Taylor covers the bases

September 30, 2008|Stephanie Schorow, Globe Correspondent

James Taylor

Covers (Hear Music)

ESSENTIAL "Wichita Lineman"

This metaphor may be the oldest in the book. But to open James Taylor's new "Covers" album and settle back to listen to his voice is like uncorking a fine wine that has been deepened and enriched by age. Taylor's new collection of covers is a bit of trifle, composed of musical chestnuts recorded with his "Band of Legends" in a 10-day period in a converted barn on Taylor's western Massachusetts property. However, for a modest little offering, you'll be amazed at its presumption.

Taylor rocks, he rolls, he croons - a little country, a lot of soul, and a couple of sides of saccharine. Utterly perfect is Taylor's haunting rendition of "Wichita Lineman," the Jimmy Webb tune made popular by Glen Campbell. Sweet Baby James also returns to form with the Temptations' hit "It's Growing" and the Dixie Chicks' "Some Day You Gotta Dance."

A curious misstep is his flat, truncated version of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," which is not improved by Yo-Yo Ma's cello. Cloying arrangements mar the Spinners' "Sadie" and the high-pitched female chorus of "On Broadway" sounds like a gaggle of barely legal groupies.

Such misfires are quickly forgotten amid the raw humor infusing Taylor and band's homage to teen angst in "Summertime Blues" and their Big Mama Thorton-inspired tribute to lust, "Hound Dog." The 60-year-old singer-songwriter may have sold more than 40 million albums and garnered five Grammys, but he sings like he still feels the fire and rain in every note.