|
Browse categories
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Songs For You, Truths For Me
|
James Morrison;
Polydor Group;
2008-09-29;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £6.98
|
|
 Product Description
So he's the acoustic-troubadour-James that isn't James Blunt. He's the other one--the one that looks a little like Chris Martin from a distance and who with those two vague affiliations was surely always pre-destined to sell an awful lot of records, even if he was equally condemned to relative anonymity by turning up too late to claim credit for his own image. And if he failed on debut album Undiscovered to distinguish himself all that much from The Other James, particularly with fluid lighter-waving singles "You Give Me Something" and "Wonderful World", then follow-up album Songs for You, Truths for Me is out to redress that. The underlying soul heritage that served as a reference point on Undiscovered but never really pushed to the fore is much more prominent, seen especially as the album blasts opens with groaning, piano-spanking, brass-heavy, Hammond-tinged "The Only Night", something like The Counting Crows do The Commitments, with unmistakable similarities to Aretha Franklin and George Michael's 1987 blockbuster hit "I Knew You Were Waiting". It's the kind of thing you can imagine him winning a Brit Award with, probably with a collaborative performance to boot. "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" takes those influences to the lounge, "Precious Love" is Otis Redding via Ray LaMontagne, and the Nelly Furtado-featuring "Broken Strings" is a breezy, stirring pop song. Even when he falls back on his debut's established strengths, this is a more than adequate showcase for his powerful voice. --James Berry
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
|
|
|
 |
Gossip in the Grain
|
Ray LaMontagne;
14th Floor;
2008-10-13;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 24 hours
|
Amazon: £8.98
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
You Are The Best Thing Baby, 16 Nov 2008
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album , 11 Nov 2008
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
A classic in the making, 02 Nov 2008
After watching Ray LaMontagne singing live on t.v I was hooked. After reading the previous reviews it is apparent that some people do not like this genre of music, and that is fine. However if you do like this genre this album is a must have! I thought Trouble was a great album and was really suprised at how much Ray LaMontagne had grown musically for the classic TTSTB. Well he has just done it again. In Gossip in the grain Ray LaMontagne has again taken his music writing skills to a new level. After watching him live in his last tour I will be looking forward to watching him perform music from the new album. So to sum it all up, it is rare to find a hugely talented performer without the ego, and this man has talent in abundance.
the difficult third album?, 23 Oct 2008
Having waited a long time for this album to arrive and read the other reviews I didn't know what to expect. Ray however has not let us down, after his masterful first two albums I think he deserves the chance to experiment with other genres and ideas. An album along the lines of his first two, whilst good would not have shown Ray's talent off fully. Gossip in the Grain is superb and as other reviewers have said it is a grower. Certain tracks are immediately classic, whilst others take 3 or 4 listens until you grasp the quality of them. Any Ray fan or for that matter anyone that appreciates songwriting should buy this album. Difficult third album yes, but definitely a classic.
A great show of diversity and longevity, 18 Oct 2008
Like many great albums this is a grower. You'll think you know what your favourites are but you'll listen again and other songs will emerge as magic. Trouble was heartfelt whilst retaining catchiness. TTSTB was dark, epic and moving. `Gossip' is all of those things and so much more. Here Ray shows what he is capable of in Genres from Soul to Country to Folk to Foot Stompin' Blues and back to gut wrenching Soul. This is a man that LISTENS to music. Lots of music and absorbs it like a sponge.
The single (You are the best...) is just pure STAX soul. Let It Be Me takes us back to classic Ray indicative of `Shelter' off Trouble. Wonderful vocals here. Sarah is a wistful ukulele laden number that reminds me of early Van Morrison. I Still Care for You with Leona Naess is a beautiful and calming song (a real grower). Winter Birds is possibly the greatest song the man has ever written. Nick Drake style picking with very strong images conjured up in the lyrics pertaining to the winter months.
After the first half, this album takes a trip through country and blues paying a tongue in cheek homage to Meg White. As well as a glimpse at his sense of humour, Meg White has some very Beatles-esque (White album) backing vocals. There is also use of the Metronome used on the White album. Hey Me, Hey Mama has a real jaunty barn dance feel to it. I can imagine an instrumentally talented southern family jamming this on their porch one Sunday afternoon. Henry Nearly Killed Me is what many fans have been waiting for...a blues foot stomper (hey he has the voice for it). My only complaint about this is that it doesn't breakout to be MORE raucous. A Falling Through (another grower) calms things down to bring us to the end which is the title track. The closing song wouldn't have been out of place on TTSTB with its eerie air about it and the scrape of Ray's pick audible over the strings, a great finish.
Overall I'd give the album 4.5 but settled for 5 (to compensate for the ridiculously childish and uninformed reviews of some of the others). Ray Lame-ontagne?? Deary Me. If you like blues/soul/country plus all the other sounds and individuality associated with established American music, then I recommend giving this a real listen.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Product Description
Subtitled "Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006", Tell Tale Signs, the eighth of Dylan's long running Bootleg series of officially approved outtakes, comes in two formats. The two-disc version consists of 27 tracks, including alternate versions of songs from his last three studio sets: Oh Mercy, Time out of Mind and Modern Times. Even non-obsessives will be seduced by the highlights here. A lovely sparse solo version of "Most of the Time", just Dylan strumming guitar and blowing a wheezy harmonica, outdoes the Daniel Lanois-produced original. The bleak, stately "Can't Escape from You", the sad and beautiful Civil War epic "Cross the Green Mountain", "The Lonesome River" a bluegrass standard with vocals from Ralph Stanley and a great, lo-fi live version of Reverend Gary Davis's influential "Cocaine Blues" are all standouts. Two versions of "Dignity"--a piano demo that reduces it to an oddly naked state and an unexpected rockabilly take--neatly capture the idea behind these volumes--to expose dedicated fans to the overlooked and underestimated parts of Dylan's constantly shifting oeuvre. --Steve Jelbert
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
You Are The Best Thing Baby, 16 Nov 2008
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album , 11 Nov 2008
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
A classic in the making, 02 Nov 2008
After watching Ray LaMontagne singing live on t.v I was hooked. After reading the previous reviews it is apparent that some people do not like this genre of music, and that is fine. However if you do like this genre this album is a must have! I thought Trouble was a great album and was really suprised at how much Ray LaMontagne had grown musically for the classic TTSTB. Well he has just done it again. In Gossip in the grain Ray LaMontagne has again taken his music writing skills to a new level. After watching him live in his last tour I will be looking forward to watching him perform music from the new album. So to sum it all up, it is rare to find a hugely talented performer without the ego, and this man has talent in abundance.
the difficult third album?, 23 Oct 2008
Having waited a long time for this album to arrive and read the other reviews I didn't know what to expect. Ray however has not let us down, after his masterful first two albums I think he deserves the chance to experiment with other genres and ideas. An album along the lines of his first two, whilst good would not have shown Ray's talent off fully. Gossip in the Grain is superb and as other reviewers have said it is a grower. Certain tracks are immediately classic, whilst others take 3 or 4 listens until you grasp the quality of them. Any Ray fan or for that matter anyone that appreciates songwriting should buy this album. Difficult third album yes, but definitely a classic.
A great show of diversity and longevity, 18 Oct 2008
Like many great albums this is a grower. You'll think you know what your favourites are but you'll listen again and other songs will emerge as magic. Trouble was heartfelt whilst retaining catchiness. TTSTB was dark, epic and moving. `Gossip' is all of those things and so much more. Here Ray shows what he is capable of in Genres from Soul to Country to Folk to Foot Stompin' Blues and back to gut wrenching Soul. This is a man that LISTENS to music. Lots of music and absorbs it like a sponge.
The single (You are the best...) is just pure STAX soul. Let It Be Me takes us back to classic Ray indicative of `Shelter' off Trouble. Wonderful vocals here. Sarah is a wistful ukulele laden number that reminds me of early Van Morrison. I Still Care for You with Leona Naess is a beautiful and calming song (a real grower). Winter Birds is possibly the greatest song the man has ever written. Nick Drake style picking with very strong images conjured up in the lyrics pertaining to the winter months.
After the first half, this album takes a trip through country and blues paying a tongue in cheek homage to Meg White. As well as a glimpse at his sense of humour, Meg White has some very Beatles-esque (White album) backing vocals. There is also use of the Metronome used on the White album. Hey Me, Hey Mama has a real jaunty barn dance feel to it. I can imagine an instrumentally talented southern family jamming this on their porch one Sunday afternoon. Henry Nearly Killed Me is what many fans have been waiting for...a blues foot stomper (hey he has the voice for it). My only complaint about this is that it doesn't breakout to be MORE raucous. A Falling Through (another grower) calms things down to bring us to the end which is the title track. The closing song wouldn't have been out of place on TTSTB with its eerie air about it and the scrape of Ray's pick audible over the strings, a great finish.
Overall I'd give the album 4.5 but settled for 5 (to compensate for the ridiculously childish and uninformed reviews of some of the others). Ray Lame-ontagne?? Deary Me. If you like blues/soul/country plus all the other sounds and individuality associated with established American music, then I recommend giving this a real listen.
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
|
|
|
 |
Cardinology
|
Ryan Adams;
Mercury Records Ltd (London);
2008-10-27;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £8.50
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
You Are The Best Thing Baby, 16 Nov 2008
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album , 11 Nov 2008
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
A classic in the making, 02 Nov 2008
After watching Ray LaMontagne singing live on t.v I was hooked. After reading the previous reviews it is apparent that some people do not like this genre of music, and that is fine. However if you do like this genre this album is a must have! I thought Trouble was a great album and was really suprised at how much Ray LaMontagne had grown musically for the classic TTSTB. Well he has just done it again. In Gossip in the grain Ray LaMontagne has again taken his music writing skills to a new level. After watching him live in his last tour I will be looking forward to watching him perform music from the new album. So to sum it all up, it is rare to find a hugely talented performer without the ego, and this man has talent in abundance.
the difficult third album?, 23 Oct 2008
Having waited a long time for this album to arrive and read the other reviews I didn't know what to expect. Ray however has not let us down, after his masterful first two albums I think he deserves the chance to experiment with other genres and ideas. An album along the lines of his first two, whilst good would not have shown Ray's talent off fully. Gossip in the Grain is superb and as other reviewers have said it is a grower. Certain tracks are immediately classic, whilst others take 3 or 4 listens until you grasp the quality of them. Any Ray fan or for that matter anyone that appreciates songwriting should buy this album. Difficult third album yes, but definitely a classic.
A great show of diversity and longevity, 18 Oct 2008
Like many great albums this is a grower. You'll think you know what your favourites are but you'll listen again and other songs will emerge as magic. Trouble was heartfelt whilst retaining catchiness. TTSTB was dark, epic and moving. `Gossip' is all of those things and so much more. Here Ray shows what he is capable of in Genres from Soul to Country to Folk to Foot Stompin' Blues and back to gut wrenching Soul. This is a man that LISTENS to music. Lots of music and absorbs it like a sponge.
The single (You are the best...) is just pure STAX soul. Let It Be Me takes us back to classic Ray indicative of `Shelter' off Trouble. Wonderful vocals here. Sarah is a wistful ukulele laden number that reminds me of early Van Morrison. I Still Care for You with Leona Naess is a beautiful and calming song (a real grower). Winter Birds is possibly the greatest song the man has ever written. Nick Drake style picking with very strong images conjured up in the lyrics pertaining to the winter months.
After the first half, this album takes a trip through country and blues paying a tongue in cheek homage to Meg White. As well as a glimpse at his sense of humour, Meg White has some very Beatles-esque (White album) backing vocals. There is also use of the Metronome used on the White album. Hey Me, Hey Mama has a real jaunty barn dance feel to it. I can imagine an instrumentally talented southern family jamming this on their porch one Sunday afternoon. Henry Nearly Killed Me is what many fans have been waiting for...a blues foot stomper (hey he has the voice for it). My only complaint about this is that it doesn't breakout to be MORE raucous. A Falling Through (another grower) calms things down to bring us to the end which is the title track. The closing song wouldn't have been out of place on TTSTB with its eerie air about it and the scrape of Ray's pick audible over the strings, a great finish.
Overall I'd give the album 4.5 but settled for 5 (to compensate for the ridiculously childish and uninformed reviews of some of the others). Ray Lame-ontagne?? Deary Me. If you like blues/soul/country plus all the other sounds and individuality associated with established American music, then I recommend giving this a real listen.
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
Ryan makes me go Blue, 12 Nov 2008
As a hugh Ryan/Whiskeytown fan since the beginings this new full length release makes me want to shed tears of disbelief. This is surely a demo album of poor unreleased FILLER tracks ? I cannot believe that this is the same Ryan Adams that has written so many classics in the past. His writing has become mundane and formulatic and has lost it's power to make you feel happy and sad in one fell swoop. Even after several listens this is not sticking to my memory like most albums Ryan has made (bar Rock n roll). The guy wants to get out more and feel the vibe from his fans.
best cardinals yes?, 08 Nov 2008
another year has given us another ryan adams album following up from easy tiger,this see's ryan and the cardinals at there best yet,its a very rewarding album to listen to and take a good few listens to fully appreciate,forgot some of the negative reviews this has recieved this is classic ryan no doubt,a 5 star buy.
what is he doing!, 07 Nov 2008
I am a huge ryan adams fan but this record is so bad I had to keep reminding myself that this is the same guy who wrote sweet carolina, world war 24 and when the stars go blue etc etc..
The most notably awful aspect apart from the labouriously tired arangements are his trite lyrics. There are many cringe worthy moments like "some of us a strong, some of us are weak" wow now thats mindblowing or the wonderfully observational "what goes around comes around", where has this mans abundant talent gone?! The only explanation I can come up with is someone gave him a challenge to write an album in a week and he didnt start writing it until the night before.
I heard cardinology three days before going to see him in manchester and i just pray that he plays nothing from this record, and hopefully there will be someone at the gig that i can flog the cd too. Two regal king size and a midget gem will probably twist my arm...
Magick? Sadly not this time, 03 Nov 2008
An exercise in treading water and perhaps a bit too much democracy at work here? It is certainly not the complete drivel of "Rock n Roll", by far Adams's worse album, but sadly it is no where near the greatness of anything in the Whiskeytown era nor for that matter previous Cardinals epics like "Cold Roses". Solid songs can be found in the first 3 songs especially "Go Easy". Excellent songs are the atmospheric rocker Cobwebs, the lovely "Crossed out Name" and the excellent "Stop" which would sit happily on "29". Stinkers include Magick. God knows what happens when Adams goes for straightforward rock but he ends up sounding like The Knack! Truly awful are Natural Ghost (Adams coasting with horrible lyrics) and "Let me down easy" which repeats the songline to the point of tedium. Some of the other songs are ok but its all so safe and dare I say rather dull? On the positive note it would be surprising if anyone could live the with the early standards that Adams set for himself with some of the greatest albums in rock history especially Heartbreaker and Gold. Like all great artists such as Neil Young or Bob Dylan he has to be viewed by the whole spectrum of his work which will inevitably see some dips in the quality control. Alternatively if you want some bands on the top of their form get the Felice Brothers newish album or the brilliant Fleet Foxes and of course Elbows "Seldom Seen Kid".
PS listened to this now for at least 3 weeks, it is not a grower!
How does he do it- Wow, 30 Oct 2008
The Cardinals blow everything else around at the moment out of the water. Cardinology is right up there with Ryan's best work (Cold Roses, Jcn and Love Is hell). Forget the stupid arguement that Ryan needs an editor, in my view all of his albums bar a minor blip with Rock 'n' Roll are genius.
Back to Cardinolgy, it gets better with every listen. My Favourite tracks change daily, at the moment they are Go Easy, Fix It, Let Us Down Easy, Natural Ghost and Evergreen. These 13 songs have the beauty and simplicity of the Grateful dead at their very best. Thanks again Cardinals.
|
|
|
 |
Raising Sand
|
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss;
Decca;
2007-10-29;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £5.49
|
|
|
Product Description
Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and bluegrass crooner Alison Krauss may not be the likeliest of musical combinations. But on this welcome collaboration album, they work beautifully together, wringing a kind of magic from other people's songs. The key to the album is its versatility. Between them, Krauss and Plant can handle a vast repertoire on their own, and here they take on the lot, from folk laments and country soul to searing blues and upbeat rock & roll. Overseen by Elvis Costello producer T Bone Burnett and backed by high caliber musicians like guitarist Marc Ribot and multi-instrumentalist Mike Seeger, Raising Sand sees the duo create stellar covers of songs by Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Mel Tillis and The Everly Brothers, among others. Highlights include a killer version of Roly Salley's "Killing the Blues", and a cover of the Plant-Page collaboration "Please Read the Letter," though in truth, it's difficult to find a weak spot on the whole album. --Danny McKenna
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
You Are The Best Thing Baby, 16 Nov 2008
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album , 11 Nov 2008
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
A classic in the making, 02 Nov 2008
After watching Ray LaMontagne singing live on t.v I was hooked. After reading the previous reviews it is apparent that some people do not like this genre of music, and that is fine. However if you do like this genre this album is a must have! I thought Trouble was a great album and was really suprised at how much Ray LaMontagne had grown musically for the classic TTSTB. Well he has just done it again. In Gossip in the grain Ray LaMontagne has again taken his music writing skills to a new level. After watching him live in his last tour I will be looking forward to watching him perform music from the new album. So to sum it all up, it is rare to find a hugely talented performer without the ego, and this man has talent in abundance.
the difficult third album?, 23 Oct 2008
Having waited a long time for this album to arrive and read the other reviews I didn't know what to expect. Ray however has not let us down, after his masterful first two albums I think he deserves the chance to experiment with other genres and ideas. An album along the lines of his first two, whilst good would not have shown Ray's talent off fully. Gossip in the Grain is superb and as other reviewers have said it is a grower. Certain tracks are immediately classic, whilst others take 3 or 4 listens until you grasp the quality of them. Any Ray fan or for that matter anyone that appreciates songwriting should buy this album. Difficult third album yes, but definitely a classic.
A great show of diversity and longevity, 18 Oct 2008
Like many great albums this is a grower. You'll think you know what your favourites are but you'll listen again and other songs will emerge as magic. Trouble was heartfelt whilst retaining catchiness. TTSTB was dark, epic and moving. `Gossip' is all of those things and so much more. Here Ray shows what he is capable of in Genres from Soul to Country to Folk to Foot Stompin' Blues and back to gut wrenching Soul. This is a man that LISTENS to music. Lots of music and absorbs it like a sponge.
The single (You are the best...) is just pure STAX soul. Let It Be Me takes us back to classic Ray indicative of `Shelter' off Trouble. Wonderful vocals here. Sarah is a wistful ukulele laden number that reminds me of early Van Morrison. I Still Care for You with Leona Naess is a beautiful and calming song (a real grower). Winter Birds is possibly the greatest song the man has ever written. Nick Drake style picking with very strong images conjured up in the lyrics pertaining to the winter months.
After the first half, this album takes a trip through country and blues paying a tongue in cheek homage to Meg White. As well as a glimpse at his sense of humour, Meg White has some very Beatles-esque (White album) backing vocals. There is also use of the Metronome used on the White album. Hey Me, Hey Mama has a real jaunty barn dance feel to it. I can imagine an instrumentally talented southern family jamming this on their porch one Sunday afternoon. Henry Nearly Killed Me is what many fans have been waiting for...a blues foot stomper (hey he has the voice for it). My only complaint about this is that it doesn't breakout to be MORE raucous. A Falling Through (another grower) calms things down to bring us to the end which is the title track. The closing song wouldn't have been out of place on TTSTB with its eerie air about it and the scrape of Ray's pick audible over the strings, a great finish.
Overall I'd give the album 4.5 but settled for 5 (to compensate for the ridiculously childish and uninformed reviews of some of the others). Ray Lame-ontagne?? Deary Me. If you like blues/soul/country plus all the other sounds and individuality associated with established American music, then I recommend giving this a real listen.
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
Ryan makes me go Blue, 12 Nov 2008
As a hugh Ryan/Whiskeytown fan since the beginings this new full length release makes me want to shed tears of disbelief. This is surely a demo album of poor unreleased FILLER tracks ? I cannot believe that this is the same Ryan Adams that has written so many classics in the past. His writing has become mundane and formulatic and has lost it's power to make you feel happy and sad in one fell swoop. Even after several listens this is not sticking to my memory like most albums Ryan has made (bar Rock n roll). The guy wants to get out more and feel the vibe from his fans.
best cardinals yes?, 08 Nov 2008
another year has given us another ryan adams album following up from easy tiger,this see's ryan and the cardinals at there best yet,its a very rewarding album to listen to and take a good few listens to fully appreciate,forgot some of the negative reviews this has recieved this is classic ryan no doubt,a 5 star buy.
what is he doing!, 07 Nov 2008
I am a huge ryan adams fan but this record is so bad I had to keep reminding myself that this is the same guy who wrote sweet carolina, world war 24 and when the stars go blue etc etc..
The most notably awful aspect apart from the labouriously tired arangements are his trite lyrics. There are many cringe worthy moments like "some of us a strong, some of us are weak" wow now thats mindblowing or the wonderfully observational "what goes around comes around", where has this mans abundant talent gone?! The only explanation I can come up with is someone gave him a challenge to write an album in a week and he didnt start writing it until the night before.
I heard cardinology three days before going to see him in manchester and i just pray that he plays nothing from this record, and hopefully there will be someone at the gig that i can flog the cd too. Two regal king size and a midget gem will probably twist my arm...
Magick? Sadly not this time, 03 Nov 2008
An exercise in treading water and perhaps a bit too much democracy at work here? It is certainly not the complete drivel of "Rock n Roll", by far Adams's worse album, but sadly it is no where near the greatness of anything in the Whiskeytown era nor for that matter previous Cardinals epics like "Cold Roses". Solid songs can be found in the first 3 songs especially "Go Easy". Excellent songs are the atmospheric rocker Cobwebs, the lovely "Crossed out Name" and the excellent "Stop" which would sit happily on "29". Stinkers include Magick. God knows what happens when Adams goes for straightforward rock but he ends up sounding like The Knack! Truly awful are Natural Ghost (Adams coasting with horrible lyrics) and "Let me down easy" which repeats the songline to the point of tedium. Some of the other songs are ok but its all so safe and dare I say rather dull? On the positive note it would be surprising if anyone could live the with the early standards that Adams set for himself with some of the greatest albums in rock history especially Heartbreaker and Gold. Like all great artists such as Neil Young or Bob Dylan he has to be viewed by the whole spectrum of his work which will inevitably see some dips in the quality control. Alternatively if you want some bands on the top of their form get the Felice Brothers newish album or the brilliant Fleet Foxes and of course Elbows "Seldom Seen Kid".
PS listened to this now for at least 3 weeks, it is not a grower!
How does he do it- Wow, 30 Oct 2008
The Cardinals blow everything else around at the moment out of the water. Cardinology is right up there with Ryan's best work (Cold Roses, Jcn and Love Is hell). Forget the stupid arguement that Ryan needs an editor, in my view all of his albums bar a minor blip with Rock 'n' Roll are genius.
Back to Cardinolgy, it gets better with every listen. My Favourite tracks change daily, at the moment they are Go Easy, Fix It, Let Us Down Easy, Natural Ghost and Evergreen. These 13 songs have the beauty and simplicity of the Grateful dead at their very best. Thanks again Cardinals.
eclectic percy, 05 Nov 2008
Should be no surprise to find Robert Plant making great music with any musician. Being famous for making music in one genre has never stopped this singer from admiring other forms. He has, after all, appeared with Fairport at Cropredy and was an admirer of the Incredible String Band back in the day. Nice to hear these two together and with such a great band of musicians. Good also, to hear a Doc Watson song being aired. Be interesting to hear Zep cover Doc eh?
An Over-rated Wasted Opportunity, 21 Oct 2008
I'm a fan of both Plant and Krauss and bought this CD without having heard any tracks in advance. I reckoned the juxtaposition of two great but very different talents was bound to result in something new and interesting. Ouch!!! How wrong I was. I sold it on eBay the next week.
This album sounds like the pair were brought together by their marketing teams to make an unchallenging, easy-listening sure-fire hit for a bland middle of the road market. Sure, if this was the intention then the project is a great contribution to their pension funds. But it does nothing to push any musical boundaries or take any risks.
There's a good selection of songs (I've heard many of them performed to much higher standards by other artists) but Plant and Krauss don't capitalise on them at all. The performances are routine, the harmonies - which are few and far between - are predictable and uninspired, and the very respectable band sound bored. Where are the soaring vocals, the heartbreak, the anger? Where is the empathy and interaction between the singers, and with the band?
I understand this album was one of those projects where the singers never met, choosing instead to record their parts in separate studios at separate times. And presumably the band parts were recorded first so that Krauss and Plant could add the vocals later, karaoke style. If this is the case, it's no wonder it sounds so DULL, DULL, DULL.
Interestingly, all reports are that their concerts are fabulous. Maybe once they get together they really do produce magic. But there ain't none of it on the CD.
Like so much other commercial music (and films, TV programmes etc.) this is aimed at an undemanding mass market that laps up such tedious fodder and bestows it accolades and awards. Don't believe a word! Unless, that is, you are a member of the target audience in which case you might find it more stretching that boy bands, girl bands and other manufactured dross.
Let's hope that after all their touring and actually singing together RP and AK make a follow-up album that shows what they can really do. One lame duck isn't gonna put me off them for good...
Disappointed, 25 Sep 2008
Heard great things about this album over some period of time before I bought it, heard Gone, gone, gone and thought Hmmmmm, I'd give it a go.....
Can't say much more than I think it's just a mediocre musical outing by two accomplished performers.
It's not the electric mix of eclectic styles that people make it out to be, it's not a ground-breaking album, it's never going to be in my top ten fave albums [or any list of fave albums].
It is a raggle-taggle collection of songs, some a bit too similar to its partners on the album to make it an overall half-decent listen, it is performed reasonably well, but it lacks any dynamic or soul......all in all not my cup of tea.
If I was on Juke Box Jury I might say I'll give it foive, but as I can only mark up to 5 it gets a 1 and I'll look to pass it on as a gift to some unsuspecting member of my wife's family.
So Good!!! The Golden god did it again!!, 09 Sep 2008
Since I got my deliver this morning I can't stop playing it. Their voices work so well together, the music is absorbing and it brings you a very special energy.
And if you want a little bit more of the Golden god buy also Might Rearranger another fantastic CD of Plant.
A dreadful waste of talent - and music buyer's money!, 22 Jun 2008
Sadly someone obviously suggested to Robert Plant that this would be a good idea....recording a (mostly) countryesque album with Alison Krauss. They were wrong!! I have no problem with Plant (or anyone else for that matter) trying new things, but please..... this was a bad idea that should have stayed just that.... an idea!! Why on earth so many people feel the need to heap praise on this album is beyond me - it has no redeming qualities to my ears whatsoever - even if Robert Plant is involved.......come to think of it that old story of the Emporer's new clothes comes to mind!!
|
|
|
 |
Lessons To Be Learned
|
Gabriella Cilmi;
Universal;
2008-03-31;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 24 hours
|
Amazon: £4.97
|
|
|
Product Description
It's hard to imagine someone even younger than 19-year-old Laura Marling making a splash on the music scene, but 16-year-old Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi is doing a pretty good job. Having smashed apart stereotypes of innocence with her killer single "(There's Nothing) Sweet About Me", Cilmi (pronounced "Chill Me") now offers a debut that's not only lyrically and emotionally mature, but boasts the kind of potent musical content guaranteed to propel you towards the dancefloor. Lessons To Be Learned is a diverse bag. Produced by Xenomania (Girls Aloud, Sugababes) it's seemingly influenced by everyone from Stevie Wonder and the Kings of Leon, though it'll inevitably draw the most comparisons to Amy Winehouse, thanks to Cilmi's soaring vocals, the record's modern-Motown feel and Xenomania's bright, punchy production. Opener "Save The Lies", though, is nothing like Winehouse--a big, in-your-face disco-stomper with a massive irrefutable chorus. The record drops from there into sultry soul territory with tracks like "Sanctuary", "Einstein", and "Safer", and more upbeat fare such as the electronic "Don't Wanna Go To Bed Now", rocky tracks like "Messy" and the bluesy "Cigarettes And Lies". These stylistic diversions set Cilmi apart from the rest of the 'new soul' brigade, and help give her a voice of her own.--Danny McKenna
Customer Reviews
Brilliant, 22 Oct 2008
Morrison's opening single The Only Night is an unusually upbeat pop record for the album, setting the mood for a mixed bag of gems that throw you a variety of moods from happiness to sorrow.
The next two singles, Save Yourself and You Make It Real have James Morrison written all over them.. in a good way. There's a part of me that feels You Make It Real's chorus resembles a more down beat version Simply Red's stars, if only for a second or two. You Make It Real still manages to be an utterly original and sensual melody, paving the way for a variety of even more appealing single releases.
The dramatic, melancholy collaboration with Nelly Furtado might remind you of Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright's brilliant Set The Fire To The Third Bar and Precious Love puts Morrison's vocals to an emotional high as he wails powerfully through the song's smooth and catchy chorus.
If you were a fan of Morrison's first album, Undiscovered, you cannot afford to miss out on songs for you, truths for me. James' new album is everything it's first had.. and more.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmm!!!!, 18 Oct 2008
Fab!
You may have seen my review of James' first album..... well, this second offering is every bit as good!!
Go out and buy it!
Definitely deserves 5 stars and surely should win a few awards - or is it, indeed, too good for such awards? You decide - I know what I think!!!
Brilliant, 10 Oct 2008
I love,love,love this album!
Undiscovered was great-this is better!!
I am seeing him in concert next month and now cannot wait
Brilliant songwriter,brilliant voice
My word!!!, 09 Oct 2008
So few albums have caught me straight away like this did. I bought it and popped it in the car while I was driving to and from the hospital during the protracted arrival of my first child and it blew me away. The magnitude of the occasion may have had something to do with it but I was unable to listen to the first track without fighting away tears. Several of the tracks were powerful enough to hook straight away and all the others have now grown so that I find myself singing along, very badly indeed, to nearly all of them. His vocal is beyond incredible, something I initially learned with "Undiscovered" but in my ignorant opinion it has exploded on this album to create a unique and emotional cd.
Even Better Than His Debut Album!, 30 Sep 2008
If you thought this fella's debut album was good, wait until you hear this! For me this album is a big improvement on his first album. Every song on this album is excellent, apart from 'Dream On Hayley' which doesn't do anything for me. Heck 11 out of 12 good songs ain't bad! All the other songs are worthy of being released as singles.
You Are The Best Thing Baby, 16 Nov 2008
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album , 11 Nov 2008
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
A classic in the making, 02 Nov 2008
After watching Ray LaMontagne singing live on t.v I was hooked. After reading the previous reviews it is apparent that some people do not like this genre of music, and that is fine. However if you do like this genre this album is a must have! I thought Trouble was a great album and was really suprised at how much Ray LaMontagne had grown musically for the classic TTSTB. Well he has just done it again. In Gossip in the grain Ray LaMontagne has again taken his music writing skills to a new level. After watching him live in his last tour I will be looking forward to watching him perform music from the new album. So to sum it all up, it is rare to find a hugely talented performer without the ego, and this man has talent in abundance.
the difficult third album?, 23 Oct 2008
Having waited a long time for this album to arrive and read the other reviews I didn't know what to expect. Ray however has not let us down, after his masterful first two albums I think he deserves the chance to experiment with other genres and ideas. An album along the lines of his first two, whilst good would not have shown Ray's talent off fully. Gossip in the Grain is superb and as other reviewers have said it is a grower. Certain tracks are immediately classic, whilst others take 3 or 4 listens until you grasp the quality of them. Any Ray fan or for that matter anyone that appreciates songwriting should buy this album. Difficult third album yes, but definitely a classic.
A great show of diversity and longevity, 18 Oct 2008
Like many great albums this is a grower. You'll think you know what your favourites are but you'll listen again and other songs will emerge as magic. Trouble was heartfelt whilst retaining catchiness. TTSTB was dark, epic and moving. `Gossip' is all of those things and so much more. Here Ray shows what he is capable of in Genres from Soul to Country to Folk to Foot Stompin' Blues and back to gut wrenching Soul. This is a man that LISTENS to music. Lots of music and absorbs it like a sponge.
The single (You are the best...) is just pure STAX soul. Let It Be Me takes us back to classic Ray indicative of `Shelter' off Trouble. Wonderful vocals here. Sarah is a wistful ukulele laden number that reminds me of early Van Morrison. I Still Care for You with Leona Naess is a beautiful and calming song (a real grower). Winter Birds is possibly the greatest song the man has ever written. Nick Drake style picking with very strong images conjured up in the lyrics pertaining to the winter months.
After the first half, this album takes a trip through country and blues paying a tongue in cheek homage to Meg White. As well as a glimpse at his sense of humour, Meg White has some very Beatles-esque (White album) backing vocals. There is also use of the Metronome used on the White album. Hey Me, Hey Mama has a real jaunty barn dance feel to it. I can imagine an instrumentally talented southern family jamming this on their porch one Sunday afternoon. Henry Nearly Killed Me is what many fans have been waiting for...a blues foot stomper (hey he has the voice for it). My only complaint about this is that it doesn't breakout to be MORE raucous. A Falling Through (another grower) calms things down to bring us to the end which is the title track. The closing song wouldn't have been out of place on TTSTB with its eerie air about it and the scrape of Ray's pick audible over the strings, a great finish.
Overall I'd give the album 4.5 but settled for 5 (to compensate for the ridiculously childish and uninformed reviews of some of the others). Ray Lame-ontagne?? Deary Me. If you like blues/soul/country plus all the other sounds and individuality associated with established American music, then I recommend giving this a real listen.
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
Ryan makes me go Blue, 12 Nov 2008
As a hugh Ryan/Whiskeytown fan since the beginings this new full length release makes me want to shed tears of disbelief. This is surely a demo album of poor unreleased FILLER tracks ? I cannot believe that this is the same Ryan Adams that has written so many classics in the past. His writing has become mundane and formulatic and has lost it's power to make you feel happy and sad in one fell swoop. Even after several listens this is not sticking to my memory like most albums Ryan has made (bar Rock n roll). The guy wants to get out more and feel the vibe from his fans.
best cardinals yes?, 08 Nov 2008
another year has given us another ryan adams album following up from easy tiger,this see's ryan and the cardinals at there best yet,its a very rewarding album to listen to and take a good few listens to fully appreciate,forgot some of the negative reviews this has recieved this is classic ryan no doubt,a 5 star buy.
what is he doing!, 07 Nov 2008
I am a huge ryan adams fan but this record is so bad I had to keep reminding myself that this is the same guy who wrote sweet carolina, world war 24 and when the stars go blue etc etc..
The most notably awful aspect apart from the labouriously tired arangements are his trite lyrics. There are many cringe worthy moments like "some of us a strong, some of us are weak" wow now thats mindblowing or the wonderfully observational "what goes around comes around", where has this mans abundant talent gone?! The only explanation I can come up with is someone gave him a challenge to write an album in a week and he didnt start writing it until the night before.
I heard cardinology three days before going to see him in manchester and i just pray that he plays nothing from this record, and hopefully there will be someone at the gig that i can flog the cd too. Two regal king size and a midget gem will probably twist my arm...
Magick? Sadly not this time, 03 Nov 2008
An exercise in treading water and perhaps a bit too much democracy at work here? It is certainly not the complete drivel of "Rock n Roll", by far Adams's worse album, but sadly it is no where near the greatness of anything in the Whiskeytown era nor for that matter previous Cardinals epics like "Cold Roses". Solid songs can be found in the first 3 songs especially "Go Easy". Excellent songs are the atmospheric rocker Cobwebs, the lovely "Crossed out Name" and the excellent "Stop" which would sit happily on "29". Stinkers include Magick. God knows what happens when Adams goes for straightforward rock but he ends up sounding like The Knack! Truly awful are Natural Ghost (Adams coasting with horrible lyrics) and "Let me down easy" which repeats the songline to the point of tedium. Some of the other songs are ok but its all so safe and dare I say rather dull? On the positive note it would be surprising if anyone could live the with the early standards that Adams set for himself with some of the greatest albums in rock history especially Heartbreaker and Gold. Like all great artists such as Neil Young or Bob Dylan he has to be viewed by the whole spectrum of his work which will inevitably see some dips in the quality control. Alternatively if you want some bands on the top of their form get the Felice Brothers newish album or the brilliant Fleet Foxes and of course Elbows "Seldom Seen Kid".
PS listened to this now for at least 3 weeks, it is not a grower!
How does he do it- Wow, 30 Oct 2008
The Cardinals blow everything else around at the moment out of the water. Cardinology is right up there with Ryan's best work (Cold Roses, Jcn and Love Is hell). Forget the stupid arguement that Ryan needs an editor, in my view all of his albums bar a minor blip with Rock 'n' Roll are genius.
Back to Cardinolgy, it gets better with every listen. My Favourite tracks change daily, at the moment they are Go Easy, Fix It, Let Us Down Easy, Natural Ghost and Evergreen. These 13 songs have the beauty and simplicity of the Grateful dead at their very best. Thanks again Cardinals.
eclectic percy, 05 Nov 2008
Should be no surprise to find Robert Plant making great music with any musician. Being famous for making music in one genre has never stopped this singer from admiring other forms. He has, after all, appeared with Fairport at Cropredy and was an admirer of the Incredible String Band back in the day. Nice to hear these two together and with such a great band of musicians. Good also, to hear a Doc Watson song being aired. Be interesting to hear Zep cover Doc eh?
An Over-rated Wasted Opportunity, 21 Oct 2008
I'm a fan of both Plant and Krauss and bought this CD without having heard any tracks in advance. I reckoned the juxtaposition of two great but very different talents was bound to result in something new and interesting. Ouch!!! How wrong I was. I sold it on eBay the next week.
This album sounds like the pair were brought together by their marketing teams to make an unchallenging, easy-listening sure-fire hit for a bland middle of the road market. Sure, if this was the intention then the project is a great contribution to their pension funds. But it does nothing to push any musical boundaries or take any risks.
There's a good selection of songs (I've heard many of them performed to much higher standards by other artists) but Plant and Krauss don't capitalise on them at all. The performances are routine, the harmonies - which are few and far between - are predictable and uninspired, and the very respectable band sound bored. Where are the soaring vocals, the heartbreak, the anger? Where is the empathy and interaction between the singers, and with the band?
I understand this album was one of those projects where the singers never met, choosing instead to record their parts in separate studios at separate times. And presumably the band parts were recorded first so that Krauss and Plant could add the vocals later, karaoke style. If this is the case, it's no wonder it sounds so DULL, DULL, DULL.
Interestingly, all reports are that their concerts are fabulous. Maybe once they get together they really do produce magic. But there ain't none of it on the CD.
Like so much other commercial music (and films, TV programmes etc.) this is aimed at an undemanding mass market that laps up such tedious fodder and bestows it accolades and awards. Don't believe a word! Unless, that is, you are a member of the target audienc | | |