Some say the concept album is dead, but don’t tell that to the folks behind No Man’s Woman. The album features some of Australia’s finest male artists covering songs made famous by iconic female figures.
The results are surprising. I would never have expected some of the song choices, like Josh Pyke’s Kate Bush cover, or The Vines’ reinterpretation of The Veronicas. Some of the artists are faithful to the originals, while others opt for dramatic reworkings. Despite these different approaches, all the musicians involved ultimately show a respect for the original artists.
Now I’ve had the disc for a while I find myself repeating Lior’s glorious cover of “Landslide,” Angus Stone’s poignant version of Joni Mitchell’s “River,” and Dan Kelly’s ukelele-driven interpretation of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” But I still can’t warm to Tex Perkins’ menacing “I Am Woman,” or The Vines’ dirge-like “4Ever.” Many of the tracks won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but that’s part of the joy of an album like this. There’s enough diversity here to keep everyone satisfied.
No Man’s Woman is currently available with a limited edition bonus disc, featuring nine of the original songs (or technically eight and Sinead O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U”). It’s a great reference, giving listeners the opportunity to see where these new interpretations came from.
In 2001 indie goddess Tori Amos put a feminist twist on some iconic male tracks with her album Strange Little Girls. Now some Aussie lads have turned the concept on its head with their new album,