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(More customer reviews)I must preface this review by saying I have been a fan of Alison Moyet's work for nearly 25 years now. While not all of her work has been absolutely incredible, it has been at the very least consistent and well above average, with many moments of brilliance. Of course her voice is what she is most known for and it has always been impeccable, never faltering. Her voice.I recently read online somewhere someone referring to Alison Moyet as "England's Best Kept Secret". That sums it up pretty good. Virtually unknown in the United States (yet a household name in Great Britain and in many other countries), take one listen to any part of her three decades worth of recorded music and you will see what all the hoopla is about. It all began with "that voice". Anyway, if you have never heard Alison Moyet's music or voice before, this DVD is a great place to start.
Her performance on "One Blue Voice" is nothing short of stunning. For an artist to impress me this much artistically, even after all these years of fandom, is significant. I mean I was absolutely blown away. And I would be the first one to admit it if a favorite artist's work was just so-so. The DVD features many of the same songs from her 2005 CD, "Voice" (thus the similarly titled DVD "One Blue Voice"), which is mostly a collection of well-known standards from yesteryear but with a few more recent compositions thrown in the mix. The "One Blue Voice" DVD consists of a 15-track live performance, with assorted extras including several music videos, extensive interview footage, a photo gallery, and even 4 more bonus live performances!
She covers classics such as "Windmills Of Your Mind", "Cry Me a River", "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?", "Dido's Lament" as well as two Elvis Costello songs ("Almost Blue", "God Give Me Strength") and several tracks from her own critically acclaimed 2002 CD, "Hometime". The showstoppers on this DVD are as follows: "Momma Momma" (a Melanie cover), fan favorite "This House", the Jacques Brel classic "La Chanson des Vieux Amants", and her own 80's classic "Only You" from her days with Yazoo. Other standout tracks include "Satellite", "You Don't Have To Go", "Ski", and a very unique and rare cover of "Wraggle Taggle Gypsies-O". Alison is an accomplished and acclaimed songwriter as well; eight of her own songs can be found throughout this DVD. Her longtime collaborator, Pete Glenister, co-wrote many of these songs with her and he also mixed the pristine concert sound for this DVD.
Every track is impressive. Her voice is note-perfect throughout. The Costello songs are awesome. The "Hometime" songs are new (and improved!) takes on the recorded studio versions. The eight or nine tracks from "Voice" are performed to perfection. The impressive eight-piece band features a string quartet that enhances every song immensely. The entire DVD is amazing to watch.
PBS please take note: if you, PBS, were to give "One Blue Voice" an outlet for exposure, I guarantee it would make Alison Moyet a household name in the United States, resulting in enormous pledge support for your stations. Plus, it would sell a million units. I have no doubt. It is one of those rare, filmed concerts that just has a certain magic about it...beautifully lighted and the camera work is perfect. The band and the string section take equal stage to Alison Moyet; and she gladly shares it with them. How hard it must have been to perform these types of songs live, and to keep them as perfectly executed as they have captured it here. Additionally, this DVD would appeal to everyone in age from those in their 20's to those in their 70's. Thus the PBS-ready appeal. PBS...are you taking note???
If you are already a Moyet fan, then you already know. If you are not familiar with her, BUY THIS DVD!
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