LFF’s MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

Susan Wong – Close to You




Hello my friends and welcome to another edition of my pick of the week.

I have seen a few threads on here about people asking for recommendations for good “hi-fi” albums, or demo discs. I have also seen many asking for good female singers and I have also seen people asking for J-Pop recommendations. I think this pick is a good response to all those looking for one or more of the above.

A good example is the very first opening song of this track – Killing Me Softly. I mainly remember this song being sung by Lauren Hill but this version of the song is simply breathtaking. It starts out with a piano and her voice in a slow jazz rhythm reminiscent of a Billie Holiday solo and then 45 seconds into the song, a saxophone comes in along with a guitar and sweetens the song into something which words cannot describe. The arrangement of the song is extremely well done and the caliber of musicians is first class. Keep in mind that this only the first track.

The rest of the album is just as good as the first track. Most of the songs one will remember from other people singing but after you hear this album you will only associate them with this album.

The sound quality is not shabby at all. In fact, it puts a lot of albums to shame. If you own Grado RS-1’s, HP-2’s, PS-1’s, UE-10’s or Shure E500’s, this album is a must have. If you own any good headphones – this album is a must have. Hell – this album is a must have regardless of what you have. All the instruments come through very clearly and the stereo separation is fantastic, especially on track number 3 - Fly Me To The Moon.

This particular album, as well as Susan Wong’s other albums, are available in Redbook format as well as SACD/Hybrids. Expect to pay up $20.00 for the CD’s and $30.00 - $40.00 for the Hybrids. I highly suggest you get the Hybrids as the SACD layer is out of this world.

Until next week.
- LFF