Search - Bryan Ferry :: Taxi

Elegant interpretations

Pieter | Johannesburg | 11/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bryan Ferry does his equivalent of Bowie's Pin Ups on this interesting album. I Put A Spell On You and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow get the ultra smooth treatment with ghostly keyboards lending an eerie feel to the arrangements. Answer Me has similar atmospheric synth flashes, whilst the guitar and organ on Just One Look make it special.The song Rescue Me has muffled vocal samples, swirling keyboards and an infectious rhythm track with Ferry's vocal wrapping itself around every musical turn and twist; this is a highlight of the album. His version of All Tomorrow's Parties has an unexpected arrangement, not lilting and flowing but jagged and halting.Old style rock `n roll guitar opens Girl Of My Best Friend and Ferry sings a bit like that too, with more emotion and passion. The up-tempo Amazing Grace is another unusual interpretation, restrained vocals with impressive organ embellishments and a lively rhythm.The title track is introduced by the sound of rain and car horns and turns into quite a soulful tale of lost love, whilst the short last track Because You're Mine (the only Ferry original) is like a rock symphony with obscure but dramatic voices in the brooding instrumental mix. Taxi is Bryan Ferry at his smoothest, but with some surprises in his unusual takes on All Tomorrow's Parties and Amazing Grace. It is a very stylish album but do not expect anything like his version of Hard Rain's Gonna Fall (my favourite Ferry number) or the driving pop-rock of early Roxy Music."

Hauntingly romantic

L. Carter | 07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brian Ferry has a way with old standards, and "Taxi" is a fine example of his ability to wrap his velvet vocals around songs of longing, obsession, desperation and love. Standout tracks include "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and a lightly-jazzed version of "Amazing Grace", as well as the title track, "Taxi", and "I Put A Spell on You".Get your sweetie, a bottle of wine and a room with low lights and this is the perfect music to complete the picture. No sweetie? Then get a good beer and sit back and just listen ... this album will make you feel like you're in love -- or wish you were."

The previous reviewer is confused

John Stodder | livin' just enough | 03/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jewel has nothing to do with this album. It is another album of covers by Bryan Ferry. As these things go, it isn't his best, but it's got some major highlights. His version of the title song, an obscure soul tune, is nearly worth the price of the disk. Ferry works like a watercolorist, sweeping gestures augmented by beautiful details. He is a highly controlled artist. His version of Answer Me, which is usually associated with Nat King Cole, is another highlight."