the Stars, Oceans & Moon

When and got an offer from to sign to a recording contract, the label had a plan for them to re-record their old classics with an orchestra. thought it was a fine idea, as he wanted to sing the songs from the perspective of an older and wiser man. By the time was released, though, it had become something a little different. While some of the songs were done with piano and strings, many were given arrangements that sounded very similar to the originals, and there were two new songs mixed in among the timeless tracks. The songs that take liberties with the arrangements are most interesting. For example, "Nothing Lasts Forever," a track from the mostly overlooked , makes fine use of strings, marimba, and organ, creating a melancholy bed for one of 's updated vocals. The two new songs -- "The Somnambulist" and "How Far?" -- are fine late-period . ~ Tim Sendra