Platinum Weird - Taking Chances (2006)

Now, rather a well-kept secret – in large part due to a somewhat misguided publicity ’stunt’ – Platinum Weird have produced two albums to date that feature different versions of largely the same tracks.

As the keen-eyed amongst you will have noticed, the album cover above does not match the one displayed on the MP3 sample playlist and link below. This is due to the version below being the readily available version of the album whereby the band were masquerading as a ‘forgotten’ 1970’s group, whilst the above, and in my opinion vastly superior, version is the band as themselves.

The project was a vehicle for ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart and songwriter and later to be American Idol judge, Kara Dioguardi . . . and a fine project it was too. The version of the album where they are playing it straight contains some amazing vocals from Ms Dioguardi – a telented singer and songwriter: something not immediately apparent from her prattlings on American Idol – on modern, power rock stylings that should have, and indeed would have, made an impact on the music scene had it not been for their initial marketing ploy which fell flat on its face.

There’s plenty of loud guitars and powerful vocals coupled with a modern production and songwriting style that makes for compulsive listening. And yes, the actual track ‘Taking Chances’ was covered by Celine Dion but don’t let that put you off – Dioguardi sings it impeccably throughout.

The version from which the MP3s were taken, however, is a a rather limp attempt at seemingly creating a syrupy Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac sound with Dioguardi ‘playing the part’ of supposed original vocalist Erin Grace . . . the word ’suptid’ definitely springs to mind.  If you have a band with two accomplished songwriters and musicians, gimmicks are rather pointless – a perspective that rang true with the record buying public who largely ignored the release.

The ‘good’ version of the album appears only to be available with the ‘bad’ version of the album so although I would recommend the former, make sure you are getting the version that comes with the bonus disc!

• Kara DioGuardi – Vocals
• Dave Stewart – Guitar