White Limousine

Duncan Sheik

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: January 24, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zoe Records
• ASIN: B000C8STJ4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #108,960 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Duncan Sheik became a household name with his very first single, the smash hit "Barely Breathing" from his Grammy®-nominated gold-selling debut album. But his mainstream success may belie the depth of his work; he has scored for film and the stage, produced ambitious records for other artists, and captured audiences around the world with his remarkable voice and songcraft. 'White Limousine' is Sheik's most realized work yet - a set of catchy, thoughtful compositions that are pro-love and anti-war, both perfectly simple and breathtakingly vast. Included in the 'White Limousine' package are two discs, labeled MINE and YOURS. MINE is Duncan's version of these songs; YOURS is a DVD-ROM enabling listeners to create their own versions. Using the software provided, the listener can isolate and remix 'White Limousine''s many sonic layers. This may be the first time a recording artist has released the entire contents of his or her album, instrument by instrument, giving listeners the ability to re-imagine the songs as they see fit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't be misguided - like it or not, this was the album Duncan was born to make, March 2, 2006

By	Brian Shensky (Ann Arbor, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If anything, I believe this album puts Duncan squarely back on track with his first and second albums. Those two cleverly mixed pop sensibilites with quiet, cunning thoughtful pieces that I think are the real source of his joy of musicianship. Problem for me was that Phantom Moon was too much a departure into the quietude, and Daylight appeared to be the chart-topper attempt his label wanted him to make that ultimately betrayed his true nature.

The songwriting and production quality on White Limousine are, simply put, second to none. This album simply *sounds* great and is a real joy to listen to. The arrangements and instruments clearly show Duncan was really interested in stretching himself, and it shows _and_ works. What's left is the songwriting - and on tracks like White Limousine, Shopping, and Land, Duncan delivers with ever-increasing precision.

My wife voiced her disappointment of the dearth of 100-beat-per-minute fast-clip tunes so prevalent on Daylight, but I think she has missed the point. I've been searching for the Real Duncan, and I'm convinced that, by releasing on a small label, he afforded himself (and us) the artistic freedom necessary to reveal just that. I hear it, and if you listen deeply enough, you will too.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More of the same excellence, but still more of the same, February 15, 2006

By	Storylover (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Score one more for Duncan Sheik.

This is not a new direction for Duncan, so if you are hoping to see a fit of artistic growth, well, go buy "29" by Ryan Adams. What you get here from Duncan is exactly what we have come to expect: lovely melodies, interesting and sometimes truly poetic lyrics, and --above all--craftsmanship in the production of his songs. For White Limousine, he kept some of the incisiveness of Humming, the intimacy of Phantom Moon, and even a bit of the commentary that bubbled under the surface (and sometimes boiled over) on Daylight. The strings and warmth that marked his first album have never been as lovely as they are here.

There is no standout song on this album, no obvious single, which I think is a strength. It seems that Duncan was focused on writing a collection of songs that worked well together. In this ambition, he has succeeded singularly. The structure of each song is perfectly supported by its arrangement, its production. There are a number of agreeable sonic surprises here, including some very nice effects on his voice and guitar.

Speaking of Duncan's voice, allow me to say that it has never sounded warmer. Time has done lovely things to his depth, his intonation, and even his power. The reedyness is still there when he pushes, but now he uses it instead of being trapped by it. The gentle lower ranges of his voice have become truly beautiful.

If you have enjoyed Duncan's past albums, this is one that will seem, almost instantly, as if you have heard it before. And that is perhaps one of the highest complement that you can give to an artist that has never been strikingly original, but who is always deeply consistent, highly thoughtful, and above all, capable of producing genuinely effective music listenable over the long term. Definitely recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the Real Duncan Sheik.........., May 7, 2006

By	A. M. "stranger*in*paradise" (Neverland) - See all my reviews

This is one of those albums that when it's full impact finally hits you, it is as forceful as a tidal wave. When I first purchased White Limousine, I truly did not appreciate its full potential until I saw Mr. Sheik live in concert. If you ever have the chance to, it is a do not miss. I have since realized this album is the Real Duncan Sheik. Being on an independent label, he was able to gear these well crafted songs into his own vision of their full potential, not to some music exec's ideas. His "image" has changed also and for the better. The first time I listened to this CD, I liked half of the songs and thought the other half were so-so. Since then I took the time to REALLY listen to the whole album and I am really glad I did. All of the songs are fantastic with great lyrics (as always with Duncan's music) and wonderful music. I sincerely recommend this album.