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When former Fine Young Cannibal David Steele hooked up with New Orleans gospel singer Jonte Short in 2001, he must have figured he'd all the ingredients in place for a superfly soul album. While Things Changebriefly appeared in 2004, the reasons it took until now to get a full release could make for a great soul song. What's apparent right away is that Short has one hell of a voice; she's a soul queen who can snarl as well as purr. The problem is that the music doesn't have the same impact. While many acts have mined vintage soul and funk for thrills (and Steele himself has form in this regard), much of Things Changejust sounds too bland and washed-out. When the combination works - and it does on the brazen Sorry If I Ruined Your Lifeand the excellent When You Get Out Of Jail- you're looking at a rebirth of cool. Pity this doesn't last for the whole album. www.fried-online.co.uk - Jim Carroll Download tracks: When You Get Out Of Jail, Sorry I Ruined Your Life