What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Child Is The Father To Man -- CD

Blood, Sweat & Tears

1968/1990 Columbia Records

The Original Blood, Sweat and Tears, September 28, 2009
By J. Earsing "Film Freak" (S.C., N.Y.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Child Is Father to the Man (Exp) (Audio CD)

I wish I could remember who first turned me on to this album, "Child Is Father to the Man", back in my college years in the early 70s. I'd give him/her a huge thank-you. I recently replaced the album with the CD, and had forgotten how great this music is. Nothing against the group's later lead singer, David Clayton-Thomas, but original lead singer Al Kooper was great. The music has a really jazzy, bluesy sound. Back when I used to play the LP until it was worn out and scratched, I didn't know how to define the album's genre, but I loved it. And I'm happy to say that I still do, almost 40 years later.

"Overture" (Kooper) – 1:32
"I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" (Kooper) – 5:57
"Morning Glory" (Larry Beckett, Tim Buckley) – 4:16
"My Days Are Numbered" (Kooper) – 3:19
"Without Her" (Harry Nilsson) – 2:41
"Just One Smile" (Randy Newman) – 4:38
"I Can't Quit Her" (Kooper, Irwin Levine) – 3:38
"Meagan's Gypsy Eyes" (Steve Katz) – 3:24
"Somethin' Goin' On" (Kooper) – 8:00
"House in the Country" (Kooper) – 3:04
"The Modern Adventures of Plato, Diogenes and Freud" (Kooper) – 4:12
"So Much Love/Underture" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) – 4:47

 

[Dennie]

Why settle for "Mediocre" Funk, when you can have..... :music-rockout:

Grand Funk -- 24 Bit Remastered CD

Grand Funk

1969/2002 Capitol Records

One of the top 2 or 3 blues-based rock trio albums!, April 4, 2003
By John Dewey Stewart (Park City, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Grand Funk (Audio CD)

I put this album right alongside "Disreali Gears" and "Are You Experienced". A tight, unified sound from start to finish - never mind that there weren't any radio hits on it. At that time and place, radio hits were beside the point. The music was rapidly evolving, and the power-trio format was the cutting edge of that evolution. Not as frenetic and competitive as Cream, and with a MUCH better rhythm section than the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Grand Funk Railroad was at the top of their game on this one! Led Zeppelin would take the power-trio format, add a great lead singer, and dominate the sound of the next decade. If you're into power-trios, you should DEFINITELY have this album. If you want to hear the very SOUL of Grand Funk Railroad, buy this one FIRST! You can pick up the "hits" any time, but this one is a jewel from start to finish!

"Got This Thing on the Move" – 4:38
"Please Don't Worry" – 4:19 (Don Brewer/Farner)
"High Falootin' Woman" – 3:00
"Mr. Limousine Driver" – 4:26
"In Need" – 7:52
"Winter and My Soul" – 6:38
"Paranoid" – 7:50
"Inside Looking Out" – 9:31 (John Lomax, Alan Lomax, Eric Burdon, Bryan "Chas" Chandler)

Bonus Tracks - CD Release

"Nothing is the Same (Demo)"
"Mr. Limousine Driver (Remix)"

 

[Dennie]

Full Moon Fever -- CD

Tom Petty

1989 MCA Records

Blame it On The Moon, July 17, 2008
By Tim Brough "author and music buff" (Springfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Full Moon Fever (Audio CD)

After more than a decade of working with The Heartbreakers, Tom Petty took a breather and decided to fly solo. Well, sort of. "Full Moon Fever" is a Tom Petty album in name, but features songs co-written by Mike Campbell (who co-produced), and features Campbell, Howie Epstein and Benmont Tench on assorted songs.

What set this apart from the Heartbreakers' work was the impressive guest list. ELO's Jeff Lynne produced, Roy Orbison and George Harrison - three of the Traveling Wilburys - sang (and Del Shannon contributes 'barnyard noises'), along with a crack group of session cats. Lynne's fascination with roots rock hybrids (Dave Edmund's Information and some of his ELO songs) meshed perfectly with Petty's new direction, and Petty brought his strongest album's worth of songs since *** the Torpedoes.

The result was an album that was consistent all the way through, with Petty sounding loose and relaxed. There's his terrific anthem "I Won't Back Down," the rocking "Running Down a Dream" and the powerful tribute to Los Angeles, "Free Fallin'," some of the best singles he's ever done. Finally, there's a serious affirmation of his influences with the Byrds' "Feel a Whole Lot Better" marking Petty's first cover.

The non-hits here carry "Full Moon Fever" to the top of the ratings. The single-acoustic guitar of "Alright For Now" was one of the simplest pieces Petty ever committed to tape and one of the most beautiful. "Zombie Zoo" is a lighthearted laugh of a rocker, and "Yer So Bad" has a great sense of humor in it. There really isn't a bad song in the bunch, with the weakest ("Apartment Song") still better than some of his other album tracks. It's a classic album from an artist that already had two five-star albums under his relatively young belt.

 

[Dennie]

The Door -- CD

Keb' Mo'

2000 Epic Records

Amazon.com

Singer-guitarist Kevin Moore, known by his slangy abbreviation Keb' Mo', has already enjoyed commercial success. He's cut radio hits like "I Was Wrong," toured with Bonnie Raitt, and won Grammys for his last two albums. Yet this time, Moore's truly nailed his blues-pop ambitions with a warm mix of sonics and songcraft. The Door wraps spare arrangements around Moore's bone-deep slide guitar and the slow-granite foundation of drummer Jim Keltner and bassist Reggie McBride. They catch the spirit of the music's simple country roots, but spin savvy moves like updating Elmore James's "It Hurts Me Too" with a hip-hop groove that flies. Moore has also penned wise, sweetly emotional lyrics. He weaves themes like class-consciousness (the star-crossed love ode "Anyway") and poverty of the spirit ("Change") into heart-tugging ballads colored by the chocolate-y Mississippi moan of his voice. Add in flourishes of electric jazz guitar and some nasty rock tones, and this tallies up as his most ambitious, balanced CD. But shouldn't he have called it The Do'? --Ted Drozdowski

All songs written by Kevin Moore (Keb' Mo') unless otherwise noted.

"The Door"
"Loola Loo"
"It Hurts Me Too"
"Come On Back"
"Stand Up (And Be Strong)"
"Anyway"
"Don't You Know"
"It's All Coming Back"
"Gimme What You Got"
"Mommy Can I Come Home"
"Change"
"The Beginning"

 

[Dennie]

Blue Country Heart -- CD

Jorma Kaukonen

2002 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

Singer and guitarist extraordinaire Jorma Kaukonen was a devoted aficionado of early-20th-century rural music long before he cofounded Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and Hot Tuna some years later. On his new solo album, Kaukonen has found an imaginative setting to remind listeners how a fusion of styles and influences from both black and white musicians defined American country music in its formative decades. Included here are gems, both familiar and obscure, by the likes of Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers, Jimmie Davis, Cliff Carlisle, and other country musicians who were clearly inspired by their blues cousins. Backed by the Nashville All-Stars, a supersonic string band comprising bluegrass masters Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Byron House (stand-up bass), all playing on vintage 1920s and '30s acoustic instruments, Kaukonen revives and vividly reinterprets these blues-drenched country classics for a new generation of listeners. --Bob Allen

"Blue Railroad Train" (Lionel Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore) – 3:44
"Just Because" (Hubert A. Nelson, James D. Touchstone) – 4:16
"Blues Stay Away from Me" (L. Delmore, R. Delmore, Henry Glover, Wayne Raney) – 3:28
"Red River Blues" (Jimmie Davis) – 3:25
"Bread Line Blues" (Bernard Slim Smith) – 4:38
"Waiting for a Train" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 3:26
"Those Gambler's Blues" (Rodgers) – 3:07
"Tom Cat Blues" (Jelly Roll Morton) – 3:05
"Big River Blues" (L. Delmore) – 3:01
"Prohibition Blues" (Clayton McMichen) – 4:13
"I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" (Lou Herscher, Saul Klein) – 3:28
"You and My Old Guitar" (Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams) – 2:45
"What are They Doing in Heaven Today?" (Traditional) – 3:20


Jorma Kaukonen - guitar, vocals
Sam Bush – mandolin, fiddle, background vocals
Jerry Douglas – dobro, weissenborn
Byron House – bass, background vocals
Béla Fleck – banjo on "Just Because" and "Bread Line Blues"

 

[Dennie]

Been All Around This World -- CD

Jerry Garcia & David Grisman

2004 Acoustic Disc

Amazon.com

This (possibly) final installment in the Garcia/Grisman series leans heavily on a country music repertoire, as the pair tackles tracks by Jimmie Rodgers, Merle Travis (a jazzed-up "Nine Pound Hammer"), George Jones, Mel Tillis (a bluesy, gently shuffling "I Ain't Never"), and Freddie Hart. They also make detours into the realms of traditional folk, reggae (Jimmy Cliff's "Sittin' Here in Limbo"), soul (Garcia's passionate run through James Brown's "I'll Go Crazy" gets an E for effort), and Bob Dylan (a delightfully understated "Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest"). Sure, Garcia's vocal cords might have seen better days, but you can never find fault with his heartfelt, emotionally captivating singing. The picking here is tasteful and low-key, and the overall result is a warm, relaxed stroll through the duo's many musical influences. --Marc Greilsamer

"Been All Around this World" (Traditional)
"I'll Go Crazy" (James Brown)
"Take Me" (George Jones/Leon Payne)
"Handsome Cabin Boy Waltz" (Traditional)
"The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" (Bob Dylan)
"I'm Troubled" (Traditional)
"Blue Yodel #9" (Jimmie Rodgers)
"Nine Pound Hammer" (Merle Travis)
"I Ain't Never" (Michael Pierce/Mel Tillis)
"Sittin' Here in Limbo" (Plummer Bright/James Chambers)
"Dark as a Dungeon" (Merle Travis)
"Drink up and go Home" (Freddie Hart)

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening.....

Time (The Revelator) -- CD

Gillian Welch

2001 Acony Records

One of the greatest recordings I have ever heard., July 18, 2007
By J. Billings "Bookish" (Boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Time (The Revelator) (Audio CD)

In a lifetime of listening to music, in the wake of thousands and thousands of albums sat with, there are perhaps 50 that are so self-assured, so complete, and so beautifully executed that there is nothing to say other than... "don't let another day pass without listening to this." Finding records like this is the whole reason I listen to music in the first place.

Sunset on a decrepit back porch with a glass of whiskey... :music-listening:

All songs written by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

"Revelator" – 6:22
"My First Lover" – 3:47
"Dear Someone" – 3:14
"Red Clay Halo" – 3:14
"April the 14th Part I" – 5:10
"I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" – 2:51
"Elvis Presley Blues" – 4:53
"Ruination Day Part II" – 2:36
"Everything Is Free" – 4:48
"I Dream a Highway" – 14:39

 

[Dennie]

Some Beautiful Music to start a Sunday Morning.......

Silk Road Suite -- 20 Bit Remastered CD

Kitaro w/The London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Paul Buckmaster

1980/1996 Domo Records

It would be a tragedy if this album goes out of print, November 15, 2003
By Marsha B. Rupe (Albuquerque, New Mexico USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Silk Road Suite (Audio CD)

A friend played this album for me in 1991 -- on mint-condition vinyl -- and I was so stunned by the beauty of the music that I ran out and purchased a copy on CD, even though I had yet to purchase my first CD player. "Silk Road Suite" was an incredible improvement on the synthesiser-drive album "Silk Road" because it was recorded with the London Symphony Ochestra. I now own 11 Kitaro albums (and saw Kitaro live in 1999 in Albuquerque, New Mexico), and this remains my favorite. I listen to the back-to-back songs "Peace" and "Journey" to begin meditations. Whenever I play this CD at my office, people invitably ask, "Who is that?" and "Where can I get a copy?" It's too bad there are no longer song samples for this album. A good comparison might be the orchestration of "Kojiki," although "Silk Road Suite" is generally a gentler album. I plan on obtaining a second copy, for fear my single CD copy may develop a glitch and become unplayable.

Track Listing
1. Tienshan
2. Peace
3. Journey Beyond Horizon
4. Silk Road
5. Takla Makan Desert
6. Wind of Nature
7. Silk Road Fantasy
8. Thae
9. Flying Celestial Nymphs
10. Silk Road Andante
11. Everlasting Road
12. Belltower
13. After Sunset
14. Westbound
15. Magical Sand Dance

 

[Dennie]

Jonah's Journey -- CD

Steven Halpern - David Friesen

1989 Halpern Sounds

Visions of Tomorrow, January 30, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Jonah's Journey (Audio CD)

Jonah's Journey is a compelling soundtrack for the theater of the mind. This recording embraces a true spirit of adventure. A blend of New Age and Jazz that is both easygoing and serious, it will uplift you, calm you and inspire your imagination. If mystery can be an emotion, then that is the emotional character of this music. Close your eyes and you're transported on the wings of sound to the far corners of the earth, sea, and for those with vivid imaginations, the solar system. Indeed, many of the songs here evoke images of distant landscapes not of this earth.
.
A sense of something expansive pervades the music and if you're feeling the need for some peaceful solitude, this music will provide it. It's about solitude, reflection and introspection. There's nothing dense about the music... it is very open and full of space. David Friesen plucks and bows his famous "Oregon bass," and occasionally Ken Nash adds a little percussion. The balance of the sonic textures are provided by Steven Halpern who plays no less than 10 instruments including a Rhodes electric piano. Synths are thankfully kept to a minimum which allows Friesen plenty of room to do what he does best... how does one say it... meditate on the bass... or play bass meditations... which carry the listener deep within.
.
Jonah's Journey is a scintillating expression of instrumental dynamics to please longtime and newly-acquainted fans alike. It is Jazz/New Age fusion at its best. Highly recommended.

Track Listing
1. Mirror Image
2. Belly of the Beast
3. Jonah's Journey
4. Shared Visions
5. Mirage
6. Truth About Sex, The
7. Prelude / Children Of The Light
8. Affinities
9. Visions of Tomorrow
10. Tapestry
11. Distant Shores
12. Farewell to Atlantis

 

[Dennie]

Surprise -- CD

Paul Simon

2006 Reprise Records

Amazon.com

Since severing his epochal partnership with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon's solo career been characterized by restless reinvention. But while it's easy to see such disparate, cross-cultural collaborations as Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints as Simon's quest for new creative partnerships, beneath them lies a more crucial willingness to continually challenge the very assumptions and craft of his own songwriting. Six years after his sublime, underappreciated You're the One Simon has pushed that sensibility into a rewarding, if equally unlikely, partnership with Brian Eno. Yet the former Roxy Music texturalist cum contemporary producer/sound conjurer supreme (aided by such stellar sidemen as Bill Frisell, Herbie Hancock and Steve Gadd) offers barely half the "surprises" here.

The playful "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" argues Simon can still beckon his more traditional pop muse at will. Yet some of his best work here turns as much on hypnotic, if no less politically pointed, quasi-spoken word pieces (like "Wartime Prayers" and the gripping, post 9/11 rumination "How Can You Live in the Northeast?") as traditional songcraft. Eno is credited with providing "Sonic Landscape" to Simon's production, but also co-wrote three tracks, infusing "Another Galaxy" with contrasting doses of bracing energy and ethereal elegance, while seasoning the more traditional folk musings of "Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean" with infectious electro-funk rhythms. "Outrageous," their best full collaboration, suggests that while Eno and Simon may approach world music - and indeed most pop forms - from polar extremes, the common ground they find is truly elevated. In an era when many of his peers are content to craft mere artistic comebacks, Simon's re-emergence here is a bold, compelling step forward. --Jerry McCulley

1. "How Can You Live in the Northeast" Paul Simon 3:42
2. "Everything About It Is a Love Song" Simon 3:57
3. "Outrageous" Simon, Brian Eno 3:24
4. "Sure Don't Feel like Love" Simon 3:57
5. "Wartime Prayers" Simon 4:49
6. "Beautiful" Simon 3:07
7. "I Don't Believe" Simon 4:09
8. "Another Galaxy" Simon, Eno 5:22
9. "Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean" Simon, Eno 3:55
10. "That's Me" Simon 4:43
11. "Father and Daughter" Simon 4:11

 

[Dennie]

Classics Volume 4 -- CD

Joe Cocker

1990 A&M Records

I'm not feelin' so good myself., May 20, 2005
By Johnny Heering "trivia buff" (Bethel, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Joe Cocker Classics Volume 4 (Audio CD)

Why is this called "Classics Volume 4", you may ask? Because back in 1987 A&M Records released a series of CDs featuring some of their most popular artists under the "Classics" title. Classics Volume 1 featured Herb Alpert, Classics Volume 2 featured the Carpenters, Classics Volume 3 featured Quincy Jones and Joe Cocker got Volume 4 (there were at least 20 other volumes of Classics). Joe's volume featured 13 of his most popular songs from the A&M years. It's a good selection of his hits, but it probably should have included "Put Out the Light". Not the best collection available, but if you can find a cheap used copy, it would be worth getting.

1. Feelin' Alright
2. You Are So Beautiful
3. High Time We Went
4. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
5. The Letter
6. Midnight Rider
7. With A Little Help From My Friends
8. Woman To Woman
9. Cry Me A River
10. I Think It's Going To Rain Today
11. Delta Lady
12. Darling Be Home Soon
13. The Jealous Kind

 

[Dennie]

Come On Home -- CD

Boz Scaggs

1997 Virgin Records

Bad! Brilliant! Boz!!, August 18, 2000
By James Otterstrom (Big Bear City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Come on Home (Audio CD)

Boz' crowning acheivement to date, this CD is one lean mean groove! Whether he's Fats, doing 'Sick and Tired', Jimmy Reed doing 'Found Love', or himself doing T-Bone Walker, Boz has come home. This is ONE OF THE BEST RHYTHM & BLUES ALBUMS EVER, it raises Boz' already respectable credentials to a new plateau. Boz pays tribute to his mentors with painstaking attention to detail, and his choice of musicians & material reaches beyond inspired. I can't pick out favorites, every song pulls you into a place you don't want to leave. The only thing wrong with this album is how good it is. Boz will probably never make a better record, so all we can hope for is more work of the same caliber.

"It All Went Down the Drain"
"Ask Me 'Bout Nothin' (But the Blues)"
"Don't Cry No More"
"Found Love"
"Come On Home"
"Picture of a Broken Heart"
"Love Letters"
"I've Got Your Love"
"Early in the Morning"
"Your Good Thing (Is About to End)"
"T-Bone Shuffle"
"Sick and Tired"
"After Hours"
"Goodnight Louise"

 

[Dennie]

Love Tattoo -- CD

Imelda May

2009 Verve Forecast

Superb, torchy rockabilly: REAL MUSIC!, September 26, 2009
By James F. Mcdermott "Jim" (NYC NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Love Tattoo (Audio CD)

If you go to hear Imelda May perform live, she's not doing to have dancers on stage, or a head mic, and there won't be any lip synching. This is a real singer with soul, attitude, and a great band behind her. Do yourself a favor and buy this record - this is what music used to be like, back when talent, not just looks, made the difference. "Love Tattoo" is a superb record, and Imelda May deserves to be heard.

1. "Johnny Got a Boom Boom" 2:59
2. "Feel Me" 2:57
3. "Knock 123" 5:27
4. "Wild About My Lovin'" 3:15
5. "Big Bad Handsome Man" 2:43
6. "Love Tattoo" 2:55
7. "Meet You At The Moon" 2:47
8. "Smokers' Song" 2:37
9. "Smotherin' Me" 2:42
10. "Falling In Love With You Again" 4:07
11. "It's Your Voodoo Working" 3:12
12. "Watcha Gonna Do" 3:42

 

[Dennie]

The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration -- 2 CD Box Set :music-rockout:

Various Great Artists

1993 Columbia Records

One Fine Tribute Set, October 2, 2003
By Stephanie Sane (from the Asylum) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)


This review is from: 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration (Audio CD)
I really liked this double CD, found it worth every penny, would recommend it highly. There is some stuff on these two discs that is just simply too good to describe. Tracy Chapman's rendition of the "Times They are A-Changin'" shoots straight to your soul. Richie Havens version of "Just Like a Woman" gives the song a whole new dimension. Eric Clapton's two songs are eerie. Mr. D performs admirably on "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)," and surpasses himself on "Girl from the North Country." But the real outstanding song on this set is the version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie," performed by the late George Harrison.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

Unlike a lot of live compilation albums, this one really works. All I can say is that I think you should own it. Five Stars.

Song/Performer(s)

Disc one

"Like a Rolling Stone" – John Cougar Mellencamp – 6:53
"Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" – John Cougar Mellencamp – 4:20
"Introduction by Kris Kristofferson" – 0:55
"Blowin' in the Wind" – Stevie Wonder – 8:53
"Foot of Pride" – Lou Reed – 8:47
"Masters of War" – Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready – 5:06
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" – Tracy Chapman – 3:01
"It Ain't Me Babe" – June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash – 3:50
"What Was It You Wanted?" – Willie Nelson – 5:47
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" – Kris Kristofferson – 3:04
"Highway 61 Revisited" – Johnny Winter – 5:05
"Seven Days" – Ronnie Wood – 5:26
"Just Like a Woman" – Richie Havens – 5:50
"When the Ship Comes In" – The Clancy Brothers, Robbie O'Connell, Tommy Makem – 4:23
"You Ain't Going Nowhere" – Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash and Shawn Colvin – 3:52

Disc two

"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" – Neil Young – 5:38
"All Along the Watchtower" – Neil Young – 6:20
"I Shall Be Released" – Chrissie Hynde – 4:26
"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" – Eric Clapton – 6:09
"Emotionally Yours" – O'Jays – 5:43
"When I Paint My Masterpiece" – The Band – 4:23
"Absolutely Sweet Marie" – George Harrison – 4:43
"License to Kill" – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – 4:52
"Rainy Day Women#12 & 35" – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – 4:44
"Mr. Tambourine Man" – Roger McGuinn with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – 4:10
"It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" – Bob Dylan – 6:21
"My Back Pages" – Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, George Harrison – 4:39
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" – All – 5:38
"Girl from the North Country" – Bob Dylan – 5:12

 

[Dennie]

Slow Down HDCD

Keb' Mo'

1998 Sony Music

ONE OF THE BEST BLUES ALBUMS EVER!, February 17, 2003
By John Vorel (Yorktown Hts., NY United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Slow Down (Audio CD)

After seeing Keb' Mo' at various blues concerts over the last few years I finally got enough determination to buy several (3) of his CD's simultaneously at Amazon.com. This was- by far!- the best of all three. In short, this album is a virtual flawless blues expression capturing the full range of Keb's multiple ablilities.

The vocals are extremely soulful on a level that can be compared to Muddy Waters. And they seemed to be recorded more "up front" then the other Keb' Mo' CD's I bought having exceptional clarity and intonations. The music tracks recorded quality seems to be above the other 2 as well. They are more mature and complex with weaves of slide guitar with accordians, harmonica's, banjos, mandolins and back up vocals totally complimenting and underlining this unique blues artist's intrinsic musical abilities. On this CD his acoustic guitar is played with more pronounced deliberate rhythms as well.

I can not stop listening to this album for the last week playing it several times a day. I feel so darn priveledge to being living at the same time as this artist. It's like all young blues fans out there get another chance to experience the likes of a seasoned blues master like a Muddy Waters and Johnny Lee Hooker (who may have never had a chance appreciated them while they were still living).

Being a blues fan for over 20 years and having over 200 blues CD's I can confidentaly say that on this album all the ingredients seem to come together to put Keb Mo on a plane of those great blues masters. You got to buy this! Its not only the best Keb' Mo' album I've heard -it's definitely in the top 5 of all my blues CD's. Period. (2/2003)

All songs written by Kevin Moore (Keb' Mo') unless otherwise noted.

"Muddy Water"
"I Was Wrong"
"Everything I Need"
"Henry"
"Soon As I Get Paid"
"A Better Man"
"I Don't Know"
"A Letter to Tracy"
"Slow Down"
"Rainmaker"
"Love In Vain" (Robert Johnson)
"God Trying to Get Your Attention"
"I'm Telling You Now"

 

[Dennie]

Unconditional -- CD

Ana Popovic

2011 Eclecto Groove Records

Great Blues from a sultry singer and amazing guitarist!,, August 17, 2011
By Polar Bear - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD)

It's been over two years since guitarist/singer Ana Popovic released her last album, but her latest, "Unconditional," has made it well worth the wait. Recorded in New Orleans, it successfully fuses classic and contemporary blues into music with high energy and lots of passion. Her guitar playing is amazing and her vocals are as smooth as honey. Soulful and virtuoso are words that come to mind when listening to her play. The album also features the amazing slide guitar of Sonny Landreth and the talents of Jon Cleary and David Torkanowski on hammond B3 and piano, Calvin Turner on bass and Doug Belote on drums. The title track, "Unconditional," has some unbelievable guitar work but also incorporates a beautiful piano which adds depth to the song. Jason Ricci makes a guest appearance and plays the harp, adding a unique and beautiful texture to the sound. I love the backbeat drumming on "Slideshow" that has a huge, pounding bass line and delivers with nothing short of a sonic boom. "One Room Country Shack" showcases Popovic's talent as a musician. She simply SHREDS the guitar on this song and it will leave you breathless. "Summer Rain" is another beautiful song that really shows the depth of Popovic's talents as a vocalist. She is sultry and powerful at the same time and the guitar solo somehow sounds like falling rain. If you like your blues straight ahead with touches of soulful jazz and beautifully raw vocals, you can't go wrong here. Highly recommended!

Tracklist

1. Fearless 3:16
2. Count Me In 4:54
3. Unconditional 3:52
4. Reset Rewind 3:38
5. Slideshow 5:22
6. Business As Usual 3:22
7. Your Love Ain't Real 4:15
8. Work Song 4:01
9. Summer Rain 4:36
10. Voodoo Woman 4:11
11. One Room Country Shack 6:33
12. Soulful Dress 2:53



Bonus Picture.....

 

[Dennie]

Streetlights -- CD

Bonnie Raitt

1974/1990 Warner Bros. Records

If you discovered Bonnie Raitt in the 90's, listen to this!, June 13, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Streetlights (Audio CD)

While Bonnie is more popular today than when this record was released in the mid-70's (don't remember the exact year, sorry), it stands up to any of her recent recordings. Bonnie's unique fusion of folk and rural blues with popular music makes this record a bit more distinctive than her fine 90's output.

The first five songs, which were the first side of my beloved LP version, are the highlight -- when I say that I played the record over and over again, I really mean that I played side A over and over again. "Angel From Montgomery" is stunning, a song of memory, regret and longing with a gorgeous, soaring chorus. "That Song About the Midway" and "Streetlights" are similarly affecting.

The second side is not quite up to the same mark, but on the basis of songs 1 through 5 it makes my top ten most listened-to CD's in all genres. It's a lovely record for a quiet evening in front of the fireplace alone, and even better with company.

"That Song About the Midway" (Joni Mitchell) – 4:44
"Rainy Day Man" (James Taylor, Zachary Weisner) – 3:41
"Angel from Montgomery" (John Prine) – 3:59
"I Got Plenty" (Joey Levine, Jim Carroll) – 3:09
"Streetlights" (Bill Payne) – 5:05
"What Is Success" (Allen Toussaint) – 3:32
"Ain't Nobody Home" (Jerry Ragovoy) – 3:04
"Everything That Touches You" (Michael Kamen) – 3:28
"Got You on My Mind" (David Lasley, Allee Willis) – 3:50
"You Got to Be Ready for Love (If You Wanna Be Mine)" (Lou Courtney) – 3:08

 

[Dennie]

This is my last one for the evening....

Red Dirt Girl -- CD

Emmylou Harris

2000 Nonesuch Records

Amazon.com

Consider this Emmylou Harris's emancipation proclamation--an album that confirms that 1995's adventurously atmospheric Wrecking Ball wasn't an aberration, but a preview of more radical changes to come. Long the godmother of alternative-country's traditionalist wing, Harris here writes songs with Luscious Jackson's Jill Cunniff, sings a duet with Dave Matthews ("My Antonia"), and recruits Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa to provide harmonies on the album's most compelling ballad ("Tragedy"). The production by Malcolm Burn applies sonic treatments of drum machines, shimmering guitars, and echoed vocals to a song cycle by Harris that is largely original and deeply personal, filled with dream imagery and evocations of a spiritual quest. While material such as "Michaelangelo" and "Bang the Drum Slowly" suffers from an arty ponderousness, it's doubtful that Harris has ever recorded an album that means more to her than this one. --Don McLeese

All tracks written by Emmylou Harris, except where noted.

"The Pearl" – 5:02
"Michelangelo" – 5:14
"I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now" – 4:47
"Tragedy" [with Patti Scialfa - duet vocals & Bruce Springsteen - harmony vocals] (Harris, Rodney Crowell) – 4:24
"Red Dirt Girl" – 4:19
"My Baby Needs a Shepherd" – 4:39
"Bang the Drum Slowly" (Harris, Guy Clark) – 4:51
"J'ai Fait Tout" (Harris, Jill Cunniff, Daryl Johnson) – 5:31
"One Big Love" (Patty Griffin, Angelo) – 4:33
"Hour of Gold" – 5:00
"My Antonia" [with Dave Matthews] – 3:43
"Boy from Tupelo" – 3:48

 

[Dennie]

What A Wonderful World -- CD

Willie Nelson

1988 Columbia Records

WILLIE AT HIS SUBLIME BEST!, April 10, 2000
By Norm Hall - See all my reviews
This review is from: What a Wonderful World (Audio CD)

I picked up this album because of the song; "Ole Buttermilk Sky" because no one sings it anymore. It is a great Hoagy Carmichael tune! Much to my delight, but not to my surprise, every song on here is a winner. Just listen to the rapture of "Some Enchanted Evening"! Or "What a Wonderful World." Willie has the ability to make every song he sings his very own. If you love Willie, you must have this album!

"Spanish Eyes" - 3:33
"Moon River" - 3:10
"Some Enchanted Evening" - 3:40
"What a Wonderful World" - 2:14
"South of the Border" - 3:17
"Ole Buttermilk Sky" - 2:48
"The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart?)" - 2:53
"To Each His Own" - 3:37
"Twilight Time" - 2:50
"Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" - 2:01

 

[Dennie]

At The Movies - Soundtrack Hits -- CD

Van Morrison

2007 Manhattan Records

Best Single Disc Van Morrison Collection Available!, February 16, 2007
By Anthony Accordino (Massapequa Park, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits (Audio CD)

If you are in the market to own just one Van Morrison CD collection, Van Morrison "At The Movies", is the disc for you. This cd combines 19 tracks from all phases of his long distinguished career. The Irish soul man has never sounded better with remastered clarity, that makes this the choice over "Greatest Hits Vol-1 & Vol-2. This cd actually combines the best of those two collections and more. His classic gems from the "Them" days "Gloria", and "Baby Please Don't Go", are included here as well. His reworking of "Brown Eyed Girl", proves he has not lost anything from those vocal chords. His live take on "Caravan" from the "Last Waltz", is one of the finest live recordings ever. Lots of modern gems here as well, like 'Days Like This", "Real Real Gone", and the "Bright Side Of The Road". The real treat on this collection however, is the inclusion of his collaboration with Pink Floyds Roger Waters, on "Comfotably Numb", which was recorded live in Berlin in 1986 and features Rick Danko and Levon Helm. Some outstanding ballads are here as well like, "Someone Like You", "Have I Told You Lately", "Wonderful Remark", and "Hungry For Your Love". Considering the price and the fantastic content of this cd, I consider this cd essential to everyone who is both new to Van Morrison music and to well seasoned fans who would like to add a career retrospective not available until now. It doesn't get any better than this.

"Gloria" (performed by Them) (from The Outsiders)
"Baby, Please Don't Go" (performed by Them) (from Wild at Heart)
"Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)" (from The Pope of Greenwich Village and Queens Logic)
"Domino (Live) (from Clean and Sober)
"Moondance (Live) (from An American Werewolf in London) (previously unreleased version)
"Queen of the Slipstream" (from Extreme Close-Up)
"Wild Night" (from Twenty Four Seven)
"Caravan" (Live with The Band - from The Last Waltz, 1976)
"Wonderful Remark" (from The King of Comedy)
"Brown Eyed Girl" (from Born on the 4 July) (previously unreleased version)
"Days Like This" (from As Good as It Gets)
"Into the Mystic" (Live) (from Patch Adams)
"Hungry for Your Love" (from An Officer and a Gentleman)
"Someone Like You" (from French Kiss and Bridget Jones's Diary)
"Bright Side of the Road" (from Fever Pitch and Michael)
"Have I Told You Lately" (from One Fine Day)
"Real Real Gone" (from Donovan Quick)
"Irish Heartbeat" (with the Chieftains) (from The Matchmaker)
"Comfortably Numb" (Live with Roger Waters, The Band & The Rundfunk Orchestra & Choir - from The Wall Concert in Berlin, 1990) (from The Departed)

Track 5: Van Morrison vocal overdub 2006, original recording 1986.