Last week I had the privilege of attending a private and very fancy listening party held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery‘s Masonic Lodge (such a perfectly cool and spooky venue) for music legend and icon, Annie Lennox‘s sixth studio album–Nostalgia, due out in October.
Once I received the invite, there was no question in my mind, I had to attend this. I’ve been huge fan of Annie’s for over thirty years now, I still remember seeing the music video for her now classic Eurythmics song, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).” Annie with her bright orange buzz cut in a men’s suit fascinated me as a kid, in fact the very first two records I bought were Eurythmics’ Touch and Madonna‘s Like A Virgin. Little did I know back then that three decades later I’d be in the same room with her (in Los Angeles of all places) listening to a special sneak preview of her new album.
Nostalgia is comprised of twelve tracks of covers of classic songs, including such timeless favorites as “Summertime,” “Georgia on my Mind,” “I Put a Spell on You,” and “God Bless the Child.” We heard to the first six cuts, and oh my word, Annie sings the hell out these songs while adding her own unique spin to each of them. Her voice filling the captivated room was pure magic, all I could think was how amazing she sounded–girlfriend could seriously sing anything and it would be flawless.
After the preview, Annie came out on stage and sat down for a thirty-minute interview (moderated by someone from Rolling Stone magazine). What a treat that turned out to be … listening to her talk about the experience of putting this album together was enthralling. Annie (with her adorable accent) was beyond witty and warm plus she’s so damn smart–her thought process mixed with the way she puts things and turns a phrase was downright brilliant to hear in person, it was an evening that will not be forgotten anytime soon–I could have easily listened to her talk all night long!
Nostalgia (produced by Don Was and Mike Stevens) will first be released on vinyl (which as many of you know, I’ve been on a huge wax kick as of late, the ‘experience’ of listening to an album on vinyl is without a doubt unbeatable) via Capitol Records’ Blue Note jazz label–there are more details along with the complete track listing posted below via Annie’s blog.
That night Annie’s immense talent induced goose bumps, chills plus even a few tears, I was so thoruoughly impressed, I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album–on vinyl! Hopefully she’ll toss together a tour (with an LA date) in support of the album, I saw Annie back in 2007 when she was promoting her last release, Songs of Mass Destruction, and of course she was unbelievable live, I’d kill to attend another show of hers. Annie is turning sixty later this year, and her voice remains incomparable–plus she still looks totally stunning just like she did all those years ago, Annie is truly an incredible musician and human being and will forever remain one of my all-time favorites.
I’m very happy to confirm that I will be releasing a new album, entitled Nostalgia on October 21st (US) / October 27th (rest of world), on the Blue Note label in the USA and Island Records internationally. The record has been a labour of love, which I very much hope you will enjoy..
(For all you sound epicureans … It’s coming out first in glorious vinyl … which I can personally recommend as a listening experience!) xxx
Love Annie Lennox
Nostalgia
Memphis in June
Georgia on my Mind
I Put a Spell on You
Summertime
I Cover the Waterfront
Strange Fruit
God Bless the Child
You Belong to Me
September in the Rain
I Can Dream, Can’t I?
The Nearness of You
Mood IndigoNostalgia vinyl edition will be available from September 30th in the US and worldwide from 27th October. SOURCE
