Search - Thulla :: Double Up, Please!

Cooking Thulla's Dinner on Your Stove

David Lilly | Clarksville, Indiana United States | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Remember this name: Thulla. Let me be a bridge between you and this very talented artist and her work. Gigging throughout her homeland of Denmark on a pretty regular basis, Thulla is a busy musician and songwriter who writes most of her own material, sings in English and enjoys occasional collaboration. Did I mention recording? Double Up, Please! is her third CD. If you like things exotic or what most people tend to call "different," you will dig this disc and her previous recordings. During a couple of songs, you might think she sounds like a lounge act. While some people frown on that, you'd definitely be shortchanging yourself and selling Thulla's work short to dismiss it, as she and her band travel some really interesting territory.

Can't get enough of early 20th century German opera? You and open-minded Doors' fans should enjoy Thulla's version of Bert Brecht's & Kurt Weill's "Alabama Song,." In her clever manner, she is faithful to Jim Morrison's lyrical take, including the words "little girl" rather than "pretty boy," as the lyrics were originally sung by Lotte Lenya in Mahagonny. Very interesting to hear it sung in English with Thulla's breathy Danish accent. The bluesy/jazzy and odd melody of "Scent of Flowers Died Away," imbedded itself into my psyche the first time I heard it. Check it out and see if a seduction hasn't begun; after that appetizer, you might be eager for the rest of the meal. An interesting aspect of Thulla's repertoire is that she writes her own material, yet much of it sounds as if she plucked it out of some early 20th century American jazz or pop records. Just when I'm trying to make that point, "Love is a Loser's Game" floats out of my speakers with a modern flavor. "Rock Me Through the Night II" puts us right into the middle of the disc with a dramatic glow. What gives it that certain...romance? Must be that tango rhythm. Cease all extraneous noise as you pray for rain and immerse yourself in "Blue Shadows." "Blue Shadows" is murky, spooky, and just right for outdoor showers. "Traces" is one of the strangest and most interesting numbers here; blues played on what sounds like a banjo, and the vocals altered to what sounds like Thulla singing through a really good phoneline connection.

Whatever category Thulla's music fits into, rest assured it is unconventional. In the spirit of sharing all things good, musical and international, I encourage you to visit www.thulla.dk, listen to all the samples and decide which CD you'd like to get first. While you're at it, drop this gifted female artist a line at [...]"