Every couple of weeks, iTunes releases a new installment of their iTunes Originals. The goal (aside from deterring people away from the glamour of free downloads, and luring them into the cozy iTunes music store) is to present an artist in a more personal way. iTunes Originals shows David Gray in a new light.
This is accomplished primarily by interviews discussing the stories, secrets, and inspirations behind an artist's most well-known and personal favorite songs.
The series also offers re-recordings of these songs, as well as live versions. This time around, iTunes features David Gray. In the most recent release, Gray discusses his early beginnings and the pressures that accompany success, while wonderfully explaining events and ideas surrounding many of his more popular hits.
Gray begins reminiscing, "When it all started for me, I got an acoustic guitar which I stole off my sister." This simple anecdote sets the intimate tone that prevails for the duration of album.
He later recalls writing "Flame Turns Blue," off of Lost Songs, which he wrote when beginning a tour in Ireland.
When discussing the song, Gray talks about several random images the song reminds him of - one of which is the sound of a freight train. He adds that freight trains are one of his favorite things about America.
As for this new acoustic version of "Flame Turns Blue," there is somewhat of a more raw sound than in the original version.
Obviously, it is solely Gray and his six-string that account for this occurrence, but it seems as though the singer's vocals are more unrefined as well. This raw, acoustic approach is the way the majority of the songs were recorded in this album.
Gray attributes much of his fame to White Ladder and specifically puts a lot of emphasis on the song "Babylon."
This time, the acoustic guitar slows down the song, adding emphasis on the lyrics, vocals, and mellow guitar melody.
Again, Gray's vocals on this track produce an untouched feel only live performances yield.
"This Year's Love," a song intended to be the title track for a movie by the same name, is very similar to the original version on White Ladder. As before, the vocals give the listener a feeling of being right there, as if Gray is giving a personal serenade.
Finally, the song "Freedom," is a personal favorite of Gray's. He mentions that it has been on his set lists since it came out; however, he was unhappy with its original recording on A New Day at Midnight. A revision was in order.
For the tour, Gray changed the arrangement, causing the end to build and release the tension that grows throughout the song.
Recorded in Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club, Gray gives a second chance to a song he loves - and it is much better for it. The overall performance and execution seems a lot smoother and the listener is left with a feeling of closure once the song ends.
When considering purchasing this album, a few things must be taken into account: The album shows 24 tracks; however, only 12 of them are songs.
Of these 12, eight are re-recordings, two are live versions, and the last two are selected tracks from Gray's previous albums. What it all comes down to is 10 new releases and 12 interview sessions for $10. Is it worth it?
For a diehard fan: absolutely. On the other hand, a person who simply enjoys Gray's radio hits would be perfectly satisfied with the new versions of "Babylon" and "This Year's Love."
iTunes Originals - David Gray deserves four stars. The songs are raw and, for the most part, approached from their simplest form. The CD's downfall is that the interviews are too general at times and don't offer anything worth listening to a second time.
This CD is great for getting to know and understanding one's favorite artist a little bit better, or to simply sit back and chill out with some great tunes.
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