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Fourth album from a former soap star
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November 27, 2009
 By Billy Suter
IT'S HARD to believe that Natalie Imbruglia has released three albums since hitting world charts with 1997's Torn, but here she is now with her fourth collection, Come To Play, which continues to present the attractive Aussie singer-actress with a handle on sophisticated pop.
The former star of hit soap Neighbours offers 10 tracks on the new album which, released by Universal Music, has her showing more of a fun side, taking more chances.
There is the added bonus of having Coldplay's Chris Martin contribute his songwriting talent to three of the tracks, including the Goldfrapp-like Want, the collection's first single.
Also of note is Lukas, which Martin has gone on record to state is "the best Coldplay song of all time". Don't know about that, but it is a standout here, its sweet, meandering lyric proving quite catchy, quite quickly.
Among the other tracks, the acoustic guitar-propelled Scar is a ballad from the same mould as Torn, while there's electro-pop in the upbeat, Lady Gaga-like Cameo and the melancholic ballad All the Roses.
Most tracks are worth a listen, but you'd do well to skip WYUT (What You Up To), a weird meshing of techno and folk that is the big album dud. It sounds amateurish and just don't work.
Moving on to something altogether different... a broad cross-section of Spain's contemporary musicians blend flamenco, ramba, rock, jazz and pop into a vibrant musical tapestry on the newly released Putumayo Presents Espana, an 11-song collection by Various Artists, that were selected from hundreds of albums.
The package contains a comprehensive booklet offering information on each artist, as well as pictures by renowned photographer Peter Adams and a recipe by famed chef Eva Arguinano.
Highlights have to include Valencia-based band Burguitos, which blends rumba, pop and world flavours with humorous lyrics in Por Los Besos Que Me Das; and Galician singer Uxia demonstrating her region's enchanting Portuguese-influenced music in Danza Ritual.
Of note, too, is folk revivalist Biella Nuei exposing the roots of Aragonese traditions in Pasapeanas, and Madrid's El Combolinga combining reggae, rock, Afro-Cuban music, jazz, ska and African grooves in Cumbia Caimanera.
Worth special mention, too, are tracks by rising stars DePedro, from Madrid, and Gecko Turner, from Extremadura, who present catchy hits with many international inspirations.
Also new on the Putumayo label is Jazz Around the World, featuring 11 songs by Various Artists.
Featuring both established and upcoming acts performing covers and originals, the album presents a wide range of rhythms, instruments and melodies.
Highlights include Texas-raised Heather Rigdon's sophisticated performance on Young and Naice, which has drawn comparisons to the music of Norah Jones and Diana Krall; and chanteuse Chantal Chamberland's retro-sounding interpretation of Le Mer.
Of note, too, is Paris-based Niuver blending the music of her native Cuba with jazz and Brazilian bossa nova in Quiereme Mucho, while SA trumpet king Hugh Masekela is also here, performing Open the Door, featuring Malaika on vocals.
The Kora Jazz Trio provides a wonderful, soulful version of the Cuban standard Chan Chan, while an African twist is lent to George Gershwin's Summertime by Diabate (with Habib Koite and Bamada).
Also featured are new tracks by Cameroonian singer Blick Bassy, jazz fusion drummer Billy Cobham with Asere, New Zealand Maori musician Kataraini Pipi, and Spanish-Algerian singer Kad.
Also new in music stores is an album offering 11 new tracks from British singer-songwriter, producer and Dire Straits kingpin Mark Knopfler.
Titled Get Lucky, this sixth solo collection from the Brit with the mellow baritone follows 2007's Kill To Get Crimson.
One of the finest guitarists around, Knopfler, who turned 60 on August 12, turns the spotlight on captivating, easy-flowing folk-rock with great storytelling lyrics, his cast of colourful characters ranging from sailors and Scottish army pipers to guitar-makers, lorry drivers and itinerant workers.
Knopfler recorded the album, co-produced with longtime collaborators, engineer Chuck Ainlay and keyboardist Guy Fletcher, at his own British Grove Studios in West London.
Better tracks from the man rated 27th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, include the J J Cale-like, swamp rocker that is Cleaning My Gun; the elegant, country-like ballad Hard Shoulder; and the closing, melancholic Piper to the End.
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