Coverage [Enhanced]

Mandy Moore

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 2008)
• Original Release Date: October 21, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
• ASIN: B0012GMZ90
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (174 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,881 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In a pop world where history is rarely acknowledged beyond whatever American Idol dishes out, Mandy Moore has discovered a stash of old records. The 19-year-old singer-actress who first appeared with 1999’s "So Real" has now decided to stretch her artistry with a dozen ’70s and ’80s touchstones. The results are mixed, but in the end Coverage is a success. Never over singing just because she can, but in proudly good voice, she brings worthy new shades to XTC’s "Senses Working Overtime," Todd Rundgren’s "Can We Still Be Friends" and Blondie’s "One Way or Another," while acknowledging the breakthroughs of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon . Whether she’ll continue to follow this path is unknown, but this CD is an achievement Moore can be proud of. --Heather Court

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a leap in maturity, November 16, 2003

By	"partygirl128" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coverage (Audio CD)

I have to admit that when I first heard that Mandy was releasing an album of covers and covers only, I wasn't looking forward to it. As an eighteen-year-old girl, I wasn't too excited about the music of the 60s, 70s and 80s ... but Mandy brings forth a well-done renewal of each of the songs.

"Coverage" is one of those lazy Saturday morning CDs to sit back and relax to. Or even to dance to. While Mandy's voice on this record is nothing exceptional, the total ambience of the record is well worth the investment. She takes a step back from the conventional "unconventional" type of pop music and a step toward a newfound maturity with "Coverage". The music is so much more than just her voice and the beat; there exists a flute, a sax, some exotic instruments that bring back the hippie/indie flavor of the mid-20th century.

Traditional pop music, "Coverage" is not. But an easy listen and soundtrack to a sunny day it is. It possesses a refreshing and sparkling quality that may even bring the sun TO your day.

36 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great tune and a gutsy gamble, October 21, 2003

By	Pat Kelly (Here, There & Everywhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coverage (Audio CD)

It was not uncommon in the sixties for artists to put out an album consisting entirely of covers of other people's music. In fact it was quite common that most albums would contain several "cover" songs that were already hits. Even the Beatles covered the Miracles, Carl Perkins, girl-group The Marvelettes and Chuck Berry among others.

Former teen queen, now rising actress Mandy Moore has gone retro in more ways than one. First by including only covers, then by restricting herself to songs of the late 60's thru early 80's, and finally even the graphics (including that large Columbia logo like a stamp on the front cover) hearken back to that "cover-age" from whence her album gets its name.

The song choices are excellent. From the familiar Carole King ("I Feel The Earth Move"), Cat Stevens ("Moonshadow"), and Joni Mitchell ("Help Me") to the hidden Elton John gem "Mona Lisa & Mad Hatter" to the obscure (to most Americans) tracks by the Waterboys ("Whole of the Moon"), XTC ("Sense Working Overtime"), and Joan Armatrading ("Drop The Pilot"). Excellent and brave choices!

My regret, however, is that the arrangements do not match the bravery of the repetoire. They are largely copies of the original material, rather than fresh reinterpreations. I'd love to have heard "Whole of the Moon" reinvented as a tender ballad. Or "Moonshadow" with only string accompaniment.

Anything other than karaoke versions. Although it must be said, these are first-rate karaoke versions.

If Mandy Moore wants to be the Eva Cassidy for a new generation, she still has a ways to go. I hope she makes it.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moore!, November 15, 2003

By	Josh "of Rohan" (ROSEVILLE, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coverage (Audio CD)

They say don't do a cover if you can't do it better; Mandy does it better! This is a great idea and I hope she puts out a double CD of cover tunes next time.

Standout tracks:

"I Feel The Earth Move" Sounds great.

"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" My favorite, Mandy sounds amazing on this. Rember this, by Elton John, was used in Almost Famous in New York.

"One Way Or Another" She nails this song.

"Anticipation" Another great choice.

I played it 10 times in my car, that's the highest praise!