American Jukebox Fables

American Jukebox Fables

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Imagine songs in the populist, topical tradition of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger set to the soundscapes of Moby-style electronica. Not all of Ellis Paul's first album in three years offers such an aural adventure, but the opening track, "Blacktop Train," combines propulsive syncopation, synthesized punctuation, and an ethereal female vocal that take the music far from folk convention, while "Kiss the Sun (A Song for Pat Tillman)" sets acoustic guitar to a digital pulse. In the centerpiece that passes for a title track, the veteran New England troubadour asks for a jukebox instead of a headstone on his grave, evoking a litany of inspirations that extend from Hank Williams and George Jones to Marvin Gaye and Joni Mitchell. Though Paul's reedy vocal remains relentlessly earnest, and his lyrics can get a little precious ("Time is a bird that can't be caged"; "I want to paint your world like Marc Chagall"), the inventive arrangements and buoyant melodies help lighten the artistic load. --Don McLeese

Product Description
Ellis Paul has never stood still. Whether criss-crossing the country on concert tours or exploring new musical and lyrical territory, Paul is in constant motion as one of Boston's finest singer-songwriter exports. On American Jukebox Fables, his first solo CD since 2002's The Speed of Trees, Paul expands his sonic palette still further, adding contemporary flourishes to his signature mix of folk storytelling, beat poetry, and pop songcraft. Anchored by an intimate voice that's grown yet more compelling, and tasteful support from Rachael Davis and producer Flynn, American Jukebox Fables is a moving reflection on the state of the world and matters of the heart.

American Jukebox Fables,Ellis Paul,Philo / Pgd,Contemporary Folk,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Average customer rating:

Four and a half, actually

Ellis Is wonderbar

A Real Grower

Compelling lyrics

Ellis continues with his great music

American Jukebox Fables
Ellis Paul
Manufacturer: Philo / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Speed of Trees

Essentials

Ellis Paul Live

A Carnival of Voices

Translucent Soul

ASIN: B0007VZ9E4
Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

Blacktop Train
Kiss the Sun (A Song for Pat Tillman)
Take All the Sky You Need
Time
Goodbye Hollywood
Marc Chagall
Jukebox on My Grave
Home
Alice's Champagne Palace
She Was
Bad, Bad Blood
Mystified
Clarity

Amazon.com

Imagine songs in the populist, topical tradition of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger set to the soundscapes of Moby-style electronica. Not all of Ellis Paul's first album in three years offers such an aural adventure, but the opening track, "Blacktop Train," combines propulsive syncopation, synthesized punctuation, and an ethereal female vocal that take the music far from folk convention, while "Kiss the Sun (A Song for Pat Tillman)" sets acoustic guitar to a digital pulse. In the centerpiece that passes for a title track, the veteran New England troubadour asks for a jukebox instead of a headstone on his grave, evoking a litany of inspirations that extend from Hank Williams and George Jones to Marvin Gaye and Joni Mitchell. Though Paul's reedy vocal remains relentlessly earnest, and his lyrics can get a little precious ("Time is a bird that can't be caged"; "I want to paint your world like Marc Chagall"), the inventive arrangements and buoyant melodies help lighten the artistic load. --Don McLeese

Album Description

Ellis Paul has never stood still. Whether criss-crossing the country on concert tours or exploring new musical and lyrical territory, Paul is in constant motion as one of Boston's finest singer-songwriter exports. On American Jukebox Fables, his first solo CD since 2002's The Speed of Trees, Paul expands his sonic palette still further, adding contemporary flourishes to his signature mix of folk storytelling, beat poetry, and pop songcraft. Anchored by an intimate voice that's grown yet more compelling, and tasteful support from Rachael Davis and producer Flynn, American Jukebox Fables is a moving reflection on the state of the world and matters of the heart.

Customer Reviews:

Four and a half, actually.......2006-12-05

Ellis Paul has grown by leaps and bounds since his open mic days, but never let go of the passionate freshness of a hungry singer songwriter.
Some of the studio work (produced by Flynn, an Irish musician) misses, but only because it is stepping out of a comfortable circle.
Jukebox is his most polished disc, but still holds onto the intimacy of Ellis Paul's live work.
Live is a different animal from a recording, but Ellis keeps a strand of authenticity between the two.
I own most of his albums and I would rate this as the best introduction to his work for someone coming from a popular music sensibility.
Folkies might be better served by Speed of Trees first and then Jukebox.

Ellis Is wonderbar.......2006-07-10

I could care less if you like my review! This is my favorite Paul album (Yes Paul is his first name!).
Love
Dave from belfast

A Real Grower.......2006-02-09

This Album is one of my favorites of 2005. On first listen the production catches your attention . . . then the album REALLY GROWS on you. Strong songwriting with beautiful and (in the case of Kiss the Sun) timely lyrics.
I highly recommend this album and artist. This was my first exposure to his work and have since seen him live - EVEN BETTER -- studio production leaves his voice a little reedy and flattens Paul's dramatic dynamic range which pulls the audience into each song.

Compelling lyrics.......2005-08-18

This album has Ellis Paul's usual collection of poetic lyrics and solid tunes. His songs are always melodic yet hard to sing with the music off. This album has fewer catchy melodies, with the striking exception of the title track. This album, like most, also contains a song about hitting the road: Alice's Champagne Palace. "We'll raise a glass
lift a chalice
Welcome to Alice's Champagne Palace
The finest bar on the strip in Homer, Alaska
If you're from New York, LA, Dallas,
you'll find a home at the Champagne Palace
Alice will pour you a cold one
Just go ahead and ask her,
if you're running away to Alaska"

Ellis continues with his great music.......2005-07-24

This may be my favorite Ellis Paul CD and I find he continues to develop and hone his style. "Home" is a particular favorite of mine. I gave it 4 of 5 because, as most artists know, there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect.
This is a great CD and I had the pleasure of hearing him play some of the new tunes live, which is always a treat. His years of touring and playing are paying off. Hats off, Ellis!

Music Review:

Recommended Music:

20th Century Mexican Symphonic Music, Vol. 2

Round Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best Of [Original recording remastered] [Import]

21 Winners: Best of Soul

A Child's Celebration of Song, Vol. 2

Where's My Money? [Import]

J.C. Bach: Symphonies Op.3

Deceiver