A Painter Passing Through

A Painter Passing Through

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The camps remain divided on Gordon Lightfoot, largely due to his love-it-or-hate-it 1976 hit single "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Those on the fan side of the line will find reasons to enjoy his 1998 album A Painter Passing Through; the naysayers won't. Lightfoot, nearing 60, has lost much of his lower register, but the tell-tale tics of his singing style are still in place, especially the catch in his voice on Steve McEown's appropriately-titled "I Used to Be a Country Singer." Lightfoot's songwriting skills, however, have not diminished at all, and "Drifters," "Boathouse," and "On Yonge Street" are among the winning tracks on Painter. Fellow Canadian Daniel Lanois guests on the latter two tracks. --Michael Ruby

Tracks:

Drifters
My Little Love
Ringneck Loon
I Used To Be A Country Singer
Boathouse
Much To My Surprise
A Painter Passing Through
On Yonge Street
Red Velvet
Uncle Toad Said

Amazon.com

The camps remain divided on Gordon Lightfoot, largely due to his love-it-or-hate-it 1976 hit single "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Those on the fan side of the line will find reasons to enjoy his 1998 album A Painter Passing Through; the naysayers won't. Lightfoot, nearing 60, has lost much of his lower register, but the tell-tale tics of his singing style are still in place, especially the catch in his voice on Steve McEown's appropriately-titled "I Used to Be a Country Singer." Lightfoot's songwriting skills, however, have not diminished at all, and "Drifters," "Boathouse," and "On Yonge Street" are among the winning tracks on Painter. Fellow Canadian Daniel Lanois guests on the latter two tracks. --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews:

I want my money back!.......2006-08-30

I am a hard-core fan of Gord. But this cd is terrible! It was the only time I've ever written to a music company asking for my money back (of course it was ignored). Then I tried giving it away to my father-in-law, who is also a big fan. Last I saw, it was being used to balance out an uneven chair leg.

Another beautiful piece of art.......2006-03-04

I adore this album. My favorites are 'My Little Love' (great beat), 'Drifters', and 'Painter Passing Through'. I did not care for 'Ringneck Loon' AT FIRST! Now it is beginning to be one of my favorites. This is not an album of radio hits. It is another collection of thoughts and memories of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His aging voice is just 'seasoning' that makes me love his newer music even more. I am so thankful that I 'bumped' into this 'Painter' 35 years ago. His music touches me in a way that no other music could. Keep the records coming Gordon. I am holding my breath waiting for more.

"A Painter's Musical Portrait".......2005-02-02

A Painter Passing Through proves that older is better !! No one can take away the spirit and wisdom of this older Gordon Lightfoot. He still has the experience and musicianship to write good songs. Some nice catchy material can be heard.
Such as : "Drifters" "I Used To Be A Country Singer" "My Little Love" "Much To My Surprise" and the ever expressive song "A Painter Passing Through" When you listen to the words that he so eloquently sings it makes us realize that we really are {Painters Passing Through}. Life has taken Gordon there and back again in the same way that our own lives take us there and back again. It is this life experience that gives us the wisdom, perseverance, knowledge, spirituality and the ablility to relate to the challenges we face. In the Same way that Gordon has. Gordon Lightfoot has struggled and sacrificed in order to bring his music to us and I for one will be ever grateful.
Gordon has made his Life experiences ours through his music.
And that is a Beautiful Thing !! To have the musical ability to share and expose an inner most part of his soul.
His everlasting undying willingness to produce, write, compose and perform for our listening pleasure.!!
" Now Thats " A Painter Passing Through !!!!

A Different Lightfoot.......2004-06-18

I am a younger fan of Gordon Lightfoot. The first album I ever heard of his was Gord's Gold Volume 1. This album is definately not like any of his former albums. His voice has aged, but the songs are enjoyable to listen to. I know that a lot of people don't care for the Ringneck Loon song on this album, but I believe it is just one of those songs he recorded to have fun (I do have to admit, I crack up every time I hear it.) Drifters is a great song, my favorite on this album. Boathouse is a different kind of song, depecting a more restless lightfoot, and I have to admit, some of the rhyms are a bit strange. Much to My Surprise is a great song about reminiscence for Lightfoot, and Uncle Toad is enjoyable as well. My Little Love is sort of catchy, but once again, some of the rhyms are not that great. This album really grows on you, it might not really grab your attention at first, but keep listening, and you will come to see it as a valuable edition to your Gordon Lightfoot collection. I enjoy this album and don't get tired of listening to it, I mean, come on, who else would write a song about a loon? Gordon is still the best in my book!

Lightfoot at his songwriting best.......2003-10-16

Yes, Gordon Lightfoot's voice has lost a little of its luster, but his songwriting skills are still top notch. I think some reviewers were put off by the change in his voice--it is still pretty good--just a little different.

I find that the more I listen to the CD, the more it grows on me. Keep 'em coming, Gordon!

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