k.d. lang - Hymns of the 49th Parallel

Mellow, easy listening, with the definitive version of Hallelujah

K.D.Lang, a woman whose voice I regard as one of the greatest in music, takes to covering songs from her homeland, Canada. Not really being that familiar with Canadian music [I'd be surprised if I could name 50 Canadian songs-though listening to this album would nudge me close to that mark], I can't say how well or otherwise she has chosen her songs. Perhaps there are better songs she could have covered? In any case, she delivers a consistently mellow and laid-back treatment of the songs she sings here.

There are some artists she honours by covering two of their tracks: Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Jane Sibery. Of the little I've heard of Joni Mitchell, I'd have to say that I would rather have heard "Both sides now" tackled by Lang, but I suppose the danger there would be that their treatments wouldn't be that differentiated.

The absolute highlight of this album is Lang's version of "Hallelujah". Can't really say that I've heard the definitive Cohen version...did see a You Tube version by him which must have been more recent. His voice isn't the best and K.D. really finds a beautiful melody for this song and a wonderful vocal style...she has a very pure, silky voice. In any case, Lang does signal her version as being The Definitive version of this song...the one which marks out its melodic territory. Perhaps the difference between the snippet I've heard from Cohen and Lang's version is akin to the difference between the original Mondo Rock version of "Touch of paradise" and John Farnham's sublime new arrangement. And Ross Wilson, of Mondo Rock, is one of pop/rock's greatest vocalists too.

Of the other songs, I liked "After the goldrush" and "Simple". A criticism of this album, I suppose, is that there is a certain sameness to the sound, which is only occasionally breached towards the end of the album.

Lang's vocals and the instruments used, like piano, accoustic guitar, violin and orchestra etc. make this album's sound sort of "lounge" ambiance wise.

Some assorted notes I made of other songs here:

"Helpless"-reminded me of Nancy Sinatra's all time classic "These boots are made for walking", as far as the guitar sound goes. Less mellow than the first two tracks which precede it.

"A case of you"-features a double bass, I think.

"One day I walk"-features an organ and sounds a little country. Not sure if this song also features an accordion or some such.

"Bird on wire"-is another song which features the organ.

Lastly, did notice K.D. hit a bung note in "Love is everything". Since her singing is usually so pure, you really notice an aberration like that!

I'm giving this album 7/10. K.D.Lang is a real talent. May 23, 2008

Hymns of the 49th Parallel

kd takes you straight into heaven with her singing these old, familiar songs. Some of the arrangements are breathtaking whether they are soberly recorded or going for the whole works. kd's voice seems to be getting better as she grows older. Her rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah is simply magnificent. Money well spent. May 6, 2008

gotta love kd

The lady can sing... what else do you need to know?? There are some powerful songs on this CD. I really enjoy it. May 5, 2008

Voice of an Angel

This is a beautiful CD. Halleluiah is my favorite; KD Lang puts this song on a new plane. April 21, 2008

mesmerizing..as usual

This may JUST be my all time favorite kd lang work to date, ( and I have them ALL) Her voice is just ..well, it defies my ability to describe. I think the best word would be: PURE. This cd came in the mail after a particularly harrowing day for me, and it absolutely had the power to utterly transform my mood. I love the quiet depth and the non religious spirituality to her choices. I LOVE her collaborations with Jane Siberry, and her original song " Love is Simple" will be played at my wedding ( should I ever decide to do THAT for a THIRD time! ) Her voice can be sweet as a harp, swoop to aching, sultry depths, then turn into a powerhouse. I recently had the privilege of seeing her perform live, and my mouth was agape the WHOLE time.Especially during Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. What a show! And yet she remains humble and ever barefoot on stage and true to her roots and to herself. What a gift this amazing human being shares with us. Thank you, kd. April 1, 2008

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