Search - K.T. Oslin :: Live Close By Visit Often

K.T.'s possible swan song is a moment to savor....

brientravis | Nashville TN | 07/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not even a week after this cd was commercially released, Oslin stated that this would "more than likely" be her last album. With that said, she apparently chose to go out with bang. Was Nashville ready for this album? To answer that, I'll have to ask another question...Was Nashville EVER ready for K.T. Oslin and her music? The answer is simply, no. No one in Nashville was prepared to let a classy, intelligent, independent woman come in and take over-which is exactly what Oslin did in 1988 when she released the now classic "80's Ladies" album that spawned several number one hits and garnered Oslin a couple of Grammys to say the least. No one in Nashville knew then or even now how to compete with true artistry and a no-nonsense attitude for the business side of show business. Oslin does it her way or no way at all, and has made this very clear in her songwriting, producing, vocals, and personality that is put forth in each track of every album she's released. Charming, witty, and comedic, Oslin has "done it again" with "Live Close By, Visit Often". Culminating originals with a trio ensemble of pop standards, Oslin has once again proved her talent status to the rest of Nashville that keeps pushing cookie cutter material out to the bored mass of radio listeners. Radio ignored "Live Close By" because it was different, as is all of Oslin's music. In example, what other female country artist would have the guts or the brass to record a techno cover of Rosemary Clooney's 1951 hit "Come On-A My House", throwing in a "X-Files"-like spy guitar with India-influenced rhythm? No female country act could hold Oslin a light to go by when it comes to her musical standard and her display of stage presence and enough moxy to scare off even some members of the mafia-all of this of course is wrapped up in a sensual,funny,charming, and lovable American personality that choses to shine her own way...part Katherine Hephburn part Kim Catrall, Oslin knows now, just as she did when "80's Ladies" rocketed her to living legend, that she's got what it takes to keep it rockin'. With all that said, if you don't buy this album, it's your loss-you will simply be missing out on one of the few great singers that still has true feelings towards the word "artist". Oslin may stand on her own terms, but as far as status-she's there with the living greats...Midler, Streisand, Franklin, Parton....do I have to keep going?"

Visitation Awelcome

Timothy Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 01/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Maybe We Should Learn to Tango, Live Close By, Visit Often, I Can't Remember Not Loving YouThough in her 50s, thanks to genius of lighting, Oslin looks like Shania's rival. Indeed, she is musically. "Live Close By," Oslin's "comeback" CD, finds her at her creative best. Every song has an identity of its own. The CD opens with an upbeat latino influenced title track. Here Oslin sings about the life of a single woman weathered by the trials and tribulations of romance. Backed with the occassional horns and an infectious melody, it's just a breathe of reality as she sings about independence and the unreliability of romance. Another gem from this album is "Maybe We Should Learn to Tango." In terms of emotive uctions, this song ranks high up there with another Oslin classic "Hold Me." "Tango" recounts the tale of a desperate wife trying to salvage her marriage by giving it another goal through tangoing together. Sung with so much emotion, you could hear the pain ringing through Oslin's voice. "Drivin' and Cryin'," another heart wrenching ballad, comes close to being another favorite. "Drivin'" reminds me alot of Oslin's hit "New Way Home."Despite being scarred by romance, not all hope is evaporated. Oslin does celebrate the power of love in "A Moment of Forever," a tender a tender ode to forever love. This song could easily be used as a wedding classic. Moving away from romance is "Neva Sawyer"--a vivid story song about a barroom brawl. Oslin paints such a picturesque scene that you can't help but listen. Though the song runs above 6 minutes, you can't help but want to hear more episodes of Neva Sawyer. On the other hand, "Mexico Road," with its latino inflenced beat, is an upbeat decalaration of indepence. Raul Malo, Oslin's co-producer, has never allowed himself to be pigeonholed. His own solo records and those with country group the Mavericks are testaments. With Malo on the helm, Oslin veers into unconventional territory as she gives us three short (almost medley like) standards. Her rendition of "Mean to Me" showcases Oslin's wit and sassiness that she brings to this pop standard. My only complain is that Oslin should sing all the verses of these standards, rather than singing excerpts of them all running just within a couple of minutes. Though there are some very strong country songs ("I Don't Remember Not Loving You," "Tango,"), there's a surprise at the end. Oslin closes the CD with a dance version of Rosemary Clooney's "House." Ironically, the song became the biggest hit from this CD. While country radio shun Oslin from their playlist, dance clubs embraced "House" and has placed Oslin on the rungs of Billboard dance charts. Oslin on the dance chart, that's almost unheard of. But that's what this diva is capable of and lots more. This CD has been one of my most played CDs. Every song is different and they are always interesting. With songs like this and talent so enoromous, I would echo Oslin's title track, please "live close by and visit often.""

Love it!

Trish | CA | 12/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Somebody's leaving somebody!! Down -to -earthy lyrics sang by a down- to- earthy (earthy?) lady!"