Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Lost Luggage, ABC Music/UMA 2020.
I love an album of cover songs when the artist(s) involved create something new and bring about a re-evaluation of the originals.
Danielle Spencer and Vince Pizzinga have done just that with their debut release under their Lost Luggage name.
Singer/songwriter/actor Spencer and songwriter/producer Pizzinga have been collaborating for more than two decades, beginning with Spencer’s critically acclaimed 2002 debut album, White Monkey, which Spencer wrote and Pizzinga produced.
In 2018 they recorded a cover of the Ronettes classic Be My Baby which was so successful that it set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to Lost Luggage.
Spencer explains “we started by creating a list of songs that meant something to each of us. Although not a conscious decision, the eventual track listing does lean heavily on early to mid-eighties classics… songs that were just great songs regardless of production.”
They set out to reimagine these brilliant songs and they have certainly achieved their stated aim.
Lost Luggage is an eight track album consisting of seven songs with two versions of the Kate Bush classic Running Up That Hill, one with full backing and the other a sparse alternate mix.
The album presents haunting and emotive interpretations of songs that are well known with each track revealing a new side for the listener.
Pizzinga’s creative production combined with Spencer’s magnificent voice are a perfect match.
Soaring vocals and outstanding harmonies take us through a myriad of emotions from personal and intense to distant and icy.
Pizzinga has a deft touch as a producer.
The backing is strong enough to lend weight to support Spencer’s outstanding soprano but he knows when enough is enough.
There’s a delicacy to his work.
The songs covered include the fantastic Bronski Beat song Small Town Boy, Nick Kershaw’s Wouldn’t It Be Good, George Michael’s Careless Whispers, Dave Stewart/Annie Lennox’s Who’s That Girl, and New Order’s True Faith.
Covers albums can be hit and miss but this is a good one.
Instead of just faithfully reproducing the originals Spencer and Pizzinga have brought new life to well known and loved classics.
