NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2014
GEORGE MICHAELSYMPHONICA [Deluxe Edition]
Live albums are tricky; they can be a cherished souvenir of a memorable concert (eg. Elton John's 'Live In Australia' and Simon & Garfunkel's 'Concert in Central Park'); but, if you didn't witness the event, a listener can miss the magic of the show. 
This album finds George Michael amid a symphonic context that opens with "Through", a beautiful song, but it fails to set up a special event. He wisely switches gear with a cheerful version of "My Baby Just Cares For Me". It is followed by a reading of early solo hit "A Different Corner"- the music is gorgeous and the vocals are perfect, revealing the beauty of this song. Another highlight is hearing "Praying For Time" in this setting.  
Terence Trent D'Arby's "Let Her Down Easy" fits in well among the singer's own catalogue; you would swear Michael had written it. Tackling popular tracks such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" keeps the audience engaged. "Feeling Good" helps change the mood with a jazzy delivery featuring Michael's blue -eyed soul chops.
"John and Elvis Are Dead" slows proceedings down too soon. It's a faultless execution, but reveals this album needed more exciting moments. Fresh reinterpretations from his solo and Wham! songbook would have provided some surprises. Kylie Minogue does this astutely, reinventing her past hits during her concerts. "Roxanne" strips down the song but again, adds nothing to the show. The same applies to Michael's version of Elton John's "Idol".
"One More Try", with its gospel treatment, earns its place here, reminding us of the song's depth and majesty. "Going to a Town" sees Michael, in fine voice, tackle a song by fellow gay performer Rufus Wainwright that is worth discovering. "Cowboys and Angels" is infused with a smooth shuffle and Michael's supper club vocal creates another highlight. "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" allows the Symphonica Orchestra to shine. "You Have Been Loved" is another Michael classic that is resplendently presented in this lush context. 
As the show draws to its end, this is where Michael needed to leave his audience on a high and hungry for more. Instead, he performs "Wild is the Wind". It's too slow for this part of the show. "You've Changed" proves to be another poor choice. Once again, it is beautiful with a splendid arrangement, but not the big show-closer needed here. In the end, the album lacks anything that is truly special but it does demonstrate that Michael is still an accomplished vocalist. 

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