Scott 2

My introduction into Scott Walker's work is the product of finding out some of my favorite artists' influences. If I have a favorite artist or band, like David Bowie or Radiohead, I think it is paramount to discover what musicians or their albums made an impact on their own distinctive journeys. For Bowie and Radiohead, a common thread was Scott Walker. Radiohead said that 'Creep' was their Scott Walker song and Walker was one of the inspirations for Bowie's crooning voice. Naturally I had to hunt him down and came across this exquisite album. From the bombastic opener 'Jackie', I was enthralled by the lush arrangements and some of the lyrics that were considered taboo or controversial. Already being a fan of Velvet Underground, I wasn't shocked by the content but I imagine it was risqué for its time or place. This record has such gorgeous, cinematic instrumentation and Scott's voice soars and woos over every song. Songs like 'Black Sheep Boy' and 'Plastic Palace People's does such a great job establishing a mood, a place and atmosphere, with his voice creating soothing melodrama. This album is highly recommended for those who love crooners like Sinatra, but with a bit of unorthodox lyricism.

"Incredible!" was the only word I could find to decribe the genius of Scott Walker's music. This is "Scott", also known as Scott 1, his first solo record which was released in 1967. Most people say this album is somewhat weaker than the rest, mostly due to MOR covers but Scott 1 still packs quite a punch with three Walker originals, and three Jacques Brel covers...My Death, Mathilde, and the classic Amsterdam. Walker's Brel covers are definitly the definitive English versions. The stunning, intentionally overblown arrangements by Wally Stott, Reg Guest and Peter Knight are sublime, combined with Scott's intriguing lyrics and deep baritone (with perfectly controlled vibrato) voice keep me coming back for more. Scott's own Montague Terrace was preview of things to come in future albums Scott 2 and Scott 3. Scott 4 took a different approach as mentioned in other reviews. Walker's deep, introspective music isn't for everyone, but for those who do enjoy it as I do, this is the type of music you want to play on the biggest sound system at the highest possible volume, I know I do. There's so much power in this music. Five Stars.

Scott 2 features some great songs, but as some other reviews have said, many tracks are mismatched. The cd will feature high moments of craft and lyricism, as in all the Brel covers (naturally), Windows of the World, and Plastic Palace Alice. The other songs are forgettable and just too soupy to get into. Personally, other than the songs listed, I can only recall Best of Both Worlds only for the fact that the opening notes match Dvorak's New World Symphony.But, though forgettable, the other tracks aren't offensive or unlistenable. And the majority of other songs make up for them to keep you listening to the cd the whole way through. And all serves as a harbinger for great albums to come, namely Scott 4.

I have said the same about the rest of this series:An excellent pressingof an excellent recordby an excellent artistat an excellent price.I have not yet heard the half speed remasters of Scott 1-4 but, it is hard to imagine it sounding that much better than this.

En este disco, aparece la figura de S. Engel como uno de los mejores interpretes de la historia del pop. Es un disco enorme, donde predominan las versiones sobre las composiciones propias (algo que cambia a partir de Scott 3); versiones de Jacques Brel fantasticas como Amsterdam o Mathilde; Tim Hardlin, The Lady Came From Baltimore o Angelica de Weil/Mann. De entre sus composiciones destacar la maravillosa Montague Terrace (In Blue).Si bien este disco es excelente, el repertorio estupendo y la interpretación fabulosa, no llega a las cotas de emotividad de Scott 3, para mi su cumbre y más personal e irrepetible disco. 4'5 para este disco que no decepcionará a nadie

It's a real shame that the Walker Brothers weren't more popular, especially with Scott's great voice leading them. This is a great CD!

... the second of the four "Scott Solo" albums, mostly Scott performing Jacques Brel, but some of his originals, too..!

Love the sound of Scott Walker and the Walker Brothers