About LS.n


 
 

Review: kd lang's Invincible Summer
by Jordan Hoffman

published 7/31/00

REVIEWS HOME



Jordan Hoffman is LeisureSuit.net's Queens-based Senior Editor.



MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: manager
Is the manager info still correct (Josephson)? Wrote a song, made a CD, sold 2000 copies. Have one offer for a remix, but other than my husband and son, I can't think of anyone else who should sing this except KD. Would like to send it to her. Thanks

-- liz
Sep 18, 2007 at 10:52PM

Read more or post your own





Be cool like us!
Are you getting our weekly update?





It's GOOD to share!
E-mail this article to a buddy

There are rare occasions when you really can, and should, judge a book by its cover. Invincible Summer, the new CD by k.d. lang, sounds exactly how it looks. It is summery, lush, and captured right at the magic hour.

I didn't notice it at first, but Ms. lang has been recording theme albums. Ever since she broke from her self-made traditionalist country mold with the album "Ingenue", lang has been hopping between personas on her albums. She was the pop mystic on "All You Can Eat", a cosmic traveler on "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues," and, most curiously, the West Village torch singer with an irksome love of puns on "Drag." With "Invincible Summer" lang channels with the spirit of California studio music. Think Bacharach, think Brian Wilson, think the Mamas and the Papas, think Dudley Moore's piano tunes from 10—but here's what's key—just think about the spirit, don't think so much about the music.

What I find so remarkable about "Invincible Summer," and what makes it succeed as marvelously as it does, is that this album evokes the emotion that comes from this particularly niche, but does so without relying at all on the gimmicky tropes that helped define it. There's nary a theremin or thick-end keyboard. There are, though, songs like "Love's Great Ocean" which gently uses the Pacific as metaphor for great, endless love. And songs like "Summerfling," a genuine perfect song, which timelessly allows lang to harmonize with herself "baa-baa-baa" style, pretty much the only way to react to waking on the beach early Sunday in mid-July while your love runs down the beach with "Kennedy flair."

And the strings. Hot damn there are strings. I consulted Merriem-Webster's and, yes, the word luscious was invented with the sole purpose of describing the strings on this album.

This album, simply, is about the physical changes one goes through when in love. For lang, obviously, love brings her to the mythical endless summer California beaches. And bully for her, I say. But, lang is so magnificent a singer that if love were to take her to 19th Century Minsk the record would be gorgeous.

Some of the tracks, particularly "Suddenly" and "When We Collide" have enough sultry bombast to be used as the title theme for the next James Bond movie. This is light years away from the "Big Boned Gal" that we first heard lang deliver on the "Absolute Torch and Twang" album. I'm sure there are many who miss the spunky country gal that lang was ten years ago. But I've always been a fan of big music. To me, this is the best k.d. lang's ever sounded.

My only complaint about the album is that the songs tend to repeat themselves in tempo and the way in which they build. It's a minor point, though; this is a case of nothing being broke, so maybe why fix it. There are a few standouts that break the album's inner paradigm. "Curiosity" blinks and sparkles in a way that hasn't been heard since the Lightening Seeds' one-hit wonder "Pure." And "It's Happening With You" breaks the mold completely with a quasi gutbucket-zydeco stomp cum disco-pop that sounds a wee bit left over from the sublime mish-mosh of the "All You Can Eat" album. I had to check the credits three times to make sure legendary New York guitarist Marc Ribot wasn't sitting in on this cut. He wasn't. It's Wendy Melvoin doing one hell of a Ribot impersonation. Hats off.

The musicianship and production are top-notch and modern, but that magical 60s vibe is there, somehow. If I were more mystical I'd say it's because the 60s vibe of which I speak has nothing to do with the 60s—that the 60s vibe is timeless, and was around long before the 60s and will exist long into the future. But I'd need my emotions to be elevated by some sort of perfect love before I could say something as wonderful as that.

I've no idea where lang is going to go next with her developing repertoire. If I were her manager, I'd press for her to release a live album or best of or something . . . it'll be tough to follow this one up and not disappoint. Besides, it may be neat to hear how she'd reinterpret her country material within this idiom. And if I can continue to fantasize about being lang's manager, I'd ask her why she spells her name lowercase. It's driving my word processing software batty.


Your name:

Subject:


Comments:

Forward a copy of this yak to the LS.n Editors

Forward a copy of this yak to this article's author

If you want to get an e-mail if someone responds to your yak, give us your address below. It won't be made public.

THE YAK SHACK


Name: liz
Subject: manager
-- Sep 18, 2007 at 10:52PM
Is the manager info still correct (Josephson)? Wrote a song, made a CD, sold 2000 copies. Have one offer for a remix, but other than my husband and son, I can't think of anyone else who should sing this except KD. Would like to send it to her. Thanks

Name: susan
Subject: KD's A & R person
-- Aug 6, 2007 at 1:12PM
do you have access to email address of KD's A & R person- would like to pitch 2 tunes.

thanks.

Name: IAN JAMESON
Subject: song for KD Lang
-- Mar 24, 2006 at 1:56AM
Do you know if kd lang has a personal manager that I can send a song to.
I have found her management company in LA but that seems a little remote when I know she lives in Vancouver.
Thank for any info you can give.

Name: Mandy
Subject: k.d fan clubs
-- Oct 8, 2005 at 5:32AM
i would be grateful to anyone who could help me find a k.d fan club i don,t seem to be able to find one thanks you can contact me at hirstmandy@yahoo.co. uk

Name: Justy
Subject: K.D How can we find you?
-- Aug 12, 2005 at 12:30PM
I would truly be grateful to anyone who lets me know how to contact K.D's Manager for I cannot find a current fan club. I belong to a very special room on yahoo full of people who love K.D's amazing voice. Please if you could help out I would sincerely appreciate it! justylonging@hotmail .com

Name: Debbie
Subject: K.D. Lang
-- May 17, 2005 at 12:08PM
My daughter is 9 and a singer and loves K.D. Langs music. I told her she used to Live in Alberta. She would like to know where she lives now. She sang one of K.D. Langs songs at a competition and won. She would like to send her a copy if possible. Would you know of an address to do this. meachemd@shaw.ca. Thank you Debbie

Name: vix
Subject: Russia
-- Apr 20, 2005 at 7:40AM
Hi!
i live in Saint-Petersbourg, Russia,
and i'd like to find someone who likes K D as well
wright me: vixen1986@mail.ru

Name: Ryan
Subject: contact
-- Apr 13, 2005 at 12:55AM
Hi there,

I was born and raised in the same small town area of Alberta and have some mutual friends of K.D's one of whom is like a 2nd mother to me. I would like somehow to write a letter to her/manager or someone in turn who will respond to my letter. Thanks for your help!!

Ryan

Name: Eileen
Subject: Manager
-- Sep 20, 2004 at 10:50AM
Hi, I wanted to contact him, about kd lang, not to send him a tape, do you have a web site or an e-mail. Thanks for your swift response
Eileen

Name: Jordan Hoffman Responds
Subject: Re: Manager
-- Sep 20, 2004 at 10:48AM
Herman Josephson
CBA Management
3012 Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
90036

Send him your tape and good luck!

Name: Eileen
Subject: Manager
-- Sep 20, 2004 at 10:44AM
Can someone tell me who k d langs' manager is and maybe a contact for them please?
Thanks

Name: John Lunn
Subject: Hallelujah
-- Sep 9, 2004 at 1:13AM
HALLELUJAH



Original words by Leonard Cohen, second version by John Lunn


Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don’t really care for music do you?

It goes like this

The fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

She tied you

To a kitchen chair

She broke your throne, and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Baby I’ve been here before

I’ve seen this room and I’ve walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you

I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch

But love is not a victory march

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Well, maybe there’s a God above

But all I’ve ever learned from love

Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you

It’s not a cry that you hear at night

It’s not somebody who’s seen the light

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah





Leonard Cohen


Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don’t really care for music do you?

It goes like this

The fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

Your baffled kin composing Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Your faith was strong, but you were a fool

You saw her bathing in the pool

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

She tied you

To the nuptial bed

She broke your heart, and she messed your head

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Baby I’ve been here before

I’ve seen this room and I’ve walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you

I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch

But love is not a victory march

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah



Well, maybe there’s a God above

But all I’ve ever learned from love

Was how to hurt somebody who outgrew you

It’s not a cry that you hear at night

It’s not somebody who’s seen the light

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah



Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah





John Lunn



I heard k.d. Lang sing 'Hallelujah' on the Andrew Denton show 'Enough Rope'. That was the first time I had heard it and it moved me very much. The next day I bought the cd 'Hyms from the 42 parallel' and have enjoyed it very much many times since. When I was listening for about the third or fourth time I started to read the words that had been provided and noticed some subtle differences between the written and the words sang. When I looked at the words some of them did not make as much sense to me although the sound of k.d's voice is still very moving. I have had a go at tinkering with a couple of the words so that it seems to 'scan' differently. If you are able to pass it on to k.d . Lang for her consideration and for her to do anything or nothing with it as she sees fit, it would be appreciated. I mean no disrespect to Leonard Cohen or k.d. Lang it is just that I am a simple Australian soul and if the words can make a little more sense as well as sound great it would enhance my enjoyment.

John Lunn














Name: gillian
Subject: amazing k.d.lang
-- Apr 21, 2004 at 10:23AM
ive only just heard of kd lang in the last year and iwas totally amazed by her voice and talent,her voice melted my heart and and took me to places ive only ever dreamt of going.xxx

Name: GILL
Subject: summerfling/kd lang
-- Apr 6, 2004 at 2:52AM
can you please tell me if "Kennedy flair" is the name of the dog that we see in the Summerfling video -thanks

Name: jen
Subject: kd's tour dates 2003
-- Jul 23, 2003 at 12:09PM
this site will help jackie - june12 2003

http://www.kdlan g.com/tour.html

Name: jackie
Subject: k.d.lang
-- Jun 12, 2003 at 1:18PM
does any body know if k.d is touring in 2003/04 . would be glad if you could let me know. thanks.

Name: bette
Subject: Re: kd lang
-- Feb 8, 2003 at 2:13AM
I'm new to computers and the internet. I just want to join a kd lang fan club. e-mail jbabpa@aol.com

Name: bette
Subject: kd lang
-- Feb 8, 2003 at 2:08AM
I'm crazy about ALL of kdlangs songs!I want to join a fan club or a chat room but am having trouble. Please help!!!

Name: Patrycja
Subject: K.D. LANG
-- Jan 31, 2002 at 7:49AM
I am from Polands and I can say one... my heart imprisoned in little disc. I love him...

Name: blondie
Subject: KD LANG ALL AROUND
-- Jan 20, 2002 at 8:02AM
TO ME THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER ARTIST. I LOVE HER NOW AND ALWAYS. BESIDES BEING THE BEST LOOKING, SHE IS THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS ROSE GARDEN AND PAYDIRT. FROM WISE VA


Name: Lu
Subject: kd
-- Oct 9, 2000 at 4:00PM
I completely agree that this is a stunning album...amongst the Mariah Careys and Madonnas of this world kd is criminally underrated, she has the most magnificent voice which, although it sounds perfect on recordings, simply takes you to heaven when you hear it live.

Name: Susan
Subject: k.d. lang live
-- Aug 28, 2000 at 2:02PM
Just saw k.d. lang's show in CT and it will forever stand as one of the all time best live performances I've seen ever, and I've seen hundreds! WHAT A VOICE! If you don't see any other show, see hers. Too bad her US tour dates are so few and far between.

Onstage, she's funny, animated, playful, and her music is breathtakingly brilliant and poignant, and her band is razor sharp.
But most of all, hers is a world class voice. Don't miss it!


This page is best viewed with the latest version of the Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.

© Copyright 1998-2001 LeisureSuit Media, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Some content is copyrighted by the author and is used with permission. No portion of this page or its content may be reproduced, in part or in whole, electronically, in print, or in any other form or by any other means, without the written consent of the LeisureSuit.net editors. Contact us at webmaster@leisuresuit.net.