Volcano

This sounds like a bad thing, from a man who started out in 2002 looking like he could disappear into obscurity in a matter of months. But this package of a radio edit and two live versions is superb.Volcano, taken from debut album 'O' is arguably the strongest track on the album, and instead of getting a 'poppy' remix, it is just cut down into a shorter version of the original. And this is done extremely well.The second track was recorded live at the Shortlist Awards in the USA (the American equivalent to the UK's Mercury Music Prize) which Damien performed at and went on to win the award. It opens with acoustic guitar on a wah-wah pedal, which soudns great. Having seen Damien live a number of times, I can vouch that this track captures the live energy he transmits, and is complete with pounding drums and an emphasised bassline throughout, and closes with a 3-part vocal harmony. Brilliant stuff.The third was recorded live at the Union Chapel, London, in February 2003. It again opens with the wah guitar, but there are no drums and bass on this track. Instead, you get raw emotion from Damien and backing singer Lisa Hannigan and the sound echoes through the chapel marvellously. Well worth a listen!

Damien Rice has created a new sound and a new type of music. When I first heard this album, which is dramatic and bitter-sweet yet creates in the listener an unquechable need to hear it again and again, I listened to it for months and never tired of it. Each song stands alone as small masterpieces of music and poetical lyrics. This is a must-have powerful album by a creative genius.