Search - 2raumwohnung :: Melancholisch Schon (Dig)

Getz/Gilberto 2005, anyone?

Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 08/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really like the sound of 2RaumWohnung on their 2005 release, "Melancholisch Schoen" and find myself singing along with some of the songs, especially the catchy "Ich und Elaine." However, I cannot help but consider it an attempt to recreate the Brazilian sounds of the 1963 release, "Getz/Gilberto," which was named for the coupling of Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto, even though the sound unmistakably owes a debt to their collaborator, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Inga Humpe all but channels Astrud Gilberto. All that is missing is Getz's saxophone. Having said that, though, I must also state the duo does an excellent job with this. The title track establishes a mood that is, as one might guess, a little on the melancholy side. "Sexy Girl" evokes "Girl From Ipanema" as an ode to youthful femininity. "Nimm Mich Mit (Nach Caracs)" and "Ich und Elaine" are two fun, playful numbers, the latter evidently being a lesbian love song. "Elisabeth" sounds strikingly similar to Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66. This CD is smooth, romantic and relaxing. Enjoy with a bottle of wine and a loved one. Even though I found it to be derivative, I like this CD and can recommend it."