To buy or not to buy this version?
eric_f | Boston, MA | 08/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll begin this review by saying that KT Tunstall's Eye to the Telescope gets an easy 5 stars, hands down. But I'm not going to write an in-depth review of the album here. Rather, my review is geared towards fans of KT who are already familiar with Eye To The Telescope and are looking at this page to get some more info specifically about this Japanese pressing.
The pros:
-contains a slipcase with a much better photo of KT (better than US and UK cover photos, IMO) as well as different photos of KT in booklet. Also contains an extra booklet with lyrics in Japanese.
-slightly better sound quality. I don't know exactly what it is about Japanese pressings of CD's, but the sound is always slightly more crisp and more defined. It may take a few listens to really notice the difference, but it's there.
-bonus track "Boo Hoo," Acoustic Extravaganza version. Note that this is the exact same version found on the recently-released KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza CD/DVD album. So don't buy this only for that song.
-video of "Suddenly I See." Although this is great to have, note that it can also be found on the deluxe version of Eye to the Telescope (CD+DVD), which also contains every other video by KT. So again, don't use this as the sole reason to buy this version.
-collector's item.
And now for the con:
-the hefty pricetag.
So the question is, how much of a die-hard fan of KT Tunstall are you? I'd recommend this version for the die-hard fan like myself who absolutely must own everything by KT. But if you aren't a die-hard then you'll probably be better off just sticking with the domestic version."
Magical and Poetic
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 08/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Over the sea and far away
She's waiting like an iceberg
Waiting to change
But she's cold inside
She wants to be like the water"
The beauty in KT Tunstall's voice gives me shivers in the first song. She weaves in mysterious metaphors that are enjoyable to unravel.
The world she paints make sense in regards to emotions hidden and experiences well lived. With telescopic precision, she unveils the heart of emotional conflicts.
"The fire fades away
Most of everyday
Is full of tired excuses
But it's to hard to say
I wish it were simple
But we give up easily
You're close enough to see that
You're the other side of the world to me"
The lyrics speak for themselves and KT's voice is a vehicle for perfection. The songs are playful, relaxing and you may wish you were in a coffee shop listening to the first two tracks. Then, "Black Horse" takes off with dangerous appeal. Coffee shop casual turns country and then she delves into sultry moods. The delicate "Silent Sea" is haunting in beauty.
With dramatic pacing changes and a variety of familiar musical comforts, the album shines in places and wanders in melancholy momentarily between energetic creativity. Other Side of the World and Silent Sea stand out as unique treasures with poetic appeal and seem to reflect KT's heart and bring out the rapturous elements in her voice.
~The Rebecca Review"