Get Away From Me - Nellie McKay > Reviews (1)

Teenage rap-folk-lounge-jazz maestro Nellie McKay’s debut is a Jacuzzi of warm bubbly homeliness that is as rich in smooth talent as zesty perkiness and sultry pop treacle.

It is so refreshing to find someone not afraid to shuffle between styles like most her age juggle boyfriends, each one effortless and embraced like an old friend.

There is such a feel good factor on this debuta it should be shipped to Iraq to get terrorists and trigger-happy intolerants together in a love-in.

Nel's lyrics can be a cutting but somehow you get dipped in happy-dust on the way through.

In the first three tracks “David”, “Manhattan Avenue” and “Sari” – as in an apology! - We get Doris Day-isms, piano lounge indulgence and Eminem-posturing with a little Ella Fitzgerald thrown in for good measure.Whoooar Nellie!

Latter tracks include cod-funk; enough bells to start her own campanologist society and some damn fine pop and show tunes to boot.

Perhaps I am missing the point completely but the simplicity of the arrangements (less is a lot more!) just showcases how good the tunes are.

Why bury the voice in floods of strings or guitars when a well-executed xylophone will do?

Even when she spits at the world in the ironically titled “Inner Peace” you just want to give her a hug and make her a warm coffee.

If only Avril Lavigne and Katie Melua could create the same emotion they would deserve the baffling record sales that have been pushed their way.

A schoolmate of Norah Jones the title is a barely veiled dig at her multi-millions selling old alumni. Their stars could soon pass each other in opposite directions.

Slip back into that Jacuzzi and soak up some Nellie. This will soothe your soul.