If the satirical bite of their material is soft, they bring a clownlike exuberance to songs that poke fun at all kinds of romantic self-seriousness.
Oneida brings the crude energy and humor of garage-rock to songs that build minimalist repetition into wild, psychedelic crescendos.
Armstrong's genius for on-the-spot composition brought wit and spirit to songs that had seemed lifeless.
Although Miss Syms is in her early 70's, the attitude she brings to popular songs is almost childlike in its purity of feeling.
Iris DeMent brings the high, clear voice of an Appalachian singer to songs about a confusing modern world.
The attitude Miss Syms brings to songs is really closer to Frank Sinatra's than to Mercer's.
The raspy edge of David Gray's voice brings a startling immediacy to songs that might otherwise sound familiar.
But Szabo still deserves credit for bringing a jazz perspective to songs that so many other improvisers were ignoring".
Robert Cray, who brings convincing passion to songs about a tortured conscience, meshes blues with Memphis soul.
On her own, she brings a vintage elegance to romantic Cuban songs.
