KINDRED SPIRITS CD REVIEW - BBC

Nadia · Joined: Feb 23, 2006 Posts: 86

BBC Online – Kindred Spirits

Twenty boys and girls, aged between six and fourteen, “[embracing] the diversity of 21st century Britain”, celebrity endorsement in the shape of Myleene Klass… On paper, it is enough to have any world-weary adult reaching for the sick bucket. If you did that, though, you would be missing out. A CD hasn’t made me feel this warm and fuzzy in a very long time, and these kids can really sing.

The music is a mix of well-arranged pop and folk songs, plus a few carols, and the singing is top-notch throughout. Their take on Coldplay’s “Fix You” is classily done and will have you feeling gooey before the first verse is over. Anyone who saw Christophe Barratier‘s wonderful film Les Choristes will recognise “Caresse Sur L’Ocean”. With Kindred Spirits is has lost some of the tingle factor, but is nevertheless beautifully sung. Other high points are the fairytale-ish “Perfect Day”, and a cute without being saccharine-sweet version of the Bob Marley classic, “One Love”. Yes, it all sounds a bit Disney sometimes, but in a good way. It has the same feel-good quality as that old Eighties Coca Cola advert with hundreds of young people singing “Tomorrow, we’ll build a better world for you”; we all knew we should think it naff, but were secretly pleased when it came on TV because it prompted that inner smile that only groups of children singing something happy are capable of doing.

Perhaps most importantly, this album will appeal to the young. Just when High School Musical is all the rage and singing might just be cool in the playground, here are British kids sounding equally good, and I don’t think we can underestimate how inspiring that will be. There are even two sing-along tracks at the end of the CD to spur listeners on to learn the songs themselves. So, even if you refuse to like it yourself then at least buy it for a child you know.

This is the musical equivalent of a big, soft, fleecy, blanket. With Christmassy stars embroidered on it. Wrap yourself up in it.

novice · Joined: Feb 12, 2006 Posts: 542

Wonderful review and well deserved!!
Congratulations!!
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Music Speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it Rest, Heals the Heart and makes it whole - Flows from the heavens to the Soul!

xcept · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 6:04 pm Post subject:

For all things on the CD please use this existing thread CLICK HERE