[Grade: Very good (highest possible is one level above, Excellent).]
CD REVIEWS
Neva Chonin, Jaan Uhelszki, Aidin Vaziri, David Wiegand
Sunday, October 30, 2005
BURT BACHARACH
In these days of hybrids, mash-ups and genre-bending, it shouldn't be surprising -- it's surreal, but not surprising -- that Burt Bacharach's new album begins with a set of drum loops from Dr. Dre. Listening to "At This Time," one can still hear Dre's influence, filtered through Bacharach's traditional blend of studio orchestra and urbane melodies. What comes through even stronger is a new attitude: Having sat out the turbulent '60s, the 77-year-old king of easy listening has finally gotten mad. "At This Time," which also marks Bacharach's debut as a lyricist, is an unabashedly political album that delivers its message in a symphony of new techniques and old idioms. With Dre's beats as a backdrop, "Is Love Enough" and "Danger" are alternately nostalgic and angry, and "Where Did It Go?" spotlights Bacharach's own spoken-word grumble as he laments his culture's demise. The Caribbean-tinged "Who Are These People?," featuring Bacharach's old co-conspirator Elvis Costello, levels an accusatory eye at neocons in the White House in lyrics warning that it "seems like these liars will inherit the earth." For a touch of sad romance, "Go Ask Shakespeare" retools easy listening courtesy of Rufus Wainwright's generous warble. Bacharach isn't a brilliant wordsmith, and his vocals make Leonard Cohen sound like butter. But that's the appeal of "At This Time." Under the flawless production, it's as raw as Bacharach gets, and there's no doubting the sincerity of his indignation. Burt Bacharach: protest singer. The times, they are a-changing. -- Neva Chonin
BURT BACHARACH
AT THIS TIME
COLUMBIA
$18.98
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.c ... ertainment
San Francisco Chronicle -- Review
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