Search - 8 1/2 Souvenirs :: Twisted Desire

Twisted Desire is a "yes, yes, yes!"

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 03/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best moments in my music history is my hearing a jazzy group who did a brassy version of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man." Since hearing this version, I'll take this over the original anyday. I was not only turned by the rendition of this particular song, but the others on the album. The arrangements, instrumentation, rhythm, and sensually-voiced female vocalist was my introduction to 8 1/2 Souvenirs."L'Amour Toujours" gets a French flavor with Justin Sherburn's accordion, while "Eva Luna," with its backing violin, leans towards a Spanish sound. "Dancin'" could have belonged on "Happy Feet" with Olivier Giraud's vocals, the intense rhythm guitar, and horn arrangement.The difference between this album and Happy Feet is that there are slower numbers to offset the upbeat ones. Of those, the forlorn "Lonely In Love" is a showcase for Chrysta's voice, accompanied by a guitar, violin, and drum. Following that is the jamming "Life Style." As lyrics in the chorus say, "It's all about laugh and cry/It's all about getting high/life is giving me the eye." Also, most of the songs are in English as opposed to the diversity in Happy Feet."My Baby" sounds like something Steve Winwood might have done on his Roll With It album, except with a strong horn arrangement.The other three upbeat numbers are "The Rhythm Is Magic," with its Latin flavouring and Spanish lyrics, "Under Your Skin," and "Yes, Yes, Yes," which like "Life Style," could inject life to any dull party.Olivier Giraud has one song as vocalist, but overall, this could be considered a Chrysta Bell solo album. A lot more Chrysta is gold to the ears, and in that aspect, it is 24-carat. If Sade sang a register higher and much quicker, that might result in Chrysta Bell.Here's hoping that the souvenir count next time equals 34 (8 1/2 times 4 albums). I can only speak for the 1st album and this one, but so far, I've struck gold with this group."

Wow, It's great!

Daniel J. Hamlow | 10/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chrysta Bell has a beautiful voice that shines in this album.This album has a wonderful European style. If you want some upbeat easy listening, this is it. My favorite song is "Lonely in Love."If you are looking for more swing music I would not pass up "Happy Feet" (there previous album).Be sure to listen to the music samples. You won't be able to resist.Although there album is magnificent, nothing can beat seeing 1/8 Souvenirs live."

Hotter licks than Dan's?

Andy Agree | Omaha, NE | 03/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of the reviewers of this CD were already familiar with the Souvenirs' earlier release "Happy Feet". I am not, so I had no pre-conceptions when I bought this. Being in my 40s, I am old enough to remember Dan Hicks (who has had a comeback recently) and his Hot Licks. 8 ½ Souvenirs is mainly electric while the Hot Licks were mainly acoustic, but the musical style is very similar, with 40s-type songs alternating with more serious and complex Latin-influenced songs. While not overtly funny the way Hicks sometimes was, the Souvenirs are consistently high-spirited, even when Chrysta Bell is singing about her "Twisted Desire" or the lonely "Eva Luna". The band is very tight, and Chrysta, a singer who does not exhibit great range or vocal power sings beautifully and feelingly throughout. Most of the songs are of such uniform good quality that it's hard to say which are my favorites. Perhaps the high point of the album is Tracks 8, 9 and 10, "My Baby", "The Rhythm is Magic" and "Under Your Skin" - but now I feel I've cheated some others. There are 2 or 3 tracks that are less interesting to me but that is so few, why should I even mention it? This CD has the ability to appeal to fans of many musical styles, and I can virtually guarantee you will be happy with it."