The Cherry Thing Smalltown Supersound****

Neneh Cherry was probably always destined to return to her jazz roots. Best known for hits such as Buffalo Stance and 7 Seconds, Cherry’s role in jazz-punkers Rip Rig + Panic predated her Raw Like Sushi pop life. Also, her stepfather was Don Cherry, the jazz trumpeter, so all in all this collaboration with Nordic jazz trio The Thing for an album of out-there cover versions makes perfect sense. Between a free-spirited, noir-ish take on Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream and a strong reworking of The Stooges’ Dirt (which kicks butt), it’s clear that both parties approached the work with unbridled gusto. While Cherry is probably the main reason many will head towards this album (her first release in 16 years), The Thing’s involvement should not be overlooked. Their superb musical heft is evident throughout. facebookcom/nenehcherryofficial

Download tracks:Dream Baby Dream, Dirt