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Current concise reviews of the albums by adult alternative, contemporary, and crossover artists. Images of album artwork and links to both internet-based resources are always included. Click on the title to view the article.

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Tacye Lovefeast CD Cover
Image © 1999 \r\n\r\nRadikal Records  
 

(08 April 2000) The debut album from Tacye is entitled I Don't NeedA Gun (Radikal Records (USA) RAD 90002-2, 2000). Produced by MikeBennett, the album is the first to actually be issued as a two-CD set,with one including an electronic mix and the other an acoustic mixof the same seventeen track titles. The unique concept actuallyworks very well from both listening and marketing perspectives-a single album that will appeal to two distinctly different listening tastes with a common thread. The vocal work on both compact discs isstunning in every respect, with lush sensuality even surpassing thecover image. Soundbites are available at the artist'smp3.com and at Radikal Records websites.Further biographic information is available at the artist's official website.

Both CDs are technically superb with lush instrumental arrangements andincredible soaring vocals, reminscent at times of Kate Bush and at othersof Enya and other well-known recording artists. Tacye has a stunning voice with power, range and style reflecting years of proper training.

The "Acoustica" CD is mixed lighter, with clear solo and multi-trackedvocals arranged without any sort of a club feel. But it is far from being completely acoustic in nature. Thoughtful instrumentation including piano, synthesizer, guitar and bass join crisp percussion to perfectly compliment the stunning and evocative lead vocal work. Songs work together to make a cohesive album, easy to absorb end-to-end without ever feeling repetition across the variety of tracks. The music is neither new age nor pop. It is a worldly mixture of adult alternative sounds that are certain to appeal a wide range of female vocal enthusiasts.

The "Electronica" CD has a definite club feel to it, with instrumentaland vocal arrangements being far lusher, thumpier and more suitableto a dance atmosphere. Production quality is certainly tops clearly demonstrating that the recording wasn't just thrown together in a remixstudio. The vocal arrangements and mix are impressive with equalclarity and levels as on the "Acoustica" CD. Tacye's lead vocalscontinue to soar well above the instrumentals with each element ofthe music complimenting each other effectively.What perhaps is the most stunning aspect of this unique two-CD set is the way that the artist and producer have been able to create two such different atmospheres from the same seventeen tracks.

Radikal has payed particular attention to the album's packaging and illustration with stunning sensual imagery accompanying the two compact discs right down to the artwork silkscreened on the individual CDs. Listen to soundbites and order the album from amazon.comhere. The "In My Dreams" maxi single contains "electronica," "acoustica" and two other remixes of the track. You can order it here.Tacye's debut album I Don't Need A Gun is one of the best new releasesof 2000. Worth a cross-country journey, it is absolutely a must listen!

 
 
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