably on introspective ballads like Spandau Ballet's 'True,' the Pet Shop Boys' 'It's a Sin' and Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven'..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.98) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Anka's vocal delivery and the big band-style arrangements are often commendable..." Paul Anka Rock Swings Songs Rock Swings Music Review Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews ABSOLUTELY GREAT!
Paul Anka really knows how to do a song. This CD is great from beginning to end. My faves here are "Jump", "Smells Like Teen Spirit", and "Black Hole Sun". This is well worth checking out, the way Paul does these songs is totally fabulous. Rock on, Paul!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Roy (Lakewood, WA)
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Paul Anka the great
Fantastic versions. Paul Anka showed that he is able to sing every song in his way. Black hole sun is a perfect example.
Submitted by Andrzej (Olsztyn, Poland)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Very good!
Each musician as his style "or don't", Paul is a good example of someone ho knows how to recognize and sing a good song! About the albun... great musicians, strings, brass, woodind, piano, drums(vinnie you are amazing)! Thanks!
Submitted by Paulo Ramos (Aveiro, Portugal)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  OPEN NOTE TO PAUL ANKA:
Pat Boone tried this, too. It didn't work for him, either.
Submitted by Tim (Chicago, Il. USA)
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dangerously brilliant
Awesome, this shows how the arrangement can totally alter one's perception of a song. I would like to see more of this sort of thing, people who appreciate this album should checkout the artist known as "the King" who is an excellent Elvis impersonator singing ac/dc etc in the manner that Elvis would have.
If you like something different this is for you.If i had any complaints it would be that i would like to see Paul try more songs like the Nirvana one : lets see a Pearl Jam or Motorhead interpretation , i'd like to hear the Ace of Spades.. now that would be interesting!
Submitted by Paul (Leicester UK)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
Purchase Rock Swings CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Johnny Otis 1945-1947 CD (2002)
Rock Swings
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Growing up among Afro-Americans in Berkeley, CA, Greek-American Johnny Otis (born John Veliotes) always identified strongly with people of color. Before he had ...
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All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.
While his refined talent remains consistent, each of Robben Ford's albums are separate entities all their own. SUPERNATURAL is the guitarist's boldest venture into what can only be described as blue-eyed soul--craftily written songs that reflect Ford's blues roots, but with a sleek R&B sheen that comes across like fine satin. His guitar playing is superb, as usual; wailing, passionate solos are a result of Ford's extensive apprenticeship with many blues masters while in his teens. It is Ford's light, clear vocal style that gets the most attention, as he assumes the role of a pop songster with a soulful bent. With the help of top-flight studio players like Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Earl, Russell Ferrante and Luis Conte, Ford's efforts reveal him to be an honest spokesman for quality adult-contemporary songs that aren't afraid to push the artistic envelope just a wee bit. Highlights of the disc include the gospel-flavored "Water For The Wicked," the funky "Nothing For Nobody," the acoustic ballad "If" and Paul Butterfield's "Lovin' Cup."
Principally recorded ...
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Albums don't come much more beautiful than List of Lights and Buoys. Susanna is singer Susanna Karolina Wallumrod, age 23 at the time of this debut CD. The Magical Orchestra is actually Jaga Jazzist keyboardist Morten Qvenild. And the music doesn't sound orchestral at all. Co-producer Andreas Mjos (also of Jaga Jazzist) adds some vibes, timpani, guitar, ...
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