Customer Reviews

I Am (Strange World)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This cd is fantastic. I almost bought it by chance when I came across it at a store... I had just listened to the single "Strange world", which I liked a lot. Well, the rest of the album did live up to my expectations: excellent. His voice is very sensible and special, fragile, sometimes might seem even femenine. The lyrics are also very emotive and intense, even when they are "depressing" or desperate. I don't know how to explain it, but the music on "I am []" sounds unique. I love it.

Although most people is not aware of it, Ke has released 2 more albums: "Shiny" (about 1998, I think) and recently "Better way of living" or something like that. I have Shiny and it is good too, tho not as good as "I am []" (the debut album). As for "Better way of living", I don't know: I'm still looking for a way to find it online ("Shiny" was already *VERY* hard for me to find, I had to ask a friend of mine at Italy to buy it at a store and send it to me). It's hard to find info about ke on the web, but you can try running a search using "ke" + the name of some of the cd's (i.e. "Shiny"). There are a couple of sites out there.

I discovered this artist KE after listening to an on air performance on my local Public Radio station KVMR in california.
I found him to be one of the most interesting performers in my 24 years of living.
I found copies of better way of living , shiny, and a new release
done in 2004 called "the deep" more electronic and as with all of this amazing artists music moving beyond words.
If you listen to all 4 of his releases it is obvious you cant judge by one listen or just one cd, like all humans KE is multi
dimensional and multi talented fused with emotion and androgenous beauty. IF YOU LOVE FEELING MUSIC IN YOUR SOUL BUY THIS CD>

Buy this CD if you like music! Ké is such an original and compelling artist, and God only knows where he is now. Not a single song in this album is weak. Everysingle one of them are jewels. 'Someday', 'Don't Walk Away', 'Will I ever Dream' and, of course, 'Strange World' are my favorites among the others, which are also favorites. Ké released 2 albums after this one, 'Shiny' and 'Better Way of Living', and then dissappeared, and, if I am not wrong, 'BetterWay...' couldn't even find a record company and it was independently distribuited. I am looking forward to get this other 2 records, if someone can help me out with some info... mithrandir@imneverwrong.com

I was wandering through my local record shop and I came across the curiously titled "I Am [ ]" by Ke. I had never heard of him and, until a couple of weeks ago, I never heard about him again. It was gutting as the first time I played the CD I was blown away by how stunning it was. I could not believe that this was a guy singing since there is certainly a feminine side to his voice.
From the opening five seconds of "Strange World" I knew I had chanced upon a great record. Although I don't listen to this as much as i did 6 years ago, it still remains my favourite album ever. The vocals are haunting and it defies convention that someone can put so much emotion into their songs. Granted the basis of all the songs is simple, but Ke does (or did) so much more to them. Without sounding pretentious, he breathed life into them. From the opening track to "I Am []," both the title and closing track, there is not a weak song on this album. I am sure many would not agree with me, but there are fewer albums that can excel. "Lay Down" and "I Don't Want to Go" are probably the standout tracks on this album and it is very difficult to describe them and fit them into a particular category. Suffice to say that they are lyrically beautifully and hauntingly elegant. This is music that touches you.
Ke's real name is Kevin Grivois and typing this into a search engine will yield a website or two devoted to the guy. However, very recent information is thin on the ground.

A friend of mine bought this when it came out after reading a review. I bought my own copy, and over 6 years later, I still listen to it over and over. What a unique voice! "Strange World" is wonderful, and "I Don't Wanna Go" is arguably the best track on the album. I also really enjoy "Endless Blue" and his joyful cover of "Lay Down". Too many people have missed out on a wonderful artist. It's a shame his follow up works are so difficult to find! Anybody out there know where he is now? He really deserved a lot more recognition for this album!...

I am so glad I managed to find this album. It's not available in the UK. I remember listening to Ke's beautiful melodies over and over again back in 1995. It brings me back to a dear time. This album is so rich and varied. The perfect album. Shame there was no follow up as Ke is immensely talented.

Beautiful album, but little known and appreciated by the most .... Good buy. I recommend it to all lovers of good music.

I like the album. I never heard of Ke before. It's great Pop with influences that I really love.

There are a lot of samples on the album. I`m not quite sure of all songs, but I guess I'm right. "Strange World" beat is a cover of Bryan ferry "Kiss and Tell". try and listen. But The covers and samples are great.

I am sorry for not writing a review on KE YEARS AGO.... I bought the CD and played it so much I had to replace it... I have three copies ( before iphones etc ) came out.. I bought this album to hand out to family and friends..

now that I live here in NYC, I would love to hear him live, Thank him for what he does..... and his music

I've been waiting far too long for the next one..

All the best to you KE

Paul Toussaint

Like many I came across Ké by chance. A friend in London is a tour manager and he was given a compilation CD of Ké's work; he lent me the CD and I was hooked.

One reviewer calls Ke's work 'whining bland drivel'. I'd agree his voice can sound whining, but perhaps a better word would be plaintive - expressive of suffering or woe - or melancholy.

Others have mentioned his French/Cherokee 'heritage' and androgynous looks and sound - that may be offputting to some. The production is excellent, Ké's lyrics are intelligent and thought provoking, his vocal talents leave so many artists sounding like 'bland drivel'.

'I Am' is not my favorite Ké album. I prefer Shiny; his cover of 'Sound of Silence' is amazing. If you like 'I Am' you really should get your hands on a copy.