Ok ! So here it is. My review of Levi Kreis' latest cd "Imagine Paradise " folled by a remix cd of "Gonna be Alright "
“Imagine Paradise” Levi Kreis. The Review
If I did not know I was experiencing the musical talents of one man : I
would think I was listening to a compilation of great songs by a mix of
equally great musicians. Levi has such a wide range of vocal
capabilities. Sometimes sounding as if Billie Holliday has somehow taken
part of Levi's soul; but it's all his own .
An album driven by heart and soul; Imagine Paradise shines on through.
I would be hard pressed to select one song from the twelve that stand out.
They all stand out on some level and all stand on their own. Any one of them; in my opinion could be the next single.
If you have ever bought a CD and only found one or two to your liking;
this is not one of them. I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy them
all.
“Imagine Paradise” starts off smooth and sultry with
“Timeless (we are)” I could envision myself slow dancing thinking of
lasting love. Levi says “Timeless (we are) is the song that is his
personal favourite,and I can see why .
“any way you wanna” is more upbeat number about living your life as you want. It is a motivational kick.”
“taking back my boogie” I dare you to stay still listening to this
track. A guaranteed toe tapper. It is about having a Mr or Mrs right in
life, rather than a Mr or Mrs. Right now.
“all over again”: I
found this tear inducing yet tenderly sweet. I found this about falling
in love all over again with the one you are with.
“deeper love” is soulful,rhythmic and bluesy, Stands on its own.
“love revolution” feat. Qboy. Levi proves again he is the master of all
genres. A love anthem for the ages. Kicks off with a jump start !
“4 letter word” -simply being afraid of love or showing love.
“so much better” a fast paced song. Interpretive. “let it go” go with the feeling or let it go.
“Never will I” . As Levi says “ Love is beyond space and time” Love
lives, though partnerships end. Memories often carry us through.
“It ain't Over” with Sam Harris. One of; if not the best duets ever !
Voices perfectly synced ! Gotta love the 70's disco beats .
“what love is” stunning, both lyrically and musically.
“let it go” breaking up and moving on. An evocative song. Speaks to me of faith,hope and strength.
Twelve songs. Think of Levi Kreis' “Imagine Paradise” as a dozen of the finest roses;each unique,yet equally beautiful.
For more information on Levi...www.levikreis.com
For more information on Vision 9 Records .. www.vision9records.com
Available on www.itunes.com or suggest your local music CD store get it !
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I have done a few CD reviews in the past. Most recently Levi Kreis' “Imagine Paradise”
At the same time I had the opportunity to review that one; I was
offered to do a review on “gonna be alright-mixes” which is also a Levi
Kreis song .
As much as I love both the song and Levi; I had trepidation about reviewing a remix CD.
In most instances;any remix cds I have had come my way to review; I have declined.
I love extended play songs but not at the risk of not knowing who the
original singer was, after studio and mixer magic; making some tenors
out to have echoed voices likened to Betty boop.
Sometimes remixes com off as rap battles. Who can extend the song the longest with the biggest bass and scratch effects.
Most remix cds have 4 or 5 versions. “gonna be alright -mixes” has 11.
I set me copy aside for a few days while listening to “imagine
paradise”: I thought that, out of fairness to Levi and Jared Jones (cd
producer) I would give it a listen.
I was pleasantly surprised. Very danceable and enjoyable. Not overly extended and Levi's voice was distinctly his own .
He was not drowned out by dubs and heavy bass or overly used tribal beats .
Jared Jones had won me over.
His own mix “2K13 club mix “ is my favourite. High on dance ability but keeps bass to a minimum.
The only track that did not appeal to me on such high levels as the
remaining 10 tracks was the final track; the Matt Moss Dub Mix”
All in all I give this mix CD 10 turntables out of 11.
side note: Levi has put out calls in the recent past for mixed versions
of his songs. Winners have had their mixes on a CD with money generated
by sales to benefit many HIV and other causes. \
Props to Levi.
