Little Orphans: The Black and White Sessions - Midge Ure

This is the second release by Midge Ure on his label, Environment (named for his home studio), and as with the first release, he has taken great care to present a nicely packaged CD full of terrific music and informative liner notes. In this case, he has sorted through his archives and rescued a number of previously unreleased gems. Included in this package are two songs performed with Japan (minus David Sylvian). Both tracks are brilliant ("Get a Life" and "Cry") and make one wish they had completed the proposed album on which they were working. These songs are a wonderful mix of the Japan sound with Ultravox. Energetic, tight, and nicely produced, this album also allows Ure to demonstrate his versatility. The music ranges from wonderful Celtic music through to '80s synth pop to pure rock. Fans will enjoy hearing these songs, especially ones that Ure himself has discussed throughout the years (such as the disappointing "Personal Heaven," which was co-written by Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory). ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide