THE BODY ACOUSTIC [CYNDI LAUPER] [827969456927]

1980s pop icon Cyndi Lauper updates the sound of each of her signature songs on this 2005 collaboration-heavy release. The quality of Lauper's catalogue serves to remind listeners that she was much more than an MTV flash-in-the-pan. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is largely acoustic, yet the songs sound as energized as ever, especially cuts that provide unexpected surprises, like the Shaggy cameo on the countrified reading of "All Through the Night."

Sarah McLauchlan lends her voice to the always-lovely "Time After Time," Vivian Green and Ani DiFranco appear on "Sister of Avalon," and Kelly Osbourne contributes to the classic romp "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Lauper contributes two new songs to the set, and her singing is more assured than ever, making THE BODY ACOUSTIC a sure winner for old fans and newcomers alike. The DualDisc Edition includes a DVD featuring a 20 minute film on Lauper, interviews, and live performances.