Drag

K. D. Lang

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 1997)
• Original Release Date: June 10, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002NG2
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #54,162 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Sensual, seductive, and above all smoky, the latest from k.d. lang is a collection of a dozen tunes that all have some connection to smoking--usually in the romantic, post-coital sense--done up in a lush, orchestrated fashion. Some of these tunes are standards, such as "Smoke Dreams" and "My Last Cigarette," while others are just plain strange selections given some of the oddest readings imaginable. Case in point: the cover of Steve Miller's "The Joker." lang's voice is an incredible instrument, and it's a treat to hear her vamping. But you have to wonder what she's up to, especially because she seems to just say no to tobacco herself, --Jim Derogatis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lang's concept album is anything but a "Drag", January 15, 2002

By	John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First she was a Nashville misfit, then a would-be pop diva. But for 1997's "Drag," kd lang took elements from each of her previous incarnations and fused them with elements of jazz and lounge for an ultra-sophisticated torch concept album. Loosely linking songs that either center on or make reference to smoking (not to mention the double entendre depicted in the album's photographs, coupled with the fact that a good number of these songs are commonly associated with male vocalists), lang's selection in material has never been sharper, as not one of the dozen songs onhand sound as if they weren't written specifically for her voice and stylings.

The lyrical ties may be a bit of a stretch at times, but the music throughout the project is firmly knotted together. One hardly has to read the production credits; a sampling of the left-of-center jazz and country blend leaves little doubt that anyone other than Craig Street, oddball extraordinare behind Cassandra Wilson's "New Moon Daughter" and Holly Cole's "Temptation," was at the helm. Street's presence explains -at least in part- the surprisingly highbrow arrangements of Steve Miller's "The Joker" and The Hollies' "The Air That I Breathe"; famous for turning novelty pop songs into mature music for adults, Craig's sensibilities in this sense have never been stronger. He also apparently had a field day with lang's love of Roy Orbison and Julie London, as Orbison's "Till the Heart Caves In" is given a rendition nothing short of immaculately beautiful, and the vibraphone and organ on "Smoke Dreams" are more than a little reminiscent of later-year recordings of Julie's.

But lang is no one's carbon copy, as the country-tinged "My Last Cigarette" and the Hawaiian-flavored "Smoke Rings" will prove beyond a doubt...when's the last time you heard music like this that wasn't on a reissue? Even an oft-covered standard like "Don't Smoke in Bed" can get a tailor-made alteration: lang starts it off as a classic torch, but a surprise bridge, with tremelo guitar and ethereal vocals, makes it something her very own. If you're still not a believer, behold the ease with which she takes the theme from the ultimate camp film ("Valley of the Dolls") and morphs it into a mature and classy affair.

"Hain't it Funny" is the lone exception; whether it's the lowkey jazz arrangement or the lazy vocal, you'd almost swear lang intentionally took a page from Holly Cole's book (and that's no complaint). But for a strong dose of the charm, warmth, and emotional accessibility that makes lang such an irresistible vocalist, look no further than the gorgeously understated "My Old Addiction," a deceivingly simple song that, at first listen, seems to stays on one emotional plane. It isn't until the six-and-a-half minute listen is over, however, that you realize lang wove in and out of subtle inflections, both technically and emotionally. The hindsight revelation makes it all the more impressive and the listener is all the more anxious to repeat the experience. Come to think of it, you may well reach the same conclusion at the close of this moving, entrancing, and ultimately beautiful record.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best sizzle and smoke since the Divine Miss M, October 15, 2000

By	Thomas Lapins (Orlando, Florida USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Before "Drag" the only music I had heard by kd was the duet she did with Roy Orbison "Crying", which ranks as one of the best pop duets. "Drag" had some interesting selections so I purchased it on a whim. "Don't Smoke In Bed" could only be equaled by Midler's sizzle and sarcasm. You can almost feel the burn baby burn as she's walking out of the bedroom. Carly Simon did this same song on her "Film Noir" Cd but kd's version takes the prize. "The Air That I Breathe" was one of the songs I wanted to hear (I thought if she did half as well on this one as she did on "Crying" it would be worth the Cd). This song was made for infinite interpretations, and kd's is by far the one I like best. You feel a sensuous humanity in her voice and the lyrics. Albert Hammond remains one of the great underated writers of pop music, and his music really shines here. "Smoke Dreams" takes you into some smokey nightclub with smoke rings spiraling upward and everywhere. "My Last Cigarette" a perfect blend of country (not my favorite) and pop music. This one sneaks up on you. "The Joker" a very personal and suggestive piece. Read between the lines and enjoy. "The Valley Of The Dolls" is the big triumph on this Cd. The thoughtful lyrics and wind-swept melody sweeps you away. My favorite version of this song. "Your Smoke Screen" a quiet piece that holds its own. "My Old Addiction" great cello and piano intro. Again, this is the type and quality of music that made Bette Midler famous. This one reminds me of Midler's "Am I Blue". Same subtle intensity and message. "Till My Heart Caves In" is one of a handful of country type songs that really works for me. You can feel the earth slip from beneath you as she slowly brings your heart into this twangy crescendo until you can only give in to its irrisistable tug and pull. "Smoke Rings" is a little more country than I like but is well done and is ripe for some nightclub act. "Hain't It Funny" probably her most steamy and honest song on this Cd. Fantastic! "Love Is Like A Cigarette" a perfect song to end this perfect Cd. I suppose you could live without this Cd, but why? Press on the order button immediately!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars k.d. lang is a goddess, December 26, 2001

By	Kristen A. Criado (Franklin, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

k.d.lang has a voice that just soars and is able to wrap itself around a song. I would call her a modern day Karen Carpenter. The depth of emotion in her singing and the songs on this album just show off that range. The theme of "drag" is carried throughout the album in the smokey sound of her voice and the literally smokey/airy titles of the songs. "The Air That I Breathe" is a perfect example of the floating vocals making a perfectly perfect ethereal atmosphere.

This is an amazing album of songs sung by an amazing voice of our time. Haunting and moving. A definite must for any music lover and an absolute must for a k.d. fan.