Acoustic Extravaganza

My journey into the musical world of KT Tunstall began only recently, but I have come to like her music quite well. Her songwriting abilities are well-honed and her music charming, but its her voice that really draws me in. Some have compared it to Joni Mitchell and others to Bjork. But I don't hear either. What I hear in Tunstall's vocals is at times the seductive innocence of Shivaree's Ambrosia Parsley, at others the fire and grit of Bonnie Raitt, and at others still the sweet vulnerability of Paatos' Petronella Nettermalm.I didn't even know this had been released until I saw it "on sale" at a local big box book and music store. So I looked it up here, found it at an even better price and ordered it. When I first heard it, I was very pleased. The title truly says it all. Acoustic Extravaganza is stripped down and raw. On this bargain CD/DVD package, Tunstall shows that she has both the skills and the stage presence to have some staying power in a world of so many one-shot wonders.You get about forty-five minutes of mostly excellent songs on the CD and an entertaining DVD that shows her on the road both to record and to perform. While you may not watch the DVD more than a couple times, it contains enough music and insights that add value to this package. As for the CD, my favorites are Ashes, Boo Hoo, and Miniature Disasters. The parental advisory sticker warns of explicit lyrics. If you were to pay attention to the product description here on amazon, you would think that every song was laced with profanity. They are not, and on the one song where profanity is used, it fits.The industry is having a hard time classifying Tunstall's music. Some say folk, others country. Although her music contains elements of both, I would prefer to classify it under adult alternative. I suppose what you would call it is up to the individual listener. If you like intelligent lyrics put to appealing music, you will like Acoustic Extravaganza no matter where you find it classified.

I only recently became a fan of 'Kate' and must say: her early albums are VERY powerful, rewarding repeated plays with ever deeper understanding of her powerful lyrics, and an appreciation of her unique musical and lyrical skills. The Acoustic Extravaganza album is my favorite because it is lusciously acoustic and impeccably recorded. If you are repulsed by the Explicit label, don't be. Only two songs include 'offensive' words, and they are few and far between, used judiciously, and totally in context with the emotional context of the song. Thus: 0% gratuitous. I have found KT Tunstall to be the most compelling of her contemporary female singer-songwriters (i.e. Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, et al) and deserving of the title of Heir Apparent to Joni Mitchell's exalted singer-songwriter legacy (a high bar indeed).

I own KT's two other albums (Eye to the Telescope & Drastic Fantastic) as well and this is by far my favorite album of hers. If you can, I recommend getting the version that comes with the DVD of how they made the album. It made me appreciate it more. The fact that she recorded this whole album over the course of two days in someone's living room is amazing. There is some cussing but it is only in the song "Ashes" (which I think is my favorite on the CD, but not because of that). So if you don't want to hear the "F bomb" (which only occurs once in the song) you can just skip that song. All in all a great buy and I'm so happy to own it.

KT Tunstall is quite a talent and this CD definitely showcases her wonderful voice, song writing skills, and musical abilities. I like the live format of this disc...I've never seen KT live in person but watching videos of her performing live on the Internet makes it clear that she is the real deal. I also like the bonus DVD that comes with the CD and enjoyed watching the clips of her making this album....she seems like a real person which is quite refreshing when you see the persona's of many of the pop artist out there today. Highly recommend this CD and any of KT's other CDs...they are all very good.

Any fan of KT Tunstall will love this, but what's up with the DVD menu?This is a minor point overall but it drives me CRAZY (short trip). The content of both the CD and DVD are great with the CD being the high point. Great music. However, the audio on the DVD MENU is all chopped up, constantly starting and stopping. Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? :-(How can they put out such a nice piece of work and screw up the DVD menu?Still, this is great music, an enjoyable DVD, and HIGHLY recommended for any KT Tunstall fan.

After buying the studio release 'Eye to the telescope' by KT Tunstall, I knew I was going to be biding my time until KT's next album.I was a happy lad to find that she had released a live acoustic album.With some new tunes and a few 'reinterpretations' as well as a nice little DVD covering the production of the album and some fun bits and pieces, this really is a top listen - and view!

KT Tunstall has a different style than I generally favor, but my husband really likes her music...so I bought this as one of his birthday presents! I have since found that I really like some of the songs on this album and am coing around to being a fan.

great music

Could have been so much better.Love her voice but don't like the CD its not very well produced.

A fine album, and enjoyed the DVD, too. Warning fro those easily offended that the F word appears twice in the first track. Probably not first on everyone's Kt shopping list, but a decent addition nonetheless

Absolutely beautiful album. After hearing I set about learning about 5 of the songs of it because I just couldn't resist! Now people listening to me have to put up with lots of KT Tunstall, but they normally don't mind because these songs are just so beautiful. Not such an energetic album as the others, much more for the slow beautiful things, which gives it a very different feel, but still absolutely amazing. If you like KT Tunstall you absoultely must have this!

This is a great album that I should have bought ages ago. I also really enjoyed the DVD story of how the album was made and a few other great clips.If you haven't got this one in your collection - buy it!

All good