200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS : #45. Continues tomorrow.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#45

HYMNS OF THE 49TH PARALLEL:

 K. D. LANG 

 

 [2004] 

With its close proximity to the U.S.A., it is easy to forget some of the talent that has emerged from the other North American country over the border. Canada has given the world such musical luminaries as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell,  Leonard Cohen and K.D. Lang. The latter serves up a tribute to her homeland's best, including the former three singer / songwriters on 'Hymns of the 49th Parallel'. Fans of Cohen's stirring anthem "Hallelujah" will delight in her rendition, which almost rivals Jeff Buckley's cover version. Lang's gorgeous vocals wrap themselves around an assortment of compositions from her compatriots. As well as the aforementioned, there are songs from Ron Sexsmith, Jane Siberry and Bruce Cockburn. The former's "Fallen" is simply beautiful, with Lang dealing out each verse with astute skill and timing. Also included is an original track Lang co-wrote with David Piltch entitled "Simple". This is a gem that deserves its place among the other included songs. The album is a thoroughly satisfying collection.

Highlight tracks: Fallen; Simple; Hallelujah & Love Is Everything.