Cry Me A River ::: Susan Boyle

Wow. At first, I didn't recognize her voice but about a third of a way in... Yes, that is her.

It is still very difficult to believe that this is an untrained voice -- but the more biographical articles continue to insist upon it.

The frumpiness, I believe, and hope that they will leave Ms. Boyle to her own frumpitudinal devices. If she wants to make herself over, cool. Pluck that brow! Style that hair! If she doesn't, I believe the world has learned the heavy-handed Book/Cover lesson. Oh, who am I kidding? We've learned the lesson only as it applies to *her*.

There were only 1000 copies made of the 1999 charity album -- funded in part by the Whitburn Community Council in West Lothian, where there must be something in the water.... I'd pay top dollar to hear The Broxburn Public Band cover Bohemian Rhapsody.

Doesn't every copy have a master? Let's start pressing those babies!

I know so little about music, only what the Brother-Units taught me, and what Fred has spent years refining (He is a Recovering Audiophile), and yet, like anyone, I know what I like. I like this version of Cry Me A River, and am astonished by things like her phrasing and -- perhaps most astonishingly? Her *restraint* -- the lack of which ruins a good many bluesy ballad.

Those who can, sing. Those who can't? The blither and blather on about phrasing and restraint.

In summation: Wow.