Amazon.com: Was it homesickness that compelled longtime Los Angeles resident k.d. lang to fashion her one-woman campaign for north-of-the-border nationalism, or just plain good sense? All Canadian content has long been a mainstay of the Canadian Broadcasting System, but few have selected their material with such a fine hand and a high aesthetic. The expatriate singer has taken great pains to create a sophisticated homage to her Canadian roots, elegantly reinterpreting 11 songs penned by some of her more illustrious countrymen (and women) such as Jane Siberry, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. The idiosyncratic chanteuse turns Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" into an aching monochromatic lament, exploring new tributaries of pain that didn't exist in the original, while recasting Neil Young's "Helpless" into a haunting anthem of memory and comfort, all the while sounding anything but helpless. A gorgeous love letter to her brethren, complete with an intelligent and understated orchestration. --Jaan Uhelszki
Album Description: Hymns of the 49th Parallel fulfills k.d. lang's longstanding desire to create a Canadian songbook. On the album, her first for Nonesuch Records, she pays homage to fellow Canadian artists including Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, and Bruce Cockburn.
Beautiful ^ This is my third album of lang's and it does not disappoint. I already knew about half the songs from other artists so it was interesting to see what lang did with them. The control she has of her voice is truly amazing. I've always been a fan of female singers like Baez, Etheridge, Raitt and Sorrells, but none of them have the control of their vocal instrument like lang does. If there is any justice in the musical world, she will go down as one of the truly greats, right up there with Lady Day and Ella.
Olympic Inspiration ^ After hearing kd Lang sing in the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Canada, I was powerfully drawn to the song "Hallelujah' written by Leonard Cohen. I decided that I needed to hear it again and ordered the CD from Amazon. This was indeed a good decision. Several of the songs are inspirational and I have developed a profound respect for this performer - as one who truly sings with "soul". Thanks to an inspired performance, I have found a new artist and several worthwhile songs to listen to. Amazon was the answer towards fulfilling my want to re-hear this powerful song. Thanks.
CD Condition ^ The CD is great but unfortunately the two songs I just love have scratches and when I purchased it, the condition was listed as "good".
Just About Perfect ^ I love this cd. There's not a song on it that I skip when I have it in my car or in the player at home. lang's voice is a miracle, and she more than does justice to this amazing collection of songs.
Voice like forever ^ After hearing k. d. lang sing "Hallelujah" at the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, how could you not love this voice? So pure and so open. This CD with songs of Canada will have you closing your eyes and swaying to the music, I guarantee it.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
