Linda Perry - In Flight

“What’s Up,” the huge 1993 hit for 4 Non Blondes was annoying for sure, but Linda Perry’s voice was undeniably memorable, despite the irritating vocal stylings. She of the powerful pipes attempted a solo career and recorded the album, In Flight which was released in 1995 to disappointing results. Perry retreated behind the scenes musically and found considerable success as a producer and songwriter. It seems, however, that In Flight was unfinished business for Perry. Originally put out on Interscope, Perry was able to convince founder Jimmy Iovine to hand over the masters, and she has re-released the album on both Kill Rock Stars and on her very own label, Custard Records. Calling the album timeless is not exactly accurate, it is more that the several of the themes that weave throughout In Flight (i.e. alcoholism, tolerance) are just as a propos as ever, and even the most gimmicky song (Fruitloop Daydream) is performed as an invigorating honky tonk which will always age well, no matter how corny. The music that accompanies Perry’s mammoth vocals is as atmospheric as Pink Floyd ("Knock Me Out," "Too Deep"), Brian Eno ("Life in a Bottle") and David Bowie ("Machine Man"), who have surely served as inspiration. In the last ten years, Perry has penned songs for Pink ("I’m Coming Out") and even won a Grammy for “Beautiful,” which was recorded by Christina Aguilera. Ironically, it is her skill as a songwriter that is most disappointing here, as too many songs have the singer just repeat choruses just to fill out the time. The title track, which ends the album, does show promise for her song crafting skills. The real drawl to In Flight is Perry’s voice, which rivals the might of Grace Slick’s with whom she duets with on “Knock Me Out.” [killrockstars.com]