Lorraine Feather, the daughter of the late jazz critic Leonard Feather, has performed many styles of music, but this unusual CD mixes elements of several of them. This release began life as Paper or Plastic, issued by another label with a different cover photo. After the label folded, it was remixed and issued by Bean Bag as The Body Remembers, though the second label also ceased operations not long after the new version of the CD was issued. Feather's sexy voice and often witty lyrics are appealing, though the music, with distracting programming and repetitious vamps, does little to complement them. In addition to providing her own backing vocals, Feather switches to narrative voice on several tracks. The best songs include "Very Unbecoming" and the hilarious "Where Are My Keys," songs that will hit home with many listeners. While the overall effect of the CD pales besides her superior releases New York City Drag and Café Society from a few years later, her catchy lyrics make it worth looking for. Although it is out of print, The Body Remembers is still available for purchase from the artist at www.lorrainefeather.com.
© Ken Dryden /TiVo