NO one could accuse veteran pedal steel player BJ Cole of being a stick-in-the-mud.
After 30 years, he continues to explore different musical forms and does so with an instrument mostly known for propping up old-fashioned country songs. Anyone who buys this album expecting gentle country wailing will be in for the rudest of shocks.
But Cole has always been an innovator, tackling interpretations of classical music and mixing it with DJ Luke Vibert, while also pedalling his steel notes for anyone from Elton John to Bjork. Trouble In Paradise sees Cole moving deeper into electronic dance music. If that sounds weird, well at times it is; but when it works, this is a strangely rich and uplifting album. The downside is that some of this stuff can be heavy going. Highlights include Are You Ready For Some Country with Alabama 3, the title track with Trash Palace and the closing Elle Sait Ou Elle Vu with Laura B.
Updated: 08:48 Thursday, September 02, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article