Skye Deep Blue

It is believed many Malaysians may have missed this album for it was not distributed here. A classic story of lounge singer, spotted, went into a recording studio. There are a lot of unpolished great singers that needed a break. CD recorded in China to me sounds unnatural, with a very forward midrange while the rest step back.

Try hunting this CD in JB, no luck. Got to get it from Singapore. Boy, am I glad. Skye is a Singapore born, lounge singer at St. James Power Station. Built in 1926, this place was a power plant turned into an entertainment centre for the booming Vivo City. This album was released in 2008, this is her debut album under Harmony Records. It is a surprising good cover version album with great selection of modern classic Mandarin hits and a English number, Elvis's Love me tender. Mind you, this is not another ordinary cover version, it gives me goosebumps. Credits to her husky voice, weighty, individuality, unplugged style and great recording quality. Of course, her executive producers, Yin Tan and Sebastian Koh. Her vocal reminiscent of Paul Young's flu-struck voicing. Some cuts bettered the original to my ears, of course.

If you are a fan of MA recording, this is going to be a treat. Todd Garfinkle, the familiar face who show up every year at KLIAVS promoting his CDs is responsible for recording. Single microphone, one take recording, uncompressed, no mixing and direct cut to master. Optimum sonic preservation. Expect exceptional harmonic richness, palpable imaging and great ambiance capture, a hallmark of MA recording. Recording took place in Republic Polytechnic. Every bit spells audiophile. The arrangement is mostly accompanied with crispy guitar plucking and gorgeous drum. All audiophile goodness you ever asked for from this album.

Track list

1 後來
2 曾經心痛
3 囚鳥
4 味道
5 一笑而過
6 棋子
7 一個人生活
8 聽海
9 哭不出來
10 最熟悉的陌生人
11 Love Me Tender

Skye smoked Sally on this particular track, bettered in emotional intent of the song. Sally has a higher key, displays an angry delivery while Skye conveys helplessness.

Unreserved thumb up.