Customer Reviews

Blame It on My Youth

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I saw Holly on Canadian TV and had to get this CD as soon as I found it. She and her trio partners breathe new life into songs you'd never expect to be so rich. After all, the dark, sinister song that begins this album was originally from Disney's saccharine "Jungle Book" movie, and "If I Were A Bell" rocks a whole lot harder than your local playhouse production of "Guys & Dolls".

Before Holly turned her interpretative skills to material by Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, and the Beatles, the Holly Cole Trio (with David Piltch on bass and Aaron Davis on piano) performed mostly standards, but performing classics didn't stop their knack for turning songs inside out. Oldies like "If I Were a Bell" and "Honeysuckle Rose" get irresistibly swinging arrangements with a delightfully unorthodox fiddle, "Smile" is given a stark pop edge, and "Trust in Me," from "The Jungle Book," is given a bossa-nova-inspired treatment. Holly's gift for pop vocals are used to perfection on "Calling You," now one of her signature tunes, and Tom Waits contributed a new composition, the lush and jazzy "Purple Avenue." The strongest moment? Holly turns the sweet "The Street Where You Live" from "My Fair Lady" into a dark and haunting narrative (Holly has said in interviews that this song always seemed to her like the story of a stalker). The unique intro and always flawless vocal inspires chills with every listen. The weakest moment? Well, it depends on your mood, but the ultra-slow arrangement and drunken slurr of a vocal on "I'll Be Seeing You" can occasionally be a difficult listen. It's a small price to pay, however, on a collection as original and polished as this.

I really like Holly Cole: got hooked on Don't Smoke in Bed, like the rest of her stuff too. Very different phrasing than I am used to, surprising, but well done and often more apt for a completely different view of the song. Buy one, you'll buy them all. back up is great. oh, good voice, too.

I am not an experienced listener of jazz music. However, I do know what I like. Holly Cole has a beautiful, throaty alto/tenor voice. The songs show character, but still let you remember what they were really like at their beginning. Sometimes the music does seem to be trying too hard to be "different", but it all manages to blend. If you a new spin on some old standrards, this album is great!!!

Holly Cole's "Blame it on my Youth", is the perfect introduction to not only a great genre (Canadian Jazz) but to an even greater artist. Holly's version of "Trust in me" would put any snake under her spell (refer to the Jungle book)!! This album is a must have for all Holly Cole fans!!

I first heard of Holly Cole on a CBC special about her. I was in the other room and drawn into the family room. Once I heard her I was hookded. From there I went on a crusade to find her tapes.

After much looking, I found this one and I was not disappointed. I have played it over and over.

Now that I have bought a CD player, this is one of the recordings that I will search for.

This alblum, along with her others is just wonderful. She is truley an undiscovered talent here in the US.

My favorite Holly Cole recording. Her interesting phrasing and choice of compositions make this a wonderful surprise every time you listen. An excellent mix of pop and jazz.

This is Holly's 1st major label release and while it has it's drawbacks, you have to give her an "A" for effort and imagination. First she has a great ear for wonderful songs and writers. Lyle Lovett, Tom Waits, Charlie Chaplin.. need I say more. Her approach on this record is more of an eccentric cabaret singer than jazz, but she and her accompanying duo swing on "I Were a Bell". As she has artistically matured, she has gradually abandoned most of the quirky vocal stylings she exhibits on this release, yet you gotta love her adventurous nature. The arrangements are really cool ( "Trust in Me" and Chaplin's "Smile" come to mind) with the exception of her disasterous rendition of Lerner & Loewe's " On the Street Where you Live", where she drops the ball by approaching it as a stalker's lament. The song is too classic and beautiful to be f..ked with. With each effort she has grown and her most recent release is a real gem.

I've been a Holly fan for about a year now, and I love this CD. Her voice is amazing. Everything to the swinging "If I Were a Bell" To the beautiful, and romantic "I'll Be Seeing You" is stupendous. This is an excellent recording.

The first time i became aware of the holly cole trio, i was watching a t.v concert special,possibly new years eve in montreal. i was utterly captivated by the dark haired singer in long black evening gown and long black gloves.When she sang she would find a point in the back of the auditorium and vocalize with such concentration and coolness, i couldn't take my eyes off her. a piano, a stand-up bass and a voice,absolute heaven.

This album has some stand-out songs, they are:
1. Trust in me- gorgeous,love it, calming and serene,BUT...
"trust in me, just in me, close your eyes and trust in me... slip into silent slumber, sail on a silver mist , slowly but surely you're senses will cease.. to exist"

At first i thought it was a beautiful sentiment, like a mother whispering to her child to fall asleep knowing she will protect him/her.But from the tone and wording,i swear she is lulling her victim into a false sense of trust.It turns out it is a song from the jungle book, the snake lulling mowgli? i don't remember the movie,but the song is awesome.

3.If i were a bell- i like this naughty little song, but HATE the violin. It was better in concert.

6. Calling you- now we're talking, a concert staple. "a hot dry wind, blows right through me" ...beautiful !!

7. God will- a song about infidelity. who will forgive? "god does, but i don't- god will, but i won't, that's the difference between god and me". Love it !!