Another Time Another Place - BRYAN FERRY***

The In Crowd/Smoke Can Get In Your Eyes/Walk A Mile In My Shoes/Funny How Time Slips Away/You Are My Sunshine What A Wonderful World/It Ain't Me Babe/Fingerpoppin'/Help Me Make It Through The Night/Another Time Another Place

Another Time Another Place was the second album of covers from Roxy Music vocalist Bryan Ferry, which consolidated his transition into a lounge lizard crooner. The In Crowd and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes were both UK top 20 hits. (UK:4)

“Ferry's second excursion into covers sees him concentrate on 60s soul, country and Tin Pan Alley standards with variable results. When it's good, like on the crunching version of The In Crowd and the grandiose version of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, it's very good, but elsewhere he falters, his vocal stylings completely unsuited to the country tracks.”

“This nearly all covers album finds Ferry dodging a potential dud, elevating Another Time Another Place to more than a novelty set by injecting a healthy dose of mid-period Roxy vibe into the better tracks, coloured not only by his lounge lizard vocals, but by cool instrumental backings.”

“This is one strange album. I'm not really sure what to make of it, and I think that's a good thing. Sometimes, I find myself oddly moved by the songs. Ferry's quavering take on Smoke Gets In Your Eyes is weird, but almost definitive. Sometimes, I find myself laughing; Ferry sings What A Wonderful World like he's mad at the song. You Are My Sunshine displays the silly-serious dichotomy within the same song: at times, it's touching, at times laughable. It seems like Ferry set out to prove that some songs are just so good, no matter how strangely you sing them, you can't diminish their power. That sentiment, in fact, sums up this album.”

“Bryan Ferry's second solo album is a bit uneven in the quality of song choices. Most of these selections are rather boring, even with Ferry's unique arrangements and vocal stylings. But though a little uninspired, there are some songs that make this worth purchasing. The best are the first and last. The In Crowd is handled perfectly with just the right amount of camp and humour. Finally, the title track is one of Bryan's best original songs with its unusual time changes and a catchy melody.”

“Ferry makes a good job of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and then croons his way through the rest of the set. I could do without You Are My Sunshine, but overall a very decent record that is perfect late night listening.”