Version
Mark Ronson Columbia Records
Pop music in 2007 is glorious - energetic, intelligent and glowing with life. Its master of ceremonies is Mark Ronson, a charismatic London-born New Yorker whose talents as a collaborator, producer and arranger have bolstered the big hits of the past 18 months.
Ronson's work on Lily Allen's debut album, Amy Winehouse's Back to Black and Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics has ensured his position as the man all the stars want on their speed dial. Moving in fancy circles isn't new to him - born to wealthy parents and with Mick Jones of Foreigner as a stepfather, he knew Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and the Bee Gees as house guests rather than stars when still a child. But he is also aware of pop's power to make us ache, make us smile and make us move, and treats it with the reverence it deserves.
Ronson made his name as a producer with inspired cover versions, such as his crisp, bright funk remix of Radiohead's "Just". On Version, his chosen targets include The Smiths, Britney Spears and The Jam. His real talent is to identify the essence of the songs he covers. He finds the pearls in their oysters, prising them out carefully and polishing until they gleam.
Thus, the sweet melody of Coldplay's "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face" loses Chris Martin's dreary delivery in favour of big-band punch, while on the Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" the infectious beat turns into lovely, Lily Allen-fronted reggae. The Smiths' "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" becomes a different beast altogether - a string-soaked soul and disco sensation that morphs fabulously into the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hanging On". A punchy brass section and carnival spirit emphasise this record's most essential qualities: warm-heartedness and a sense of fun. The summer starts here.
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