Reviews (1)

Smokin' in bed can sure burn your house down ...
Thank you to those nice folks from Raven Records for making these two soundtracks available on one CD.Amongst some fine instrumentals, several of which appeared on "Music by Ry Cooder" there are two superb vocal tracks that didn't ... "Building Fires" from The Border, and "Too Close" from Alamo Bay (Amy Madigan can sing, too?) ... and even on their own, they make this a great buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Blues    3. Blues-Rock    4. Cast Recordings    5. Conjunto    6. Contemporary Blues    7. Film Music    8. Norteño    9. Original Score    10. Pop    11. Roots Rock    12. Soundtracks & Film Scores    13. Tejano   

Reviews (13)

GIVIN' IT UP!
Betwixt playing harmonica on early 60's Bruce Channel classic HEY BABY, giving John Lennon a lesson or two on said instrument, having his compositions covered by everyone from Emmylou Harris (TWO MORE BOTTLES OF WINE) to the Blues Brothers (B-MOVIE BOX CAR BLUES) to Vince Gill (VICTIM OF LIFE'S CIRCUMSTANCES), scoring his own Top 40 hit GIVIN' IT UP FOR YOUR LOVE, recording for predominant blues label Alligator (and scores of others), and winning a Grammy for a duet with Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton has seen it, done it, and sung it all. The Lubbock, Texas belter of all things blues, RNB, and country has deservedly been given the "Ultimate" package treatment by retro-specialist label HIP-O. Here are eighteen tasty as BAR-B-Q tracks of honky tonk sweat shouted out in the world weary rasp of a thousand smoke filled roadhouses. These meaty slabs of soul include IT AIN'T WHAT YOU EAT BUT THE WAY HOW YOU CHEW IT, THE JEALOUS KIND, LOVE RUSTLER, and patented takes on the afore mentioned hits for others. Like John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton may still not be a household name after lo' these many eons, but true relishers of raw roots music will always know where to go for a satisfying fix. RATING: FIVE HARPS
Best of Delbert
If you like Texas Twang this one is for you. Great music with rockin' sound. Delberts history with other musicians thru the years is unbelievable but after you hear his music you can believe. The guy the taught John Lennon to play harmonica.Country rock at its best

Delbert McClinton ultimate collections
I personally don't like country music, but, this ws for my brother and he really enjoys this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

That the trio recorded this stunning, spiritual-minded collaboration in the town of Unity, Maine, is one of life's fortuitous coincidences. Although their voices are dissimilar, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, and Rory Block share roots in folk, gospel, and blues. Brought together, along with a three-piece backing band, in a barn-turned-recording-studio by producer Randy Labbe, the trio cooks up a feisty musical feast that sounds so comfortable and joyous, it seems they were lost soulmates finally joined in song. Bibb's smooth Keb' Mo'-style vocals join Muldaur's huskier, sassy approach and Block's deep blues on a combination of originals and covers that showcase each artist's strengths, both solo and in tandem with the others. From contemporary classics such as Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Bill Withers's sublime "Lean on Me" to a languid version of Jimmy Reed's "Little Rain" and a swampy, roof-raising "My Sisters and Brothers," this upbeat album never gets predictable, preachy, or clichéd. Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Collaboration Makes a Great Album!!!
I was drawn to this album due to my admiration of Maria Muldaur and her vocals on this album are truly superb. It is not pop nor blues. This is a folk album if it must be categorized and the songs are fantastic. There is true life and spirit in every track. It is invigorating and I found myself drawn into listen to each and ever song and once the album was over, I wanted more. I admire Maria for taking part with Eric Bibb and Rory Block. As one other reviewer suggested, they should go back to that barn in Unity, Maine and do another album. Unity is the message of this album. It is uplifting but not "preachy". The songs such as "Lean On Me", "Bessie's Advice", have soul and a message of brotherhood. I love this album and when it is over, it is easy to hit "Replay". I cannot recommend this great album which deserves five stars if not more, highly enough. It is so fine!

Fervor, Wit and Great Blues Singing
Some might say that Maria Muldaur, Rory Block and Eric Bibb are as unalike as they are alike. But it's their "unalikeness" wrapped into their likeness that makes this recording something special. This album plays like a joint effort of three old friends having a jam session of sorts. Its totally relaxed, yet full of fervor, wit, and definitive blues/gospel singing. Some of the standouts are Block's version of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me" with great harmony from Muldaur, Bibb's take on Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Muldaur's "Bessie's Advice" (cowritten with Bibb). That's just the icing. There's plenty more including two of Block's standards "Rolling Log" and "Maggie Campbell" where one gets to hear her wonderful guitar playing which sounds as fresh as ever. Bibb's languid, bluesy take on "Little Rain" is right on the money! Things close with Muldaur performing one of her old chestnuts, "My Brothers and Sisters". At the end when she cries out "Hallelujah..Thank Ya!..Thank Ya!" one knows that they've just experienced three great talents doing what they were born to do! If you're a fan of music at its most basic and stirring, this recording is a must! NOTE: Amazon has the son listings in the wrong order.Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Folk-Blues    4. Modern Acoustic Blues    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop   

Reviews (7)

Available Space
This album is worth the price for this song alone, and you all have bought at least one album for one song in your lifetime.I first heard it, being a Leo Kottke fan,when my ears perked up as it is played over the closing credits of ' Goin South ', a hilarious Jack Nicholson movie. This guy plays with calss and style, you will not be disappointed.

Good
I'm not sure this is the best debut ever...I like "6 & 12 String Guitar" a lot more, and didn't Charlie Parker record "Koko" on his first studio date? Most Auspicious Debut Ever?
When I saw Ry Cooder live in the early seventies, he was wearing baggy blue silk pants, pink satin pumps, a bandana, and a Hawaiian shirt. Eclectic garb? You bet. But somehow it all went together, a perfect sartorial analogue to his musical eclectism.Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Roots Rock    9. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

This double-disc, 19-song concert recording, which serves as a fittingly funky retrospective of McClinton's 30-year career, is as close to the definitive Delbert as can be imagined. And, oddly enough, his third and best live album was an inadvertent one--a Norwegian radio broadcast captured a festival set too hot to confine to the airwaves. Here, the Texas honky-tonk blues hero dynamically delivers the core of the live McClinton experience, including an energetic rendition of his 1980 breakout hit "Givin' It up for Your Love," a testifying take on Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember," and a rambunctious (and extended) reading of his own "B Movie Boxcar Blues." But Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (18)

Awesome Blues
If you only want to buy two Delbert CDs; then this has to be one and Room To Breathe should be the other one.If you are disappointed in either of these offerings then you have no soul!

honky tonkin'
For some, the claim to fame of venerable Texas rocker Delbert McClinton is that he gave harmonica tips to a young John Lennon - who put the advice to good use on early Beatles' hits such as Love Me Do and I Should Have Known Better. To others, that is a mere footnote in a recording career that stretches back to 1960 and, on the strength of his vigorous performance here, shows no sign of fatigue. McClinton, who just turned 63, is one of those Texas musicians whose brew of country, blues, rock and soul defies categorisation (Doug Sahm and Roy Head are others, consider too Barbara Lynn, and the Vaughan brothers deserve mention). This double album documents a single 2003 performance at Norway's Bergen Blues Festival. Originally intended only as a radio broadcast, it is a high-energy career review. McClinton and his six-piece band (rhythm section and two horns) mix newer songs with long-in-repertoire nuggets such as B-Movie Boxcar Blues, Giving It Up for Your Love and Otis Redding's I've Got Dreams to Remember (19 songs in all). This set drips honky tonk sweat. (This review appeared in The Age newspaper, Melbounre, Australia.)

A FINE ALBUM But Didn't Meet My Expectation
I purchased this recently after reacquainting myself with DM's work through a couple of studio works. I have never seen him perform live, and might feel differently if I had. I will see if this CD set grows on me over time, but my initial reaction to it is that it's just Okay. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Modern Electric Blues    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

That Read more

Reviews (7)

just wonderful
It really is as good as the other reviewers say. I got this for the Jimmie Dale Gilmore tune, but I burst out crying with the Syd Straw number. There's a range of styles and emotions, but all of them top-notch.

A must have!
A wonderful CD to introduce to children of all ages!!

A treasure for the whole family!
I bought this CD for myself, having heard one of the songs on the radio. I now plan on sending one to each of my three grandchildren.These songs are not only fun, they speak to children and adults alike.It is quite apparent that Woody Guthrie wrote these songs with lots of love, and an understanding of his children's feelings and fears.Taj Mahal and the other artists that perform the songs do a great job.I definitely recommend this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Childrens    3. College Rock    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Electric Country Blues    6. Folk Collections    7. Folk-Blues    8. Modern Acoustic Blues    9. Pop    10. Punk    11. Sing-Along    12. Singer/Songwriter    13. World Fusion   

Reviews (2)

Genuine houserocken christmas cd
this cd was given as a gift and it was a big hit!

the blues and nothing but the blues!
If you like the blues, look at this lineup of artists.There are no bad songs on this 59 minute CD."Genuine Houserockin' Christmas" is one of the best CD's I've heard for a long time.It's worth more than 5 stars, that's for sure.I know I'll play this one year around. Koko Taylor is awesome.For Zydeco fans, there is even "Zydeco Christmas".Lonnie Brooks is fantastic.I think my favorite is "A Bluesman's Christmas", a song about a bluesman who is on the road and can't be home.I would say a couple songs are not what you'd play for your fiance's parents when they came to visit.Great party music.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Creole    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Modern Acoustic Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    10. Piano Blues    11. Piedmont Blues    12. Pop    13. Prewar Country Blues    14. Retro-Soul    15. Slide Guitar Blues    16. Soul-Blues    17. Texas Blues    18. V/A Compilations    19. Xmas Vocal Collections   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

MASTER OF THE BLUES
I've got most things EARL and this is as brilliant as all his other recordings. Tone and phrasing are typicaly EARL-subtle and in a class by himself. If you like the BLUES or the guitar you simply must have this CD. If you are not an EARL devote yet, you will be after this masterful take on the BLUES. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Guitar    6. Jazz Blues    7. Modern Electric Blues    8. Pop    9. Slide Guitar Blues    10. Soul-Blues    11. United States of America   

Reviews (16)

Jamming With Edward
This is an interesting time capsule of the Rolling Stones rehearsing after Brian Jone's death. As the liner notes say, they spent about $2.98 making the album so they thought they could only justify selling it for $3.98. It includes some excellent slide guitar by Ry Cooder and piano work by Nicky Hopkins, but is otherwise droll and would only interest the most die hard Stones fan.

Half Classic!
On April 23rd, 1969, while waiting for Keith Richards to show up to the studio for the Let It Bleed sessions, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ry Cooder jammed with "Edward", an alias of Nicky Hopkins'.Ian Stewart is present, in the engineering booth, and is heard commenting throughout the entire album.Now, should a Stones' fan buy this CD?Yes, because tracks 2-4 are classic.Track 1 kicked off the jams while working on "Midnight Rambler", track 5 is an annoying interlude, and track 6 is just plain dull.
A Memory
In the early 1970's Rolling Stone magazine did a piece on Roy Buchanan, the late, and great, guitarist. Roy once turned down an offer to play with the Stones. Ry Cooder was nearby, overheard the interview, and began a rant about the Stones and Mick Jagger in particular. Ry was quoted saying, as I recall, that, though Keith didn't attend the "Jamming With Edward" session, the tape was rolling. (If memory serves, Ry said that Keith left the session, supposedly, according to Ry, in order NOT to appear to be riff hunting.)
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Rock/Pop Collections   

Editorial Review

Most will be drawn to this for the throw-away solo track by Mick Jagger, "Memo from Turner." It's a troubling collection, which tends to be a fair representation of the movie, except for the always rock-solid Ry Cooder, who has since developed into an excellent film score artist. Here he offers three tracks, though none approach his best work. Randy Newman is always a pleasure, especially when not throwing himself at gimmickry, and Buffy Sainte- Marie's "Died, Dead, Red" is worth a spin. --Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (16)

More Than A Curio
The movie and soundtrack, together or separately, form an interesting window to a transitional time in the culture wars (which, as everyone knows, are still raging today).This was when some hippies were headed toward becoming yippies and yuppies, and losing all that "peace and love" stuff that a few of us still cling to, and some of them were descending into total depravity (the first gaping holes were punctured in the fabric of the Flower Power dream in the year before PERFORMANCE was released, with the Manson cult murders and the Altamont Speedway tragedy).There is a sinister atmosphere saturating this flawed but fascinating film, but the soundtrack of PERFORMANCE, infused throughout with the same dark dread, can easily stand on its own.Unlike so many of today's "soundtracks," which are little more than a mix of current pop/rock hits and/or nostalgic oldies, this recording amounts to a cohesive whole.In addition, it features artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ry Cooder, Randy Newman, Merry Clayton and Mick Jagger in a framework outside of their usual settings (my opinion comes with the knowledge that most of them have contributed work to other films).Sainte-Marie has been criminally neglected from the beginning, and is still regarded (if at all) as a minor, fringe artist.Not by me (see my reviews of LITTLE WHEEL SPIN & SPIN, ILLUMINATIONS and COINCIDENCE & LIKELY STORIES), and here her mouthbow and shivery, wailing voice is used to wonderfully creepy effect on "Dyed, Dead, Red" and "The Hashishin."If you are a rap fan who has somehow managed to miss The Dead Poets' groundbreaking "Wake Up, Niggers," this is where it all began!Having just said this, I should add that this soundtrack is more than just a curio from the past or frozen museum piece.Give this album a listen straight through (don't skip around), and see if you don't agree that the mood, the sequencing and the artistry of all of the musicians involved makes this one of THE great original soundtrack recordings!
"Memo From Turner's" all you need to know...
I WISH Amazonand/or Allen Klien just go on ahead and make this thing available on DVD.But till then, the soundtrack will be "all you crave.""Memo From Turner" would've been one hell of a great track by the Stones if Mick hadn't have been "seducing" Keef's "wife," Anita (who plays an awesome "love interest" in the movie), but, still, Ry Cooder et all make the song a monster.Randy Newman's "Gone Dead Train" is fabulous too, despite it only being heard in the first 2 or 3 seconds of the movie itself.If you can do the impossible and sort of disassociate the soundtrack from the movie, you will find true GEMS by Buffy St. Marie and Mary Clayton, the lady who stole "Gimme Shelter" right out from under Mick when she sang that "Rape Murder" chorus.C'MON Klien, GIVE IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Perennial performance soundtrack lacks only one thing
and that, if you've seen the movie, is arguably one of the high points missing from a "total soundtrack album": Mick Jagger singing a blues, accompanied by himself on acoustic guitar.
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Singer/Songwriter    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. Texas Blues    7. United States of America   

Reviews (3)

Real blues, real bluesman, real fine music
Musically, there is a great distance between the "live" Smithers, rocking over the sweet guitar, stomping his feet and bellowing out lyrics and notes, and the produced, rich, full sounds on albums such as these.This is the one I play most on the radio, especially the "deeper" cuts in the middle of the album and, of course, "Small Revelations" itself; the others I listen to alone after a long day, immersing myself in the raw voice and stomp of the foot.Most folks like one or the other best, but I don't think one can choose -- it's almost as if he were two great musicians, not just one.So I recommend all of Smithers' work, from the oldest songs now covered by the likes of Bonnie Raitt to the newest sound on the other end of the "live" spectrum, like "Small revelations" -- but buy this one first if 1) you need an introduction to his work (and then get a live session album, too), or 2) if you need an album to introduce your friends to Smithers.Then find them copies of "I Feel the same," "It ain't easy," and "Real Fine Love," the best Smithers' songs anywhere, both live and produced. Chris Smither's best !
I agree with the person before me, who said this is chris's best. Mostly original songs, these are his finest. Buy this first, then 'Drive you home', then 'Another way to find you', then 'Up on the lowdown'. Chris is amaster guitarist and songwriter.....

Excellent Smither!
I still believe this is Chris's best.His versatility and song writing capability really shine through on this one..."Small Revelations" most of all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

The best of Buddy Guy's solo albums since his 1991 reemergence finds him mixing songs from his concert repertoire ("Someone Else Is Steppin' In") with blues chestnuts ("I Smell Trouble") and his own new originals, like the gritty plea for urban spiritual renewal "Cities Need Help." His performance is raw and natural, a nasty throwback to his late-'60s roadhouse days. Guy takes unbridled pleasure in hard playing and vocal shouting that straddles the soul-blues border. The absence of shallow attempts at pop-radio play and the lack of guest appearances by rock stars or emerging bluesmen like Jonny Lang, which plague most of Guy's recent CDs, is refreshing. This is simply Buddy, on his own strong terms. Read more

Reviews (17)

very good album
today for some strange reason i dug up this album&I had revisted my Buddy Guy&Junior Wells Album some time ago.but this album reminded me of what I dig best about Guy&that is when he is flowing by himself without trying to sound like he is trying to fit into other territory.this album has something for everyone&works."Cities Needs Help" is very direct&Political&gets to the Point. I dig how He uses his Riffs on this album that showcase his playing&allows room for solos&Him to arrange parts around it without being over produced.the title cut is a trip&has me rolling.but it is the truth. I enjoyed the overall Production,instrumentation&writing on this album.Probably the last Buddy Guy album that I can get into more than halfway through.I dig hearing Him play anything,but on Record this is the last album that truly sticks fo rme.dude has his own signature on the Axe."Don't tell me about the Blues" is on point as well.

Most Of The BEST Blues Men Are Gone, Not BUDDY!
If you are young and don't know anything about the blues, welcome to "BLUES 101". The old timers just keep passing by the ages and there are few left and soon the new breed will be passed the torch. There are only a very few worthy candidates to attempt to carry that torch. Eric Clapton has done his best to re-aquaint the world to these masters, but there are few who can hold a candle, let alone a torch. Robert Cray, Eric Johnson and ??? I do hope that Robert Randolph will use his unique skills to emulate the masters rather than confine his efforts with the sound "his Family Band" have been stuck on for the past year. Don't misunderstand me, he and his band are TIGHT, I'm just hoping he'll revive Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Little Walter and Howling Wolf.
Buddy Guy's best album of the past two decades
Buddy Guy is one of the last bluesmen left from a great era. He is what Jimi Hendrix would have been had Hendrix stuck strictly to the blues. While he may not think he is one of the best, he certainly deserves to be up there with Muddy, Howlin' Wolf, and BB. One reason is because of this album, definitely his best in the past 20 years, and definitely one of his top three. Here, Guy delivers what everyone expects of him: screaming guitar work and powerful, powerful vocals. There is no better blues singer in the business than BG, and as a guitar player his style is uniquely recognizable, and has no equal. The best tracks on this disc: I Smell Trouble (with Double Trouble guesting), Please Don't Drive Me Away, Love Her With A Feeling, Someone Else Is Steppin' In, and Don't Tell Me About The Blues. Those may be the best, but the disc as a whole does not have one weak track on it. I happen to like the clean sound of this album. If you can make it clean and keep the grit, that is awesome. Buddy did it with this album. However, nothing compares to seeing him live. He is one of the best live acts ever! Do yourself a favor: if he's ever in your neck of the woods, be sure to go see him. You won't regret it. LONG LIVE BUDDY GUY AND HIS POLKA DOT STRATOCASTER! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop   

Reviews (1)

Just a wonderful album
This is my third Eric Bibb album if you count the one he did with Maria Muldaur and Rory Block. What a talented man he is! He knows his way around a guitar and his velvety smooth vocals are a treat. Anyone into acoustic blues music should really add him to their collection. Especially Chris Smither and Kelly Joe Phelps fans. As you probably know or guessed, this album includes many of Eric's "Friends". Some of the people at the party include Odetta, Guy Davis, Taj Mahal, Martin Simpson and Harry Manx. I love Eric's version of Guy Clark's "The Cape" with Martin Simpson's lovely finger picked guitar behind him. You also need to hear his duet with Odetta entitled "Taint Such a Much". I'm just barely scratching the surface here. There's lots to love on this album and I don't think there's a single mis-step. Albums that you can say that about are gew and far between these days. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Folk-Blues    4. Pop   

Reviews (11)

Still Packs a Wallop after almost 15 years
Of all of Robben Ford's albums, this is the one I keep coming back to.He's spread out in different directions since then, as any artist or musician with a nagging muse would do, and has done so wonderfully for the most part.
A-W-E-S-O-M-E
This is the ultimate blues masterpiece for the uninitiated.Very few blues discs possess this power and remain accessible to those who have yet to appreciate the blues venue. Can't say much more than this should appeal to anyone...it is that brilliant!

The Cure For theCommon Radio Fodder
I first picked up a copy of Robben Ford and the Blue Line in 1993, and it quickly became one of my favorite albums. The trio breathes life into the blues yet makes it sound fresh at the same time. Ford's guitar style fits tracks like "Cut Me To the Bone" and "Tell Me I'm Your Man" perfectly. It's very hard to imagine anyone but Robben Ford playing these songs. The rhythm section is also the perfect complement to Ford's tasteful playing. While tasteful, Ford's guitar playing is definitely not over the top like a lot of today's guitarists. So, if you want a taste of what the modern blues should sound like, do yourself a favor. Put Robben Ford and the Blue Line in your shopping cart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Crossover Jazz    6. Fusion    7. Jazz Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Pop    10. Rock   

Reviews (7)

Sometimes messy, but greatness shines inbetween
This is not Cooderat his best. Its very in the middle. It`s so overproduced and sounds like a terrible mess sometimes. Let`s forget that and consentrate on the good things.
An Eclectic Gem
This album provides an eclectic mix of tunes that demonstrate the depth and breadth of the brilliance of Ry Cooder and his accompanying musicians.As a huge fan of Cooder, I listen to this more than anything else he has done.To these ears, not one filler track here.Great fun.
Ry Cooder at his unconventional best
To listen to this is not to get a feel of what Ry is mainly about. He would probably vouch for that. If however, you regarded this a a delve into the uncharted, then the result is an aural feast. The title track sets the mood for the rest of the album. Johnny Cash would be proud that this cover was done very well and in a style which is simply Ry. The outstanding track however is the 13 Question Method. Again, Ry gives a new lease of life to a mediocre song, this time by Chuck Berry. The characteristics and jokey slide technique which Ry employs is amazing. To appreciate slide really well, you need to listen to this album and particularly track 4. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock    8. Soundtracks   

Reviews (19)

Beautiful, Sad, Distinctive Slide Guitar
Kelly Joe Phelps has a truly unique and distinctive sound: acoustic slide guitar with a forlorn, dreamy quality, and a deep voice that slightly slurs the words.He sounds like the Billy Bob Thornton character from Sling Blade; like he can't decide if he wants to say the words and release them, or keep `em and eat `em.
His First and BEST
This is a musician's muscician at his best.The new listener is truly lucky, and will be treated to the most stunningly proficient slide guitar (stop what you're thinking -- this is not sloppy, roadhouse twang, but brilliantly interwoven guitar likeyou've never heard before) and utterly unique vocals.Even legendary guitarists like Leo Kottke have offered special praise for Phelps.Yet this is warmly accessible and engrossing music -- you'll be singing it in the shower -- and his original songs sound as if they've been handed down for a hundred years.Top 10 favorite of the 500 cds I own.

Excellent light acoustic blues...
I have to thank Amazon for pushing Kelly Joe Phelps my way.I likely may never have heard of him otherwise.And what a find this artist is!
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Country    4. Folk-Blues    5. Modern Acoustic Blues    6. Pop    7. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

This 1996 album picks up where Read more

Reviews (8)

Upbeat Blues from on of the Best
From the opning notes this album is great. I've been listening to it for 6+ years and it never bores me. Upbeat tracks, good horns and great guests (Clapton & Raitt) I think this is an essential Taj pick.

...bruh taj be puttin the rhythm to some blues!...
i'm not a big fan of most contemporary blues singers, prefering that stuff they got goin' on in the mississip; pr'oly at best a 3anahalf-star rating, but seriously, Taj got that deep-from-some-gutter type sputter/growl goin' on and when he sings them love songs of his, it's some real hot stuff. "here in the dark", "fanning the flames" and "love her with a feeling" are THE MOST SENSUALLY HOT BALLADS FROM ANY MALE ARTIST OUT THERE, R-N-B OR OTHERWISE! neo-soul cant e'en come close to the dirt and desire in those cuts! this is the artist that D'angelo will be inspired by 10 years from now.

Great New Orleans experience!!!
This is a great album,specially enriched with the marvellous participation of Jon Cleary,for me,one of the best piano players of ever.Really a participation of any Louisiana's piano player is a great thing for a good blues album!!!Specially some musicians like Jon Cleary,Dr.John,and Professor Longhair... This is a very true experience of this great bluesman,Taj Mahal,with guest appearances of Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt.I really loved the first track,an original of Taj's style.All of the others are pure Louisiana blues,and i really recomend to the bluesfans all over the world to listen this fantastic, Jon Cleary. He's a bluesman unrecognized,that deserves an accurated listened from those that really loves good music.You must try to listen the other Cleary's works such "Alligator Lips and Dirty Rice"and recently "Moonburn".What we can say is that Taj worked right to choose those great musicians and the results, are all inside this great cd!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Country Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B   

Editorial Review

This potent Australian singer-songwriter and acoustic six-string virtuoso's North American debut isn't a typical blues, folk, or country album. Instead, Lang flits between styles, sometimes within the same number, employing pop-song melodies and unusual flourishes like backwards guitar, musical saw, and distorted bass. But any place Lang takes these 15 tunes, usually with his elegant and shivery fingerpicked slide playing at the fore, is rewarding. At times, as in the bluegrass-flavored "The Road is Not Your Only Friend," he evinces a beat-poetic sensibility similar to Chris Whitley's. There is also darkness in his work. In the folkloric "Ravenswood" Lang sings from the viewpoint of the Grim Reaper--an interesting contrast to his boyish voice. And when Lang grabs an electric guitar for the ode to lost love "Gina," he wails with the passion and the dirty sugar tone of Read more

Reviews (1)

A Brilliant "New"Singer Songwriter
This album is sort of a greatest hits collection gleaned from Lang's Australian releases over the last decade.I learned about him online surfing around lap steel guitar maker sites then saw a review of this release in a recent Guitar Player magazine.I bought the disc to hear his lap steel playing (an instrument I play and collect), but found much more than just an excellent master of that instrument.Lang is one of the best singer songwriters I have heard in quite a while.Think of Jackson Browne and David Lindley wrapped up in one package, with a little Kelly Jo Phelps thrown in.Buy this disc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. CCM    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Contemporary Folk    5. Folk-Blues    6. Jazz    7. Pop   

Reviews (3)

Let's get trashy!
Hey! If you want feel the trashy side of yourself, in a fun way, listen to this album! My favorite is the title track, "White Trash Girl," but there are lots of great songs. Candye can really sing!

One persons trash is another person's treasure!
Candye does it again. A nice mix of originals and a few covers,this great voice always manages to surround herself with competent players and make a great CD.Check it out, even better...see her when she tours and hear that it is no studio trick. I hope this survivor keeps singing for a long long time. Favorite tracks on this one... "White Trash Girl", "Big Fat Mommas" and "It Must Be Love".

My favorite CD of 2005
I picked up this CD because of the really cool looking cover art.In some cases that has been a blessing, in others it wound up back at a used record store.This CD will be in my collection forever.What a voice, what songs, what a fabulous CD.From the cover track, to What Happened to the Girl to my personal favorite, Masturbation Blues, this CD is the best I have bought in 2005.If you just want to hear some great music and feel good, BUY THIS CD, you will not be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop