Good Introduction to Elton John Fave
Randall E. Adams | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/26/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Kiki Dee has yet to receive the recognition she deserves and the CD reissue program to match it. She has consistently been overshadowed by her British soul bird contemporaries, Dusty Springfield and Lulu.People on the inside of the industry on both sides of the Atlantic have recognized her talent through the years. She was first signed to Phillips by the same people who built up Dusty Springfield's remarkable 1960s career. Then she was picked up by the Americans at Tamla/Motown to cut an album in 1970. Then Elton John rescuscitated her career, making her an early signing to his own record label, Rocket. A few years later, he duetted with her right up the charts with "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." But commercial success has been sparse and short-lived. This sampler brings together some of the best work she did while at Rocket Records from 1973 through 1980, including the slowly building "Amoureuse," the delicate "Loving and Free" and the operatic "Stay With Me Baby" cut before Bette Midler's more familiar version in "The Rose." Also included is the title track, probably her personal commercial high water mark.This CD is weaker in its offerings from Kiki's pre-Rocket Records career, including only one track ("Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing") from her magnificent Tamla LP "Great Expectations" and rather weak choices from her Phillips catalogue with the single exception of a fantastic and rare version of "Running Out of Fools," previously recorded by Aretha Franklin while on Columbia but actually a better choice for Kiki Dee.But for those who have not dredged up Kiki's vinyl releases or pounced upon briefly available CD anthologies of more obscure material, this disc is a worthwhile introduction. Enjoy."
Fabulous digital set of some of Kiki's best material!
David Allan Hitchcock | Bellevue, WA USA | 05/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At long last a fine, affordable collection of some of Kiki's best... This gal has such a powerful, soulful voice, has released quality material since the 60's but has gone somewhat unnoticed. She reminds me a little of Dusty Springfield, but has her own distinctive style of interpretation. This disc contains some tracks from her Phillips LP, PATTERNS, her cover of "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" she recorded for the Motown production team on their Tamla label, and selections from her Rocket Records catalog.Although the documentation is pretty sparse, just composer credits and publication dates for each track, its great to have her lovely ballad, AMOUEUSE, in digital format, as well as the emotive DARK SIDE OF YOUR SOUL. There are many more Kiki Dee tracks worthy of digital reproduction, but until someone has the motivation to re-release Kiki's catalog, this is a great place to start!"
Dee-licious!
R. Leonardo | Grand Rapids, Michigan United States | 04/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why this woman never got the recognition she deserved will always be a mystery to me. What's even harder to fathom is that she has yet to receive a CD greatest hits release or album reissue in this country. Until then (or if it ever happens) we can seek solace in this import which gives a great overview of the soulful Ms. Dee. "Running Out of Fools" and "How Glad I Am" are given her own treatment, while still paying respect to the Aretha and Nancy Wilson originals. "Talk to Me" (co-written by Dee with David Lasley)has a gospel feel and gorgeous vocals. "You're Holding Me too Tight" is pure pop perfection with Kiki's layered vocals absolutely soaring. Only one tune from her Motown "Great Expectations" album is included - "Ain't nothing Like the Real Thing" which leaves you begging for more. "You Need Help" is a powerful rocker that has fierce singing from Dee. Until we get a imported Box set or reissues from her Fontana, Motown, Rocket, Ariola and EMI releases, this will have to do. Highly recommended!"
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1