by Mark W. B. Allender
Packaged in a sleeve that (not accidentally) reminds one of the Beatles' White Album, this first released collection of Belew's acoustic renderings is all around a pleasant listen. The classic Adrian Belew songs are great. It is refreshing to hear songs like &The Man in the Moon& and &The Rail Song& with new life breathed into them. Belew's delivery is a little subdued, which at times can have a postured to be included on an acoustic release feel to it at times, but, for the most part, the music sounds fresh and revitalized. He does include a couple treats on this outing. The first of these is a cover of the Beatles &If I Fell,& which sounds like a dead-on impersonation of the John and Paul vocal harmonies from the original. Very cool. Also included is a Roy Orbison's &Crying,& which is a nice as well. King Crimson's &Matte Kudesai& has some issues here -- the verses are accompanied by a low somewhat seasick two-note guitar riff that at best is not very appropriate for the song. The final number on this collection is a tune called &Martha Adored,& which is recording of &Dream Life& played backwards in its entirety. Unexpectedly and astonishingly beautiful. This track alone makes the whole set worthwhile.