Way back in 2001, Michael Carpenter came out with SOOP#1 aka “Songs Of Other People” and it was a smashing success. After SOOP#2 came out in 2006, it brings us to the newest batch of covers. Michael plans on five new releases over the coming months and he’s rolled out a unique subscription plan, so fans get all sorts of bonuses for signing up.
As for SOOP#3, it’s got some great selections, starting with Tracy Ullman’s “They Don’t Know” where Michael actually improves on the original (few artists can do this). Likewise for Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding” where it starts out like a church hymn and then roars to life about a minute into the second verse. The solid production and riffs make Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me” another gem that can’t be missed. Say what you will about cover albums, but Carpenter has the chops to make each track fresh and an essential part of your playlist.
This is also available rather inexpensively over at eMusic.