Strange Country

Strange Country

Editorial Reviews
From the Label
Born in the "backwoods" of Long Beach, California, Billy Strange had a completely different take on country picking. While Strange spent his formative years on the "hillbilly" circut, his musical arrangements for the likes of Dean Martin and Nancy Sinatra infused his instrumental music with a sound we could only start to describe as "lounge-a-billy" from a strange country. Fittingly enough, the liner notes are by Gerry Casale of DEVO.

Tracks:

New, New Minglewood Blues - The Grateful Dead
Cosmic Charlie - The Grateful Dead
Truckin' - The Grateful Dead
Black Peter - The Grateful Dead
Born Crossed-Eyed - The Grateful Dead
Ripple - The Grateful Dead
Doin' That Rag - The Grateful Dead
Dark Star - The Grateful Dead
High Time - The Grateful Dead
New Speedway Boogie - The Grateful Dead

Tracks:

St. Stephen - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Jack Straw - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Me & My Uncle - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Tennessee Jed - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Cumberland Blues - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Playing In The Band - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Brown-Eyed Woman - The Best OF The Grateful Dead
Ramble On Rose - The Best OF The Grateful Dead

Customer Reviews:

Not a rap album! But it could be.......2007-07-12

I saw this cd at a friends house and was kind of confused. Had the Dead teamed up with Bone Thugs N Harmony?
Anyways, This cd is really good. I like disk 2 better, It is almost exactly "Skull & Roses," but with different versions of the songs. St. Stephen is really good, as are pretty much every other song. I like Disk 1 for New, New Minglewood blues, and the studio version of Dark Star is pretty neat.
I would recommend this more for those who are new to the Dead, maybe as a follow up to Skeletons from the closet or American Beauty. Excellent CD suprisingly, and I highly recommend it.

The second best of album.......2006-12-03

Back in the old days(the 1970's)when we used to go to shows this was one of those tapes that everybody had. We all owned the original albums at home, but whenever a road trip was involved both this and Skeletons were always in the car/van/ect.(along with our concert tapes). This collection seems short by todays cd standards, but this was back in the old days. The thing that was nice about this collection was that it drew heavily on the official live lps as well as including the single versions of Dark Star/Born Cross Eyed. By the way the pictures of the band on the inside of the lp version are nice. It's still a good listen but my only two wish at the time was that they would've used Playing from Bob's Ace and I also wished that they could've used something from Garcia.

Some of the best........2006-02-06

I myself think this is a great set of Dead songs. No "Best Of" is gonna please us all, but what's here is good stuff. We get 18 tracks, half of which any casual fan should know. I've heard "Truckin'" enough times in my life, but I still love "Ripple", "High Time", "Jack Straw", "Tennessee Jed", and most of the others. My only complaint besides a few essential omissions, would be the disc length. However since this was originaly a vinyl-era release, I guess I can deal with a 40 minute second disc. Other options for a collection would be the old "Skeletons From The Closet", the recent career-spanning "Very Best Of" from Rhino, or the box. Nothing wrong with a few albums either. I'd go with "Workingmans Dead", "American Beauty", or "Mars Hotel" if you can find it. "Dead Set" is a decent live disc.

Newcomers Should Get This Second, Not First.......2003-01-17

The Grateful Dead recorded their first 8 albums for Warner Brothers before leaving to form their own record label in 1972. This era of the Dead produced most of their most well known songs, including "Truckin'", "Sugar Magnolia", "Casey Jones", "Dark Star", etc. Warners' initial attempt to compile the best songs from this period resulted in the greatest hits album "Skeletons From The Closet". Then in 1977 they put out this 2 record set (now 2 CDs), which makes an ideal companion to the earlier hits album. Only one song, "Truckin', is repeated from "Skeletons...". They also include a live version of "St. Stephen", the studio version of which had appeared on the earlier collection. It was certainly misleading of them to subtitle this "The Best Of The Grateful Dead". In reality, most of the best songs got put on the first hits album, and this album has the best of what's left over. But what wonderful leftovers! "Ripple" is fantastic, it certainly would have made the cut for the first hits collection if I had compiled it. Other standouts include "Jack Straw", "Me And My Uncle", "Cumberland Blues", "Brown-Eyed Woman", and "Playing In The Band". The previously-mentioned "Dark Star", which has long been a concert favorite of the deadheads (although it doesn't really do much for me), is also here. This album also includes more live recordings than "Skeletons...", so it begins to paint a more accurate portrait of what the Dead were all about than that collection did. If you own "Skeletons..." and are looking for the logical next step, this is it. If you don't already have "Skeletons...", then start there, not here. Of course, many hard-core deadheads would advise skipping the compilations altogether and just going with all the original albums, but for those of us who don't really feel the need to own 15-20 Dead CDs, the compilations work quite nicely.

Love disc 2..........2001-12-27

I bought this cd back in the mid-80's, it replaced my old cassette! I think I've heard disc 2 well over 100 times, this is one of my desert island cd's, I love Jack Straw!

Average customer rating:

Sweetened Classic Poetry
Kris Delmhorst Strange Conversation
inventive & unpredictable
Worth every song!
An old concept well executed.

Strange Conversation
Kris Delmhorst
Manufacturer: Signature Sounds Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000FGFUJU
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Galuppi Baldessare
We'll Go Nore More A-roving
Light Of The Light
Since You Went Away
Strange Conversation
The Drop & The Dream
Invisible Choir
Pretty How Town
Tavern
Water Water
Sea Fever
Everything Is Music

Amazon.com

Rarely has a songwriter joined forces with such a distinguished array of collaborators, as New England's Kris Delmhorst shares credit for this material with the likes of Lord Byron, Walt Whitman, George Eliot, E.E. Cummings, and Rumi. Yet never do these adaptations from poetry (and some prose) have a whiff of academic stuffiness about them. To the contrary--the album could be appreciated as much for its musical range as its literary inspiration, as Delmhorst transforms the Whitman passage she titles "Light of the Light" into exuberantly Beatlesque pop, matches Eliot with a Dixieland brass section on "Invisible Choir," gives Cummings's "Anyone Lived in a Pretty How Town" a ragtime playfulness that evokes memories of the jug band era, and turns the rousing closer of Rumi's "Everything Is Music" into a spirited campfire singalong. She adapts her voice to fit the material and the arrangements, from the breathy intimacy of "Since You Went Away" and the languid torch song "Tavern" (which draws as much from the style of Peggy Lee as the words of Edna St. Vincent Millay) to the edgy, wiry rock of "Water Water." --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Sweetened Classic Poetry.......2007-01-13

Excellent phrasing, as good or better than Norah Jones; fantastic sweet, sincere bluesy voice but not overwhelming; beautiful, heartfelt delivery; great album, looking forward to a follow up (more of the same); recommend listening to recent NPR interview.

Kris Delmhorst Strange Conversation.......2007-01-10

I heard this CD reviewed on KCRW and was very moved by the artist's voice and her idea to convert favorite poems into songs. My favorite track by far is the first on the playlist: Galuppi Baldessare. Delmhorst has sort of a Nora Jones/Shawn Colvin thing going on. Whimsical and deep at the same time. Very enjoyable to listen to at dinner time, with kids, in the car, while working...pretty much any time or place. Go for it!

inventive & unpredictable.......2007-01-10

Heard Kris Delmhorst being interviewed and singing on NPR, and what an interesting project this is! It appealed to me on both literary merits and for the snappy songwriting. The e e cummings poem "Pretty How Town" is not done the way one would expect -- sad or romantic -- but is a perky cowgirl-type song.

Worth every song!.......2007-01-09

I heard an interview of Kris Delmhorst on NPR and clips of her music, and went straigt out and bought this CD. It is one of those CDs that you actually buy because you like all the songs, not just one or two. Nice mellow, high quality Folk music.

An old concept well executed........2007-01-09

I first heard sonme of the tracks from this album on NPR here in the states. The basic concept is simple, take selections of poetry and set them to music.
Notable tracks are Galuppi Baldessare, and Invisible Choir. Galuppi Baldesare comes in with a bounce, a poem about music set to music would be a chalenge for some but Kris's voice swings in with a driving beat and a wonderful diction which makes the words leap out at you. Poetry is wordcraft and this presentation lifts the words off the page and throws them at you. The setings are diverse and ideosyncratic and well worth listening to. Give it a listen, I'm sure you'l like it.

Average customer rating:

Get it
good energy, jamming, and true spirit on display
Exceptional renderings!
Better than expected-Dead transition album
This is not your father's Grateful Dead...

The Strange Remain
The Other Ones
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000HXEV
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

St. Stephen
The Eleven
Jack Straw
Sugaree
Corrina
Only The Strange Remain
White-Wheeled Limousine
Estimated Prophet

Tracks:

Playing In The Band
The Other One
Banyan Tree
Rainbow's Cadillac
Mountains Of The Moon
Friend Of The Devil
Baba Jingo
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider

Amazon.com

There are many parallels between the Grateful Dead and a beloved sports team. Deadheads would fervently root for their squad, cheer wildly for successful spurts, forgive the "team" after a "loss" (subpar show), and return again for the next "game." They even keep track of the "statistics." Now, of course, the team has lost its star player--its heart and soul, its leading scorer, its off-the-court leader--and fans have been forced to readjust expectations. But these Other Ones can still win a few ball games playing an updated style that still leaves plenty of room for improvisation and features new teammates such as old friend Bruce Hornsby, jazz saxophonist Dave Ellis (who broadens the sonic palette), and the twin lead-guitar tandem of Mark Karan and Steve Kimock (who consistently weave intriguing lines around each other). They've added five new "plays" (songs) to the standard Dead playbook and even unearthed a couple of older ones ("St. Stephen," "The Eleven"). Still, without Jerry Garcia, they're no longer championship caliber--maybe at best a playoff contender--and, most important, they're just not as fun to root for. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Get it.......2004-11-10

I went to this tour in 1998. Unfortunately I was 9 years old then. This is a great way to remember the things I don't remember. I've listened to most albums by the Grateful Dead and this is the Grateful Dead. The only thing I wish was on the tour/CD was Jerry. The White Wheeled Limousine and St. Stephens were unbelievable. I think this CD captures the more jam band aspect of the Dead, which is what they're known for. If you want to hear good live music from this band, this is the CD to get.

good energy, jamming, and true spirit on display.......2004-08-02

Not terrific all the way through, but the standout tracks on here make up for the crap (corinna, phil's vocals, and mickey's "singing" for the most part). It's a known fact that Garcia had a musical connection w/Hornsby-listen to some of the east coast fall '90 run for examples aplenty-and it really is the talent of hornsby and the teamwork of Karan/Kimock that makes this set shine. The Jack Straw>Sugaree is pretty much as good as it gets pre or post jerry (alot of heads will beg to differ, but the only Grateful Dead Sugaree that compares is the 12.10.89 LA Forum version-breathtaking!) However, the Jammed-out conclusion of Jack Straw and the tension-and-release style of jamming on the subsequent Sugaree is not to be missed. The Eleven is really well-done, too, and it's lyrics are kind of tough to phrase correctly but Bobby shines here. The Hornsby contributions, particularly White-wheeled limosine, are killer-and modified a bit to suit the particular taste of picky heads.

Complaints? Mountains of the Moon is a welcome tune, and one that the Dead had abondoned long long ago, but Lesh's singing is horrible to be blunt. And alot of people dig Estimated Prophet, but I for one never felt it was that great-more annoying than anything. But the energy and teamwork on display here is easily worth the price. A worthy live double-disc set for any music fan.

Exceptional renderings!.......2002-05-29

Don't let all those post-Garcia Deadhead wannabees fool ya THE OTHER ONES is the real thing. The various selections compliment the original versions(with Garcia)...and even improve on them in some cases. The reason is primarily because THE OTHER ONES never get too spacy or loose, but rather keep it punchy and tight. You could say the sound is more rock oriented and the overall effort shines because of this!!

Better than expected-Dead transition album.......2001-04-14

... The first CD is OK, but the second CD blew me away.

The first CD would only rate 3 to 4 stars. It starts out like a Greatful Dead tribute album, with the band sounding like it is trying to just copy its older versions. The songs are nice, but they are nothing new or special. The good parts are where the band opens up and the guitarists don't try to sound like Garcia. There is no room for the saxophone in the arrangements of the songs, but it is crammed in anyway. The sax is really out of place and just a noisy overlay on some songs. There is also a totally needless version of Garcia's Sugaree.

But at the end of the first CD,the band really starts moving with Estimated Prophet. Everything clicks on this song. It is also a refreshing change of pace since the Dead rarely played it in concert.

The second CD starts with some of the best space music ever played. This is on a par with the wild improvising the group did in the Blues For Allah days. Here the guitars, saxophones and keyboards intermix for a wonderful sound. There are also some very nice accoustic songs with a sound reminiscent of the fantasitic "Without A Net" CD. Friend of the Devil is especially good.

No matter what anyone else says, this is a transistional Grateful Dead album. All the members of the Dead from the nineties are here, except Jerry Garcia and Bill Kruetzman. Even Phil Lesh and Bruce Hornsby are in the group. Even when Jerry Garcia was alive, the Grateful Dead was continually evolving, and going into different phases. This is just a different phase....

This is not your father's Grateful Dead..........2000-12-07

I get so tired of hearing people complain that The Other Ones are band of musicians "trying to be the Grateful Dead without Jerry." But this band is NOT the Grateful Dead...these are the "other ones" from that fabled band. I was fortunate to have witnessed the group both times that they had toured (Summer '98 and Late Summer '00), and this disc does capture, as well as any recording can, the spirit and music that had came out on the '98 tour. The idea was to take the songs made famous by the Grateful Dead and transform it into something different.

Highlights of the discs for me, include the following: A transformed "Saint Stephen-->The Eleven", a rip-roaring "Corrina", a sinewy "The Other One", and the latest Bob Weir-Robert Hunter collaboration, the ethereal "Banyan Tree". In addition, the band has re-arranged several of Bruce Hornsby's songs. It sounds as if they had been written for the Grateful Dead. Listening to "Rainbow's Cadillac", I had almost thought the band was heading into "Franklin's Tower."

The band members are playing extremely well, perhaps in part to the new (and sometime old) players, particularily Bruce Hornsby and Dave Ellis. The guitarists are excellent. Steve Kimock captures the essence of Garcia's silvery-tones, while Mark Karan infuses the music with a touch of rock and blues. Bob Weir sounds "grate", vocally and instrumentally.

In short, buy this disc. It may not be the Grateful Dead, but its still good.

The music never stops...

Strange Noises in the Dark
Average customer rating:

Outraged? Hmm...

Fairly disappointing

It's sure to tickle your crazy bone.

Not their best, but far from the worst

The Lizards keep getting better

Strange Noises in the Dark
Austin Lounge Lizards
Manufacturer: Blue Corn Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
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Lizard Vision

ASIN: B0000D8L42
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Strange Noises In The Dark
We Always Fight when We Drink Gin
Susie Rosen's Nose
You Can Eat Dog Food
Jesse + Phil
Merchants' Lunch
Tastes Like Chicken
The Lonely Yodeler
Why Couldn't We Blow Up Saddam?
Snopes' Glory
The Miracle Baby
When I'm Cleanin' Windows
Maverick: A Love Song
Banana Slugs! Racing Down The Field (Proposed UC-Santa Cruz Fight Song)

Customer Reviews:

Outraged? Hmm..........2006-10-17

O.K, I must admit that I read the first review and I was swayed by it. Then I read the second review and strayed right back! I suggest that you read both of them and you decide who has the agenda here... Apparently, someone was offended - Mercy Me - Quel Formage! (sp?)
I've played, off and on, in a loosly described circle-of-friends "band" since High School (right after High School was invented) and when we play an "outrageous" song we always preface it with the warning that a song can't be outrageous unless someone is outraged - i.e. if it's you, "Thanks" from the rest of us!
I based my 5 stars on the song snippets provided on this page (Thank You Amazon!) and I'm placing my order today!

Fairly disappointing.......2004-04-18

As one who fancies himself a listener of music that is so far out of the mainstream that its not even in the 100 year flood plain, I was excited when I received a copy of the Austin Lounge Lizards latest disc, "Strange Noises in the Dark". Although I'd never actually heard the band before, I knew them from their reputation, hearing of them from various acquaintances over the years. Slipping in the disc and listening with eager anticipation I heard many things that I'm sure the band would be noted for. I heard a band with a tight sound that featured some great solo work by Eamon McLoughlin on the violin. His stinging style and rich tones clearly stood out on the title track and on "Susie Rosen's Nose". I also heard some inventive banjo and dobro work by Tom Pittman. I heard a tasty arrangement of the original instrumental entitled "Snopes Glory"; not flashy, but having a smooth expression and a tune that stuck in my cranium. I heard some creative rhythms on the title track, some thumpin' country featuring the fine vocals of singer Kelley Willis on "We Always Fight..", and some genuinely funny lyrics in "Tastes Like Chicken". I enjoyed the accents and creative voice arrangements on "The Lonely Yodeler", "Nose", and "Windows".

But overall, I found the album fairly disappointing. A band may target a particular group with their work, and I felt I really wasn't anywhere near the bands crosshairs. The high school crowd would probably find this stuff really funny. Songs for the sophomoric. Unfortunately, the lyrics represent in large part the society we are becoming: classless, debased, and singing about it song after sordid song. Here's part of the lineup: A song about a guy who can't sleep because he hears his ex having sex in the next apartment night after night; a song about a "peeping" window washer who describes his sights in more detail than I need; a song from a child's point of view about his Mom's affairs while Dad is away, producing brothers and sisters for him. Depressing stuff. Nearly all the songs have the same corrupted bent. And political schlock is fine in small doses, but a little goes along way. Here we get it in three offerings. The material becomes dated quickly, having a half life similar to that of a cold beer on a hot day.

This band could be a lot better by building on their fine musicianship, reducing the tasteless lyrics, and coming up with some more funny material.

It's sure to tickle your crazy bone........2004-01-21

Arf Arf! The Lizards have really outdone themselves. The fourteen tracks on their well-produced "Strange Noises in the Dark" show their influences (and ability to proficiently play) in the stylistic genres of Latin, western swing, Klezmer, bluegrass, folk, classic country, Gypsy jazz, rock, and even Bavarian yodel music. Bob Wills meet Frank Zappa! The ninth album from "the most laughable band in show business" is a guaranteed mirthquake.

For a little historical perspective, Hank Card and Conrad Deisler began writing songs together in 1976 when both were students at Princeton. The Austin Lounge Lizards originally formed in 1980 after the pair moved to Austin (to attend Univ. of Texas law school) and hooked up with banjo and dobro-player Tom Pittman. They began playing small clubs, and then won the 1983 Kerrville Bluegrass Festival band contest. They began touring nationally in 1987. Over the years of recording and touring, they've built a slew of fans who enjoy their wacky weirdness built largely upon satire and parody. Dr. Demento meets Bill Monroe. Appearance on NPR's Morning Edition have launched them to even greater heights. The Lizards will also make a showing on television in "Mostly True Stories - Urban Legends Revealed" on The Learning Channel. Their segment covers the Saguaro Legend about a guy who goes to the desert to shoot saguaro cacti until one falls and kills him. Honored as "Best None of the Above Band," on several occasions by the Austin Chronicle Reader's Poll, the Lizards have also won "Band of the Year" award at the Kerrville Music Awards three times since 1994. Where does guitarist Hank Card find the time to work as a part-time administrative law judge part-time for the State of Texas?

On "Strangers in the Night," one can find songs about singing bedsprings, fighting, drinking gin, getting a nose job, eating dog food, blossoming love between former Senators Jesse Helms and Phil Gramm, and blowing up Saddam. The band is still in fine form, and this disc will keep you in stitches. With their off-beat humor and first-rate musicianship, the Lizards dish up the laughs. Besides their own original material, they draw repertoire from the pens of likes of Emily Kaitz, Tom Paxton, Mike Craver, Mark Graham and others. A favorite is the full band's collaborative effort, "Tastes Like Chicken," with its mouthful of food items. A bluegrassy instrumental, "Snopes' Glory," breaks up the set. The theme of "The Miracle Baby," written by Dreisler and Card, reminded me of a favorite song of mine, "Bennie's From Heaven."

Tom, Hank and Conrad are joined by Boo Resnick (bass, oboe, tambourine) and Eamon McLoughlin (violin, viola, mandolin). The eight guest artists who appear on "Strange Noises in the Dark" add accordion, pedal steel, percussion, tuba, vocals, and even an "Oy Vey" chorus on "Susie Rosen's Nose." Vocalist Kelly Willis does a particularly fine job in the country duet, "We Always Fight When We Drink Gin." It's nice to hear them cover the Red Clay Ramblers' classic "Merchant's Lunch," that was a hit for them about three decades ago. I also enjoyed Eamon's British brogue on the George Formby classic, "When I'm Cleanin' Windows." It's incredible that the University of California Banana Slugs had no fight song....but that's all changed now, thanks to the Austin Lounge Lizards.

In the mood to cop a few laughs? Throw "Strange Noises" onto your disc player and crack your pan. It's sure to tickle your crazy bone. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Not their best, but far from the worst.......2003-12-31

As a long time (ten years now) fan of the lizards I have to say that Strange Noises is a continuation of what makes them the funniest band around.

The title track is a tango that plays to every man's fear when it concerns ex-lovers.

We only fight continues Conrad's series of drinking songs with the added twist of a female duet.

Suzie Rosen's Nose is another Emily Kaitz gem. Although musically it reminds me of "illusion travels by stock car"

Why can't we Blow up Saddam is cute, but now no longer relevent. So Sad.

Phill & Jessie is another slam (deservedly IMO) at some republican politicians.

There is a lot to like here and I would love to know the origin of Merchant's Lunch and Bannana Slugs.

The Lizards keep getting better.......2003-10-23

This CD is a bit of a departure from their earlier work. A bit more country, a bit less bluegrass. There are some unfamiliar vocals on the CD. There is more percussion than the usual studio venture. That said, the Lizards still combine first rate musicianship with sharp political and social wit. Jesse and Phil had me stitches during the evening commute. Hope they can make it to Albuquerque sometime soon.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely the best
Cold Iced Tea And A Piece Of Pie
Undiscovered and Unbelievable
AIN'T THIS GREAT?
Paul Thorn a Giant

Ain't Love Strange
Paul Thorn
Manufacturer: Ark 21
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Behind the Levee

ASIN: B00004STNU
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

Ain't Love Strange
Blue Stew
I Have A Good Day
Burn Down The Trailer Park
What Do You Take Me For?
Fabio + Liberace
Mood Ring
Black Rainbow
Where Was I?
A Lot Of Good Reasons
Help Me Out, Hook Me Up
Accept My Love
Ain't Gonna Beg
That's All I Know Right Now

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely the best.......2004-11-28

Saw Paul Thorn at the Austin City Limits Music Festival and knew that I had to buy this man's albums. Bought three, but this is the most awesome album of all. Think he needs more angst in his life now to continue to create this same caliber of music. He is alternately angry in love, then sorrowful with love. The best tracks on the album are "Ain't love strange", "Burn down the trailer park"-a scary song but hilarious, "Fabio & Liberace",a tale of unusual attraction......I love this car, and "Where was I"...when you stopped loving me. Both rocking, bluesy, this man can sing if nothing else. Buy and you will not regret. I took this to work where the people I work with never heard nor had interest in this type of music and all wanted to know where to buy a copy.

Cold Iced Tea And A Piece Of Pie.......2004-09-21

I think Paul Thorn is a hugely talented guy, and of all his albums, this is my favorite. Paul is known for oddball, quirky songs that are straightforward yet twisted. This CD, more than his others, shows his inner personality as a bit of a refined rebel, not afraid to gently mock situations that most songwriters would steer well clear of.

Of all the songs on the CD, my easy favorite (in fact my favorite Thorn song of all time) is "Burn Down the Trailer Park" a hilarious yet powerful tale of infidelity with the landlord involving not only home repairs but light refreshments. His ability to set the audience up for one rhyme scheme, then deliver another much funnier punch line ("grass" does not rhyme with "pie") all in the midst of an electrifying performance is delightful, and is not fully appreciated until you have seen him in concert. I most recently saw him open for Mark Knopfler, and the crowd roared with laughter throughout this song. Not only is he a great musician, he is a great showman, and I strongly recommend seeing him in concert if you have the opportunity.

This CD is full of pop, rock, country, blues, and comedy, and should not be missed. It genuinely is one of the rare CDs that I play with great regularity. Buy this one today, you will not be disappointed!

Undiscovered and Unbelievable.......2003-10-22

I have been listening to, "Aint Love Strange," for about 3 months along with, "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand." This is a true talent that has largely been undiscovered. One whose beautiful and simple phrasing along with equally simply but poignently-perfect melodies create such an incredible musical combination. Whether happy, sad, amused or beguiled, the listener is going to come away from this album emotionally involved and wanting to hear more.

Among the most accessable and evocative songs on the album, "Where Was I," and "I have a good day," are must listens for anyone. And, the sense of humor on "Burn down the trailer park," and "Ain't Love Strange," are just terrific.

In all, this is one great album from one great artist. If you haven't heard of him, take my advice and take a listen.

AIN'T THIS GREAT?.......2003-10-13

This ex-boxer picked up a guitar & a pen & has added some great songs into the world. He's soulful, funky, funny & smart with a little a dash of alt-country & blues. Every song is well crafted (one exception is track #2 - its just ok). If you dig Wilco, Steve Earle, Mellencamp, Lucinda Williams & Bonnie Raitt pop this one into your player. I dare you not to smile & tap your foot!!!

Paul Thorn a Giant.......2002-10-24

Paul Thorn is a giant talent. He writes and performs with a clarity the is rare in this day and age. His work touches all the emotions in both a down to earth and poetic way. This is that rare album that you will play again and again. Buy this album!!

Average customer rating:

Bummed that "Dah-Veed" never found the fame and fortune he deserved!
Compilation of the most underrated but most talented artist
This is what I would grab if my house was on fire.
This strange garden overflows....
There's Nothing 'Strange' About David's Latest

A Strange Mess Of Flowers
Davíd Garza , and David Garza
Manufacturer: Wide Open Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002I3ZSY
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

Black Music
Kickit
What Do I Know
American Crawl
Stylee
In Eclipse
Right Through You
Theme
No Nothing
Your Sister's Leopard Coat
Conmigo
Dancefloor
How Much Does Your Heart Beat For Me
Don't You Got Time
Who Is Sylvia
More Beats
Joan Of Arc
Valerian Aquarian

Tracks:

Foul Jasmine
Basilica
Lost Umbrella
Last Stop Maidenstone
KBRN
Work All Night
One Drop
Georgia Bo
Confess
All The Way
For Keeps
Artcloud Army Cheer
Clairvoyant
Spirit
Lucky Feather
My Homey Don't Name Names
Almost There
Lullabye Of Barland

Tracks:

I'm All Uh
Silk Tree
Outloud
Summer Drug
Follow You Around
Cold World
Haunt My Heart
Daddy Don't Care
Fleshwound
Quemados
Smoke And Feather
Sweet Girl
Electric Eye
Overwhelmed
While My Hair
Try Me
If I

Tracks:

Dirty Man
Never Still
Cannibal Century
My Sister
Strange
Tagalong Shadow
Burning
Whypsy
Jezebel Grin
Evolve
Secrets
Recluse
Cupid Awake
Neva
Butterflies
Lady Of Guadalupe
Blast
Italia

Customer Reviews:

Bummed that "Dah-Veed" never found the fame and fortune he deserved!.......2007-05-25

Anyone who went to school in Texas in the 90s knows who David Garza is - formerly of the Lovebeads, then solo, then going by "Dah-Veed" before returning to David Garza. His ability to craft alternatingly warm and sultry sounds with jangly good-time music was matched only by his ability to write clever and interesting lyrics - so rare in a market that is glutted with love songs.

As someone above already mentioned, this collection touches on only a few of his lesser known albums. I noted there is only one selection from EYES WIDE OPEN (my personal favorite) and even that song sounds like an acoustic re-recording ("Overwhelmed").

But, a major bonus here is the tracks from his first recordings (formerly available only on cassette, which you would only have found at his live shows). These songs: ("Joan of Arc," "My sister," "Butterflies") are among my favorites of his. I lost interest with David when he shed his original sound and began this journey into more esoteric territory (around the time of the DISCOBALL release) - but this collection has many of his best tracks. Check it out!

Compilation of the most underrated but most talented artist.......2007-01-05

I have waited a long time to write my personal opinion of this album, it will take you a while to digest all of Davíd's different abilities. He's just amazing at everything he writes, plays, sings and composes. It's unbelievable that you will not find his commercial songs in this album (discoball world, or Slave from the Great Expectations Sdtrck). This material is from his many independent albums (almost 20 years of his work) that are not easy to find, but if you're a fan you already know this, but if you're new, you must buy this collection, not just because of the price, but who else is going to select his own songs on 4 music CDs, and add some solo performances in a DVD? It all goes from piano to acoustic to electronic to poems to ballads to rock... Davíd puts his soul into his work, he will make you dance, sing along and cry. He's gifted and he's sharing his beautiful work, luckily he will keep bringing the best music out there. To add, all artwork is done by Davíd. Give great music a chance.

This is what I would grab if my house was on fire........2006-07-20

I can't even explain how much I adore David. I've been a fan for years, but considering Fiona Apple knows her stuff and currently has him on tour with her, I have a feeling he may finally become more popular. I would complain about this, because I am so attached to and in love with his music that I almost feel as if it is mine, but he deserves to be a millionaire, so bring on the new fans!
I first saw David in a Best Buy commercial, and loved the little 30 second snippet of his song "Kinder" so much that I recorded the commercial the next time it came on TV. In it, he said, "My name is David Garza. You don't know me yet, but you will." And YOU SHOULD! Later on I purchased the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies (Alfonso Cuaron's Great Expectations) and found him there with "Slave," one of the most gorgeous songs I had ever heard. It was a struggle to find his albums--I had to special order most of them--so when this came out, I couldn't have been any happier.
First of all the packaging itself is gorgeous: David's own artwork and all of the lyrics. And the music! Inexplicible. It's so perfect, it's beyond words. It'll make you cry, smile, dance, remember, and sing along. I cannot praise this man enough for his songwriting skills, his magnificent guitar playing, and his beautiful voice. I can't think of even one other musician who could put out a box set with this many songs on it and end up with nothing but amazing tracks. You'd be hard-pressed to pick even one song on here that is lacking.
I guess if I had to compare him to someone, I'd quote my friend who said he sounds like Jeff Buckley, Conor Oberst and Elliott Smith all rolled into one. But he's so original that it's basically impossible to compare him to anyone accurately. He is blazing his own trail and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for making the most beautiful, extraordinary music in the world.

This strange garden overflows...........2005-12-19

some stats:
CD#1= 56:46
CD#2= 61:05
CD#3= 61:09
CD#4= 67:15
CD#5= DVD

So much can be said about this inexpensive 4-cd box set with DVD (including all the lyrics AND his personal artwork!). The MASS of collected music assembled here defies easy catagorization. David Garza makes music from all genres and is quite good at it throughout this massive offering.

This set is the essence of pure artistic genius, so complete in itself that one could argue that it's all the David Garza you could possibly need, or want for that matter. If A STRANGE MESS OF FLOWERS could have a downside I suppose that would be it.

The truth of it is...I am hard pressed to find anything to complain about. Sure, there are some tracks I prefer over others,what's new about that? There still is a BOUNTY of top-notch material here (98% worth).
What's his music like? First I would suggest reading over the 6 prior reviews for a "feeeeeeel" of what others say his 'sound' is.
If you like singer/songwriter alternative acoustic folk music, sometimes infused with brian eno'esque sound collages and minimal support musicians, backed by lyrics both personal and mystical and often twisted with strange cosmic wordplay, David is worth a grand listen.

As mentioned by others, David Garza has a full range falsetto, though I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that his vocal phrasing can be (is!) a spot-on Marc Bolan, so exact in all the nuances it's uncanny. More than a few tracks could be misconstrued as bonified T-REX or TYRANOSAURUS REX. Just listen to the tracks 'Your Sister's Leopard Coat' or 'Valerian Aquarian' for examples. Even those song titles hint of Bolan's fantastic imagery (and I think it was Garza's intention too).

You'll have to make your own associations regarding his 'sound'. The output here is so diverse yet coherent that I hear elements of Bob Dylan,T-Rex,Brian Eno,Pink Floyd,...to name a few. There is no Tejano(sic) music here whatsoever. Do not confuse him with the other artist of the same name. The music presented here is something ELSE altogether. I have'nt even gotten around to the DVD yet!

There's Nothing 'Strange' About David's Latest.......2005-03-30

Although one could call this a 'best of' or 'greatest' album, I found it to be much more than that. It's the closest thing to an entire collection that I have been able to come by since my downloading days in college. This 4 disc set incorporates David from his earliest stages and the influence of Tejano, to his newest and more experimental stages. Overall this is an excruciatingly memorable album. Watch out for disc two's "Foul Jasmine", it makes my heart break everytime I hear it. If you are in the mood to really get to know David Garza as an artist, I think this is right for you (man, it's 4 cds and 1 dvd -how cheap!)

Strange Affair/The Return of Ken Whaley Plus Happy Days

Average customer rating:

My troubled but rewarding relationship with Help Yourself
Finally: Strange Affair on c.d.!
Good deal for a 2 CD set and 2 great tracks

Strange Affair/The Return of Ken Whaley Plus Happy Days
Help Yourself
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JTB7
Release Date: 1999-06-14

Tracks:

Strange Affair
Brown Lady
Movie Star
Deanna Call and Scotty
Heaven Row
Excerpts from the Electric Fur Trapper
Many Ways of Meeting

Tracks:

Candy Cane
Pioneers of the West in the Head
Who Killed Paradise?
Amy
Blown Away
Man We're Glad We Know You
It Has to Be
Golden Handshake
Jesus What Are Little Kids For
Virginia
Waiting at the Station
Seashell
I've Got Beautiful You
My Friend
Elephant by My Side

Album Details

Includes 'happy Days' in this Collection of Help Yourself's Albums. 'happy Days' was Originally Included with the 'return of Ken Whaley.'

Customer Reviews:

My troubled but rewarding relationship with Help Yourself.......2004-08-02

Being interested in the British pub rock scene, and happily familiar with one Help Yourself song called "Alabama Lady" (not in this 2-cd package) I bought this set expecting a very good listening experience. To make the story short, I was let down at first. The music didn't welcome me with open arms, some songs were very wonderful indeed but some were just dull and distant. I listened to the cd's over and over again and found "Happy Days" a very good set of songs, light and irresistibly catchy, but "Ken Whaley" and "Strange Affair" were uneven. I started skipping the 12-minute experimental "It Has to Be", since it made my task of getting into the music even more difficult. One by one, all the songs started playing in my head, refusing to stop, and I realised I finally liked them all.

I recently found the other double-album set by Help Yourself, and listened to all 3 cd's in one go. I still hated "It Has to Be", so it's still a track I intend to skip. I'm still working on the albums "Help Yourself" and "Beware the Shadow", but this 2-cd set now has one more proud owner - me.

My favorites on "Strange Affair" are the bouncy title track, the haunting CS&N/America-type ballad "Brown Lady", and the melancholy "Deanna Call and Scotty" - and the nine-and-a-half-minute instumental "The All Electric Fur Trapper" is so ethereal in places you can't help but get enchanted by it.

On "The Return...", the best songs are the immediately catchy "Who Killed Paradise?", the ballad "Amy", which sounds like Barnstorm-period Joe Walsh, and the closing ballad "The Golden Handshake", which is so haunting you expect it to develop more during its 6-minute running time than it actually does. And "Happy Days" is wonderful from start to finish!

So, buy this set, and don't worry if you don't get turned on at first. You will!

Finally: Strange Affair on c.d.!.......2003-07-10

As is the case with the twofer containing Beware of the Shadow and their first album, you get a lot of excellent music on one disc. Musically reminiscent of a blend of the acoustic parts of Led Zep's third album and the Grateful Dead style on American Beauty and Workingman's Dead. Strange Affair is one of the greatest recordings of the early 70's. Unfortunately few heard the band or the lp. This album was played quite bit on the great old FM100 in Memphis which at the time was still "underground". The rest of the cd (Return of Ken Whaley lp plus the Happy Days ep) is good but it's the Strange Affair album that's stayed with me for over 30 years. I would go so far as to say the the instrumental called "The All Electric Fur Trapper" ranks up there with Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky" for best rock instrumental of all time. Excellent liner notes too--

Good deal for a 2 CD set and 2 great tracks.......2000-04-26

Help Yourself was a Welsh band that played in the early seventies. It wasn't a very stable band, and had members move in and out. Some of the members also played in Man. They released 4 albums. This is a two CD set that contains the second (Strange Affair) and fourth (Return of Ken Whaley/Happy Days) albums. The fourth album was released as a double LP, but fits on the second CD. The CD has a nice booklet that includes a barely coherent history of the band.

Every Help Yourself album contained one fantastic extended number, a few good songs, and some bad ones. The extended numbers are from 10 to 14 minutes and include some amazing guitar playing and sometimes great keyboards. This two CD set has two of those tracks, plus one seven minute one that comes fairly close. The rest of the tracks are pop tunes in various styles. Some sound like America (but better musically), CSN (including Steven Stills guitar), England Dan and John Ford Coley and Harry Nilsson. There are other styles that are hard to describe. Some are good and some aren't. Few of these would be worth buying on their own.

Tracks:

Kansas City Southern - Gene Clark
Denver or Wherever - Gene Clark
Release Me Girl - Gene Clark
Hula Bula Man - Gene Clark
Hot Burrito #2
Rise and Fall
Nothing Gets Through to You
Rollin' and Tumblin' - Chris Hillman
Playing the Fool - Chris Hillman
Quits - Chris Hillman
Witching Hour - Chris Hillman
It Doesn't Matter - Chris Hillman

Tracks:

Lover of the Bayou - Roger McGuinn
American Girl - Roger McGuinn
Mr. Spaceman - Roger McGuinn
Why Baby Why/Tiffany Queen
Golden Loom - Roger McGuinn
It's Gone - Roger McGuinn
Chestnut Mare - Roger McGuinn
Dixie Highway - Roger McGuinn
Shoot 'Em - Roger McGuinn
So You Want to Be a Rock & Roll Star - McGuinn, Clark & Hillman
Mr. Tambourine Man - McGuinn, Clark & Hillman
Eight Miles High - Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, Roger McGuinn

Album Details

This Two CD Set features the Entire Concert Recorded Live at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.

Customer Reviews:

Clark and Hillman rule.......2006-07-22

It's hard to say who's band put on the better performance for this two disc collection. Gene Clark leads things off with the brevity of a four track set, but it's an explosive one. Chris Hillman drops in next with an eight track contribution that's dripping with diversity, and casts him as the gentler, kinder rocker in the trio. Roger McGuinn's Thunderbyrd checks in last but not least, and despite rolling out a bevy of top notch compositions, he sounds more polished than I think he should, and at times coming off with perhaps less investment in this whole event than his predecessors. The McGuinn-Clark-Hillman reunion that tops off the collection, unfortunately, didn't even make the final cut. I will say this: I think the people who produced the disc got it right in leading off with Clark and Hillman. Disc one is easily the most entertaining of the two, while disc two gradually receeds through McGuinn into the reunion that probably shouldn't have been.

There are definite hightlights to be gleened from the montage, however. Clark's band leads off with the solid rhythm of 'Kansas City Southern' (emphatically pronounced as "SouthREN" by Clark in a thoroughly enjoyable, down-home dialect), and continues with his big guitar sound through 'Denver Or Wherever', the ballad 'Release Me Girl', and the fast-paced 'Hula Bula Man' (surely a Cajun cousin to McGuinn's Hunga Man from 'Lover Of the Bayou'). While the country-rock stylings of Clark emphasize the country over the rock, Chris Hillman reverses the order, prefering the rock over the country. There are highlights galore in this thoughtful set, including the sweet, familiar melody of 'Hot Burrito #2', the upbeat sound of 'Nothing Gets Through To You', the catchy use of horns and fat guitar runs on 'Playing the Fool', and most especially the closer, a fine medley of two of Hillman's finest compositions, 'It Doesn't Matter' and 'Bound To Lose', both of which appeared on the 1972 Manassas double album. In between these stellar tracks, Hillman offers soft country angst ('Quits'), average white-man angst ('The Witching Hour'), and spicy instrumental contributions from fiddle ('Rise and Fall') and slide guitar on the romantic ballad 'Rollin And Tumblin'. Hillman's performance demonstrates just how much his professionalism is underrated.

Disc two offers nine tracks from Roger McGuinn's Thunderbyrd, including a two-song medley on track four. Two years previous to this series of concerts, McGuinn had revived his career by touring with Bob Dylan. Unfortunately, the mainstays of McGuinns catalog, songs such as 'Mr. Spaceman', 'Lover of the Bayou', and 'Chestnut Mare' don't appear as beneficiaries of that revival. The relatively lackluster renditions of these tracks begs the question why McGuinn felt compelled to release them. His early 1970's performances of these compositions with Clarence White and The Byrds are clearly superior. The best performances Thunderbyrd offers are the more subtle numbers such as 'Golden Loom', with its laid back country stylings, and 'It's Gone', a classic 1970's romantic ballad. The only other track of note is the cover of 'American Girl', with McGuinn proving he can imitate Tom Petty every bit as well as he imitates Bob Dylan... and that's a compliment indeed.

Of the three faux Byrds reunion tracks, the opening number, 'So You Want To Be a Rock and Roll Star' is the only one to carry it's own weight. The emotional jolt of 3/5 of the original Byrds line-up being on stage together for the first time in a decade wears off quickly however. 'Mr. Tambourine Man' is rather muddy in the middle, and the vocals sound more like yelling than singing. 'Eight Miles High', in total contrast to its nature, comes off tentative and lacking in energy and intensity.

If you're considering purchasing '3 Byrds Land In London', do so for the privilege of owning some of the best live recordings available of Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and their solo bands. The McGuinn and faux-Byrds material on disc two is almost entirely superfluous. The packaging offers a modicum of images, and insights from Barry Ballard in the liner notes. There is probably much less to be said about these three bands touring together than you may suspect.

I was there.......2001-07-02

As it says ...I was there. The album captures that absolutely incredible feel of being at a one off event. The first night as the only time they played together. Being a student in the UK in the late 60s I was lucky to see the Byrds play quite few times between 70 and 72, therefore the line-up was not the originals. When I went to this concert the intent was to see them and hope the three originals would play together at some point. They did and I along with all the others there were given a rare treat. I found this CD in '99 and was given a breath of that magical event. This is a classic. If you are a true Byrds fan this is a must, an absolute must.

Enjoyable Revelations Here.......2001-06-20

It is easy to dismiss artists that we are traveling with in our lifetimes. We set up expectations as listeners and pigeon-hole the artists within the preconceived ideas we have formed of them over the years. So, when I ran across a copy of this CD, I sat down and deliberately set aside my expectations from all three involved. Clark opens up with 4 numbers and it is great to hear him sound so on the money. The band is tight and his vocals have a solid, rough quality that puts the songs up into the 4 star range. Hillman follows with an enjoyable set that covers almost every aspect of his career. (I would have liked to have heard the Souther, Hillman and Furay numbers that the notes mention, somebody needs to get those 2 albums remastered, Hello Rhino!). Like Clark, Hillman tends to be forgotten by many, but his work and talent helped people like Stephen Stills and Gram Parsons move in the direction they wanted to. The best surprise of the CD was the forcefulness of Rick Vito's guitar work on the McGuinn numbers. He really shines on "Lover of the Bayou" and seems to be pushing McGuinn to work a little harder. It was also nice to hear "Chestnut Mare" in a different arrangement. The Byrds numbers do seem forced and a little hurried, but when you come down to it, it was nice of the three of them to go the extra mile. Buy this because of the excellence of the solo work, not for the Byrd numbers and you will not be let down. (In the rush to deify Gram Parsons, none of these gentlemen should ever be forgotten, especially Hillman.).

GREAT GUITAR BY RICK VITO OF THUNDERBYRD.......2000-10-13

THE ROGER MCGUINN band on this CD features Rick Vito on lead guitar. The selection of songs make a great jump-off for his guitar style which is reminiscent of Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler. What we have here is a clean cluster of guitar breaks with even and charismic accenting. Pay particular attention to the song "LOver Of the Bayou". I e-mailed Rick Vito about this particular performance and he responded by telling me that his style has changed over the years and that he found a recent listening of this 1977 recording,"moving". Rick went on to play with Fleetwood Mac. Definately check out this CD.

From BYRDS Fan's in CALIFORNIA.......2000-04-08

This CD had some of the best songs we have heard by THE BYRDS. Some of the songs had the sounds of the early years of the (four members) BYRDS Group. Some of the songs were also some of worst songs we think we have heard by THE BYRDS. The songs by Roger McGuinn's Thunderbyrd Band sounded the best and the last three songs sung by McGuinn/Hillman/ Clark were like the BYRDS of the late 60's and 70's. The sound quality was not that great. If you are a truly a BYRDS fan you probably would miss out if you did own this set.

Average customer rating:

THE Collection to Have!

On Air
Melanie
Manufacturer: Strange Fruit UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Solo Powered

ASIN: B000006V47
Release Date: 1997-10-06

Tracks:

Autumn Lady
Chords of Fame
Almost Like Being in Love
Stoneground Words
Here I Am
Any Guy
Do You Believe
Leftover Wine
Nickle Song
Beautiful People
Visit My Dreams
Up Town and Down
Baby Guitar
Turning My Guitar
Ruby Tuesday
Rock 'N' Roll Heart
Racing Heart
Apathy

Album Description

1997 release, an 18 track collection of live BBC material from 1975, plus sessions from 1969 & 1989. Features 'The Nickel Song', her interpretations of 'Beautiful People' & 'Ruby Tuesday' and more! A Strange Fruit release.

Album Details

Tracklisting Includes: Visit My Dreams, Up Town and Down, Baby Guitar, Beautiful People, Tuning My Guitar, Ruby Tuesday, Rock and Roll Heart, Racing Heart, Apathy and More.

Customer Reviews:

THE Collection to Have!.......1999-05-27

There are so many reissues of Melanie music, it can be difficult to know from which to choose. Grab this one if you want the best collection of older stuff and a sampling of the best of what she has been recording in recent years. Excellent live quality. Her version of Phil Och's Chords of Fame is worth the price of the CD by itself. If you haven't heard Melanie in a while, you may be surprised by the relevance of the more recent material included here. Don't miss "Rock an' roll Heart" -- a song every baby boomer can relate to.

Average customer rating:

We should all be so sleepy
I'm going to make myself sick of this record!
Boogie Woogie Country Gold
next best thing to hearing him live
Best of a Classic

Strange Things Happening
Sleepy LaBeef
Manufacturer: Rounder Select
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nothin' but the Truth

ASIN: B000000362
Release Date: 1994-03-28

Tracks:

Sittin' On Top Of The World
Playboy
Young Fashioned Ways
Waltz Across Texas
I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)
I'll Keep On Loving You
Strange Things Happening
Tryin' To Get To You
You're My Baby
Life Turned Her That Way
Standing In The Need Of Prayer
Just Call Me Lonesome
Inside Looking Out
Staggerlee

Amazon.com

"My hair may be turning gray," Sleepy LaBeef sings on his new album, "but that don't affect the way I feel. There may be some snow up on the mountain, but there's a lot of fire down on the hill." The song is Muddy Waters' "Young Fashioned Ways," and LaBeef sounds just like what he is: a restless 59-year-old hillbilly musician singing the blues. The hillbilly and blues elements in LaBeef's music have never quite blended and they bump up against each other as if he were reinventing rock & roll every time he makes a recording. His new one, "Strange Things Happening," comes closer to the unpredictable excitement of LaBeef's live shows than anything he's ever done in a studio.

Coproduced by music historian Peter Guralnick and his brother Jake, "Strange Things Happening" jumps all over the musical map--from Wynn Stewart's Bakersfield-sound "Playboy" to Johnny Cash's rockabilly "You're My Baby," from Ernest Tubb's self-described "Waltz Across Texas" to Sister Rosetta Tharpe's gospelshout title tune. Believe it or not, that's a typical set list for LaBeef, who reportedly knows more than 6,000 songs from all genres.

The common denominator in every performance is LaBeef himself, never subtle but always enthusiastic as he tries to reconcile his lusty taste for the blues and his romantic affection for country in his deep, bellowing baritone and his let-her-rip approach to the guitar. Seldom has he sounded as comfortable and spontaneous in the studio as he does with this small, responsive combo. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

We should all be so sleepy.......2005-10-17

This album delivers on the promise of the reviews I'd already read on Amazon, as it's a nice replication of Sleepy's live show - something to bring back some fond memories if you've already seen him, a carrot to get you out to see him if you haven't. The album's a little too blues-based for my tastes - I would have preferred some more uptempo material - but I don't think this guy could make a bad album. The piano and harmonica really add a lot to the sound, and on some cuts - "Sitting on Top of the World," Strange Things Happening Every Day," "Stagger Lee" - the band fairly jumps through the speakers. Strange things, maybe, but it's comforting to have a guy like Sleepy around to remind you what rock 'n roll is all about and bring a smile to your face. A national treasure and unsung hero.

I'm going to make myself sick of this record!.......2005-09-21

I've been working in the garage all week and this record just seems to constantly be the one playing on the boom box there. Dancing and singing along is recommended!

Boogie Woogie Country Gold.......2000-02-22

Here's the stuff all real country singers should be made of:a great, strong voice, great guitar picking and a taste for high-energy music. If you don't get up and dance to the music of this rockabilly/honky tonk legend, then you must be deaf. He may be an older guy, but his guitar shines throughout the whole cd, and he breathes new life into classics that we have all heard before, yet they sound fresh in Sleepy's voice. Some folks like Bryan White or Faith Hill, who call themselves "country" should sit down, listen and learn from these legends, who are still alive and definitely kickin'.

next best thing to hearing him live.......1999-09-29

Representative of live performance. Get this CD, for starters. Had the pleasure to sit in with this gentleman on drums and do two of his tunes. Stagerlee was the one that rocked. And this gent can rock like nobody's business. All out showman and sincere about what he does, which is give a great performance putting his heart into it. A must hear whether on this or the other two CD's or if lucky, LIVE. Much underappreciated and waiting to be re-discovered by the public! Jim Sylvia

Best of a Classic.......1999-08-17

He may be old, but this is an exceptionally rockin slab of fun. One of the outstanding rockers of all time successfully translates his live show to the studio. Every song is dynamite, and very well recorded.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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