LOVE it. It took me a few weeks, however.
I think he made a big mistake with the tracklist. Putting Going To A Town second is such a buzzkill after your brain has been melted by all the orchestrations on Do I Disappoint You? The first time I listened, it bummed me so bad that I couldn't even remember Tiergarten or Nobody's Off the Hook.
Between My Legs finally shocked me back, since I've had a live bootleg of it for nearly 2 years, patiently waiting for him to "finish" it. Sian Phillips' vamping at the end made my crack up, especially once I heard her voice and realized she was the evil witch in Dune and the evil empress from Clash of the Titans.
Slideshow instantly jumped into my Top 10 faves. Although, I first listened to the album leak a month early, and I couldn't remember the title. I heard "Lightshow" instead, which I still prefer for some reason. And following that track with the sarcasm of Tulsa is the perfect combination punch.
I think Sansoucci turned out nice, too - a real departure from the solo piano version I have of it. He was able to keep the melancholy vibe yet somehow still make it a hopeful song. Ain't noboby at Sansoucci tonight!
Release the Stars is the perfect closer. And if you missed his performance of it on Letterman on Thursday, download this NOW:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/2ol9p8 If any of you Rufians know Stevie, please send her this song. Old Hollywood really IS over, babe.
This is just a reminder thatifyouneedanyofthevariousinternetonlybonustracks send me a PM.
So far he isn't coming to Houston, but the Austin date is very tempting. TINY outside venue in downtown Austin, very close to the city's Pink Zone? YES!