Drop In To The Live Lounge For A Treat (Radio 1's Live Lounge - Volume 3)

Member Name: geebobuk

Product:	Radio 1's Live Lounge - Volume 3
Date:	26/08/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good choice of tracks. Good cover versions. Diversity of artists.

Disadvantages: None that I can think of immediately.

I own all three Live Lounge albums to date and would say they have got better with each release. There is a good mix of revamped versions of well known tracks by the original artists combined with interesting cover versions.

This particular album also showcases the talents of a few artists I previously knew little about namely Elliot Minor, Ida Maria, Santogold and Bat For Lashes although a friend had actually recommended the latter to me. As these artists all perform covers versions on here it has left me intrigued as to the quality of their own material and I'm sure others will feel the same about the artists who appear that they know little about.

Most of the tracks here have been big hits so you will be familiar with all but a few of the 40 offerings.

Another interesting feature is the inclusion of two versions of the same song, one a cover and the other a new version by the original artist. Check out Sam Sparro's version of "American Boy" then listen to Estelle's new version of her own song and see which you prefer.

Most of the cover versions are pretty good but be prepared for a few surprises. In my opinion some covering artists would be natural choices e.g. Newton Faulkner covering Kate Nash's "Foundations" or REM covering Editors "Munich" which I think is excellent. On the other hand I wouldn't expect The Script to cover Enimem on "Lose Yourself" which I think works well, or The Feeling to cover Kelly Rowland's "Work".

There are some songs I don't like which I have a different opinion of now having heard the Live Lounge version. One in particular is "Blinded By The Lights" by The Streets. I think this version is much better.

Other highlights include an uptempo version of "Mercy" by Duffy and a great version of "Shine On" by The Kooks.

Tings Tings cover of "Standing In The Way Of Control" includes a sample from "The Power" by Snap and the vocals in "Violet Hill" by Pendulum have a Dave Gahan/Depeche Mode feel to them, especially with a synthesizer backing throughout.

Each of the three albums in the Live Lounge Series have been bought for me as a gift at Christmas however, if they hadn't been gifts I would have ended up purchasing them anyway.

I would be surprised if any real music lover, especially one who likes live music, didn't like this album.

Summary: If you like live music you'll really enjoy this album.