5 comments about Couldn't Stand the Weather.

1. Blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn tears it up in this, his sophomore effort with backing band Double Trouble. From the electrifying opening track "Scuttle Buttin'" to the jazzy "Stang's Swing" Vaughn shows why he was the premiere axman of his era. There may have been guitarists in the past who were more in touch with the raw emotion of the blues, but nobody can match his technique, his precision, and his fire. Other standouts include the title track (with its unusual timings) "Things That I Used to Do" (applying his lightning fingers to a slower blues) and the delicious "Cold Shot". Throughout, Vaughn does a creditable job with the vocals, and his backing band wisely stays out the way. He fails to come up with anything special for his cover of Hendrix' "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" but then, when has anyone ever managed to improve on Hendrix? A must for aficionados of blues guitar.



2. This has never been one of my favorite releases from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. It's not bad by any stretch, but it never hooked me that way I would have liked. For example, "Scuttle Buttin'" is a decent opener, and a high energy one at that, but I've never thought it to be quite up to some of their other instrumental pieces. And, while a bit of Jimi Hendrix is always appreciated, his treatment of "Voodoo Chile" doesn't really offer up anything new and, so, is a bit disappointing.
   
   None of these songs are bad. They just don't grab my attention the way SRV did with his debut, Texas Flood, or would again on later albums. There are some very strong points, however, such as the soulful slow blues of "Tin Pan Alley," which really is a top notch track.
   
   This seems like a negative review...but I really like this album! It's just that I have high standards when it comes to SRV, and this one doesn't quite measure up to his best work. But it's still good!
   
   The album sounds great, so it gets high marks for the remaster.
   
   The bonus tracks are always a nice addition, but they just don't make a big impact on this one. "Hide Away" is relatively mild and "Look at Little Sister" doesn't come across as much different than the version on Soul to Soul. Decent additions...but not much that's above and beyond.



3. one of my friends was trying to get me to buy this cd and I was septical because if you have heard one blues artist you have heard them all right? WRONG! this guys is probubly the best "blues" guitar players I have ever heard. He is nothing like anything you have ever heard. This earns 10 stars even though there is only room for 5. If your into blues music, do your self a favor and pic up this album. it will imediatly become the one you compair all the others to. ENJOY!



4. On Couldn't Stand The Weather, Stevie Ray Vaughan began to separate himself from every other modern bluesman with his distinct playing style.
   
   On this record, you can hear a number of influences both individual and stylistic. The obvious Hendrix influence in a scorching version of "Voodoo Chile," Guitar Slim/Albert King/Albert Collins on "The Things That I Used To Do," and jazzy influenced "Tin Pan Alley" and "Stang's Swang." These, plus "Cold Shot" and the title cut elevated Vaughan to a different level than most of his contemporaries.
   
   This is a fantastic blues/jazz album.



5. I defy anyone to tell me SRV does NOT do a better shot at Voodoo Chile!!
   
   The man FOREVER!!

5 comments about Live.

1. this is one of my favorite live cd's, that's seen alot of play. favorite tracks are stay and tyrone.



2. I can only imagine the reaction of many people when Erykah Badu followed up her hugely successful debut album with this live recording. But hey-she knew from history that momentum can really boost up such a potentially idiosyncratic move so 'Live' became as much of a hit as the debut! And artistically it is more then worth it. Erykah was (and still is) one of the "artiste's" of the often formuliac neo soul crowd. Her jazzy rhythms,soaring vocals and saucy "raps" permeate every single thing on this album from the opening "Rimshot" (I hear a little Miles riff in there) on through great versions of "Other Side Of The Game","Apple Tree" and the sassy "Tyrone". She even mixes it up with some terric covers in keeping with her style and savvy;the Roy Ayers classic "Searching" and the Rufus & Chaka Khan standard "Stay";her vocals on this song almost revival Chaka's passion,maybe even less subdued if you can imagine it. She also has a great talent for musical juxtoposition;melding her own "All Night" with the jazzy intro to the Heatwave tune "Boogie Nights". There's even a reprise here featuring a beat poem style narration by Badu about her feelings on her pregancy;she is photographed on the back and inner sleeve of this album with her very pregnant belly proudly showing. I am glad that she felt no shame in the fact she was brining a new life into the world. And it's kind of symbollic in a way because many of these songs had already been done in the studio,but now she was performing them live so they were themselves getting "born again" such as it were. So a sense of recreation and rebirth hang over this recording.And she sounds particularly alive scatting her way through,into and around songs like "Next Lifetime". One could tell from the fact that a modern soulstress from this era could hold her own on a live album and come out looking even rosier was a sure fire sign Erykah Badu was a musical powerhouse to keep an eye on.



3. As an artist of incredible creativity and depth, Erykah Badu stands head and shoulders above many of her contemporaries. An MC at heart, Badu's message is delivered with a signature vocal style which, beautifully synthesizes elements of Jazz, Hip Hop, and Soul. As a live performer Badu can be spellbinding! With N'Dambi, and Karen Bernod doing backup vocals, Badu Live is a diva showcase! Badu doesn't just sing, she's also an accomplished lyricist who's message is a large part of her art. The profound energy, and superb musicianship, of a live Badu performance is effectively captured on this CD. Her rendition of Chaka Khan's 'Stay', is a veritable tour de force! All of the songs on this set are of exceptional quality however. For those who appreciate the special qualities that only a live performance provides, this CD captures Badu and her bandmates at their best!



4. Just wanted to point-out to those of you out there who are hesitant to purchase this because of the god-awful review by (luke).
   
   What I'm reading from reviewer (Luke) about this gem is that he's reading the final credit's and coming to a false conclusion & totally overlooking the most obvious point that there are two recording crew's on this project. It's almost laughable that amazon let his review exploit falsehood's to us buyer's of real music.
   
   (First)ofcourse is (The Live Recording & in-house Mixing Crew) which is stated (on the disc itself mind you) the vocal's(front & back)/instrument's/band & the wonderfully captured particapation of the audience which to me is just as important as the muisc in this case becasue the whole vibe is perfectly in sync.
   
   (Second) is the Sony Music Stuido he's is talking about where they proceed(just like any other live show) with the final mixdown of this timeless (LIVE) cd.
   This is the smoothess Live cd of 97'no doubt. Come on luke relax baby and don't mess with the structure and authentcity of grown folk's music, this is the real deal yah...



5. I've never been a big hip hop/R&B fan, but this CD is amazing. Some favorites of mine include "Searching," "Apple Tree" and "Other Side of the Game." One song that stands out is "On and On," which segues into a discussion about cyphers and Egypt, only to flow into "Apple Tree." "Tyrone" appears on the CD twice, once live and once as studio track. The live track is great, but the studio version is out of place on a live album. I understand the studio version was intended to be the single to promote the album, but it doesn't flow well with the live material. I didn't like the finale "Next Lifetime" either. It's a great song, but Miss Badu stretches it out for 15 minutes to finish the show in a dramatic gesture, which by that point is unnecessary. All in all it's a great CD, and it encouraged me to check out other Erykah Badu music, and I haven't been disappointed. This is an artist who will stand the test of time and isn't going anywhere soon.

5 comments about Me and Mr. Johnson.

1. To most people Robert Johnson's legacy will live on forever. But with Eric Clapton taking ahold of these songs he has pushed Johnsons's legacy even further. I had goose bumbs from the first song to the last.



2. eric proves again why he has been at the top of his game for over 40 years. he just is simply the best guitar player and interperter of the blues of robert johnson. he has the gift despite lifes difficulties.



3. I played it 1-1/2 times...then it became litter.
   
   The cover showing Clapton in a stark setting, acoustic guitar in hand, led me to believe this would be an " solo acoustic blues" album, befitting a "tribute" to RJ.
   
   WRONG.
   
   Slick, over produced, over-blown, and most especially, over-instrumented, this disc sounds like a "Chicago Blues" session...
   
   Yes, I disliked this take on Robert Johnson very much.
   
   To Eric Clapton:
   
   Listen to Rory Block doing Johnson....
   
   The Lady and Mr. Johnson
   
   That's how to show tribute...Smokin'!!



4. The power of Robert Johnson's music lies in his haunting lyrics, stark arrangements, and tortured delivery. Unfortunately, in reworking Johnson's songs for "Me and Mr Johnson", Eric Clapton has robbed them of their original power, substituting instead competent, but out-of-place, Chicago Blues-style arrangements and disappointingly hackneyed vocal delivery. Johnson's lyrics alone are left to carry the load and, alas, they cannot.
   
   Clapton can do better, and, indeed, he has. Listen to "Malted Milk" from Unplugged and "Terraplane Blues" and "Ramblin' on My Mind" from
   Sessions For Robert J. (CD + DVD) for proof that he can interpret Johnson's music in inspired fashion. Given the magnitude of Robert Johnson's influence on Eric Clapton, a Clapton album comprised entirely of Johnson's songs seemed a very promising undertaking. If only "Me and Mr Johnson" had lived up to that promise . . .



5. From the first note to the last, Clapton oozes out gold with this album. It's great to listen to if you love blues music. I'm a little shocked to see that so many reviewers didn't like it.
   
   Favorite tracks:
   Come On In My Kitchen
   They're Red Hot
   When You've Got A Good Friend
   
   If you're driving in your car or relaxing at home, this is the perfect album for the contemporary fan of blues music. I think Mr. Johnson would be very proud of this work.

5 comments about Whitney Houston.

1. THIS WAS THE VERY FIRST ALBUM I BOUGHT OF WHITNEY HOUSTON, BACK IN 1985 IT IS MOST LIKELY HER VERY BEST ALBUM EVER IN MY OPINION. IF YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WANTING A WHITNEY HOUSTON RECORD ON CD THIS IS THE ONE TO HAVE, YOU'LL END UP LISTENING TO IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
   WHITNEY, AT HER VERY BEST AT WORK.
   I RECENTLY NEEDED TO GET THE CD CAUSE MY OLD ALBUM BECAME TOO SCRATCHY.
   BUY YOU'LL LOVE IT! IT'S GREAT...
   
   STEVE:



2. Whitney came out BIG! "Whitney Houston" was best selling album in the U.S. of 1986. Three singles became No.1-Hits (still rare coming from one album). She received Grammy nomination for "Album of the Year". And she won for the touching performance "Saving All My Love for You" (one of the best singles about "the other woman"). The singles were well picked as they show the amazing range Whitney had. She's known for ballads but the interesting thing is songs like "How Will I Know" (cheesy 80s pop at its most fun) showed she could other things. My favorite song on the album is "You Give Good Love". I just love the opening! It's a R&B groove that gave mainstream audiences a first listen to her wonderful voice. I almost forgot "Greatest Love of All" (originally sung by the amazing George Benson). I don't care if it seems cliché; I think the lyrics are empowering and still relevant. The production does age it (I've never heard the version with the piano rather than the keyboard) but it's still a lovely song.



3. I have been anxious to listen to Whitney Houston's debut album for a long time; I am so happy I finally got around to listening to it because I enjoyed it from start to finish. Here you will find the pop sound, the R&B, and a woman with a voice that is unmatched to this day. No, not even Patti LaBelle or Minnie Riperton compare. Whitney's voice hadn't completely matured on this album. You will find her vocals at their most mature on her biggest song to date, "I Will Always Love You." But, she still sounds wonderful, almost angelic, on each and every song. The production has that 80s sound to it, and this album is going to sound dated to some, but the quality of this album is simply undeniable.
   
   Houston's first single is one of my all-time favorite songs by her and it is called "You Give Good Love." Everything about that song is superb, especially Houston's amazing delivery. To steal a line from that song, her voice is "never too much, will never be." The people of the world obviously think that "The Greatest Love of All" is this album's finest jewel because it is always sung at graduations, church services and commencements. "The Greatest Love of All" is lyrically the best song on this album because of the inspirational lines she sings just for the children. "Thinking About You" and "Take Good Care of My Heart" are good offerings, but they sort of fall short when comparing them to the rest of this album. "How Will I Know" was offered to Janet Jackson first, but she turned it down. Houston took the song and made it all her own; you would never know that this song was written for someone else. This song is kind of cheesy and very sappy, but it is definitely a guilty pleasure. It has that 80s "American Bandstand" feel to it. "Saving All My Love for You" is another one of her most definitive songs. It is an R&B classic.
   
   When I say that this album is essential for music lovers, I mean every word. With this album, you will be taken on a journey to the mid 1980s and you will be enthralled from beginning to end. A classic. 4 shining stars.
   
   Mikeisha's Top 5
   
   1. "You Give Good Love"
   2. "Saving All My Love for You"
   3. "How Will I Know"
   4. "Greatest Love of All"
   5. "All at Once"
   
   LOL, all of these songs were released to radio.



4. I apologize that I didn't do this sooner. I've only bought things a few times on Amazon but anyway, the product was delived very fast and there were no problems at all. Thank you so much.



5. This album came out when I was just a baby. I remember it vividly. I love all her songs, but the greatest love of all brings tears to my eyes and I still love the song. She was just 21 when it was released. This cappulated her to where she is today.

5 comments about Eric Clapton - Live in Hyde Park.

1. I bought this dvd for three dollars at a subway shop in South Korea, and it was well-worth the amount of money I paid. Clapton gives a great performance. Though "Tearin' Us Apart" is not really my type of song, I enjoy every other tune on this disc. "It Hurts Me Too" and "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" are especially excellent. I was previously unfamiliar with "Holy Mother", which, while not in the same league with his older solo material, recordings with Cream, or even Blues covers, is enjoyable. Hopefully, when people watch this dvd, they will become more interested in Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Eddie Boyd and Elmore James, whose songs are performed on this disc. Clapton is not a Bluesman, but serves as a gateway to the Blues for young people. I hope that people who enjoy this dvd will seek out cds featuring men like Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Eddie Boyd and Freddie King.



2. This is one of Eric's best DVD releases, an utterly inspired performance. The blues rules and the master lays down some of his sweetest solos ever. The band is tight, the vocals are pure, the filming is better than most concert footage. If you'll buy only one Clapton DVD, this would be it.



3. One of the best Clapton DVDs out there. The surround sound could be better, but the recording is still top notch.



4. Anyone who likes Clapton needs to own this. The only reason it gets a four instead of five is the unplugged version of Layla. Although it always sounds great played like this, I'm more of a fan of the classic version of the song with the long outro played with the piano ala Goodfellows.



5. excellent sound , great solos . shot the sheriff is a standout, with gadd in top form keepin it all together as usual.His tom work and soul in wonderful tonight is worth the price alone.

5 comments about Suitcase.

1. Keb is a talented musician with a beautiful voice and solid poetic compositional skills. Very much appreciated that he participated in the Vote For Change tour in '04, and thought that he, Bonnie and Jackson Browne were one hell of a trio.



2. Keb Mo is always good but this is great! Listening to this will chase the blues away.



3. I found Keb' Mo' by accident. I was looking thru blues cds at the local library and found "Slow Down." I heard that cd and thought it was really good. So I ordered some more to listen to and didn't know that "Suitcase" was his latest - greatest. When I listen to "Suitcase" it is straight forward honest and funny. I like Keb' Mo's easy going laid back style that is very pleasing to the ears. The whole album is great with a story to tell. Keb' Mo' has either lived this or has had close friends that have experienced some of the things he sings about. It is a very entertaining album and worth the purchase!



4. This record shows Keb' Mo's usual combination of blues and ballads, like most of his precedent works. As usual, it is a refined and accurate record, with excellent arrangements and high quality of the sound. There are some differences, actually: comparing to some early records and to the last one ("Keep it simple"), "Suitcase" seems to be a little weighed down on the "pop" side of such mix, as ballads (I'm a hero, I'll be you water, Life is beautiful, etc.) prevail over genuine blues tracks. More: some pieces begin with a blues introduction, but suddenly turn to a pop song (listen to "Your Love"). I do not know if it depends on Keb's present good mood, or if Blues is making its way towards a softer age. As for me, I own all Keb's records and I love this musician as one of the best living bluesmen, but I will keep this work for my relaxed moments.
   
   Riccardo Frau
   Sassari - Italy



5. This is another one of his CD's that is enjoyable from start to finish.

5 comments about TP-2.Com.

1. Normally i like to be alot more in depth with my reviews and really break down albums for you guys. But honestly, theres really not a whole lot to be said about this album besides its the best R&B album of the last 20 years, from the best R&B singer/producer/songwriter of the last 20 years, period. There really isnt words that can express how truly amazing this album is. Its in a league of its own. And the sad thing about it is, this album really gets looked over alot. It doesnt get nearly the credit it deserves. R. Kelly created a masterpiece with this album. This album is what helped make R. Kelly the legend he is today. He is our generations Marvin Gaye, but better. No offense to Marvin, because he is a legend as well, but even Marvin hasnt been able to accomplish half of what Kells has. And this album just shows how bright of a star Kells is. His star is blinding. But i still dont think he gets the credit he deserves. People shouldnt even be considering Usher better than R. Kelly. Ushers not even close. Usher is damn good, i love Usher. But no one comes close to R. Kelly. Say what you want about his private life, and his scandals, but he is untouchable in the music industry, plain and simple. And this album couldnt have been made by any other artist in the industry. TP2 is a front to back classic. Every song is good, so i dont think i can really say much about any songs in particular. I mean, if i had to absolutely pick one song that i like the best, it would be a toss up between the sugary sweet mellow accoustic laced "All I Really Want", The ultimate love song that makes you wanna just fall madly in love "Just Like That", and the really good mid tempo love song "I Decided". And the other 16 tracks are all just as good. Just trust me, if you any sort of respect for the man or the genre, buy this album.
   
   
   
   Grade:
   UNTOUCHABLE (A+++)



2. Without a doubt R. Kelly is one of the most prolific male r&b artists who I agree with another poster is on the level of Marvin Gaye. Early on I noticed the similarities between the two in their music - the ability to sing truly moving songs that touched on spirituality while at the same time writing/producing & singing some of the most sensuous & sexually charged songs.
   
   I bought this cd initially for the standout track, I WISH - the song touched my heart and in my opinion is one of R's greatest hit singles. I gave the disc 4.5 stars because at 19 tracks it is bloated and contains a few filler tracks that should've been left off but it's easy enough to skip over those.
   
   The songs that stay on repeat for me are: STRIP FOR YOU, JUST LIKE THAT, FIESTA, A WOMAN'S THREAT, DON'T YOU SAY NO, THE STORM IS OVER & I DECIDED.
   
   Two other tracks get honorable mention: THE REAL R KELLY - a hilarious skit and FEELIN ON YO BOOTY - I truly thought he'd lost his mind the first time I heard this song, particularly the operatic ending but over time I've come to appreciate his vocal performance & ignore the song content.
   
   Listening to this disc again makes me appreciate what a stand-out r&b artist R Kelly was and I long for him to regain the creative flow that he had during his early years.



3. come on this is one of his best albums to me. i mean they're a couple joints that i dont care for but i like 90% of it



4. This is absolutley the best r&b album. You have to admire R's honesty in his lyrics. Lyrics such as "when you leave up out my room, you're gonna be wakin bowlegged". This is the best music to f%$! to. Love it!!



5. R. Kelly's 12 Play from 1993 was one of his best albums in the catalogue, the second version of it released in 2000 wasn't as good as his albums flwless first album but it was good nonetheless. The both album's main theme is sex and despite some non-sexual songs like "I Wish" and "Storm Is Over" this song is mostly about that subject. While it isn't as good as 12 Play it's great compared to T-3 and an album to put on the purchase list.
   
   It all starts with "Strip For You", a laid-back sexy song that suits R. Kelly perfect. "R&B Thug" is slicker and more uptempo, "The Greatest Sex" is fullfilling the album concept, but it's not among the better songs of this album. "I Don't Mean It" and "Just Like That" are both slow jams, the first one however is more romantic though. "Just Like A Freak" is another sex song, If you hadn't understood that? but this song feautures rap and latin influenced music and it's unique to this album. "Fiesta" is also latin-influenced and on this album version Jay-Z doesn't appear. "Don't You Say No" yet another so-so slow jam.
   
   "One Me" is also a slow jam, I think this is one of the better. "I Wish" is defenitely the best, but ironically it's not about sex at all, but about friends that died. A hit single and a very touching mid tempo song when R. Kelly shows his best side. "A Woman's Threat" is a midtempo, and also single released I think. "I Decided" continues the sexy trend. "I Mean (I Don't Mean It)" is a midtempo where he perform backround lyrics for himself. "All I Really Want" is great soul, but it sounds more like a song made for Tyrese then the usual R. Kelly song. "Feeling On Ya Booty" is surprisingly good, but dirty. The last song "Storm Is Over" is the second best, only after "I Wish" and neither a sex song, it reminds me of "I Believe I Can Fly", a ballad that also feautures gospel choirs.
   
   So, what's the verdict?. A good album defenitely, You knew the dilemma already before you bouht it, so don't expect this to be a "R Kelly" or "R" but surprisingly enough it features a few non sex single and they are actually some of the best on the entire album. It may feature a few too many songs (17 if we count the remix of "I Wish" and some are not as good as others, but on the other hand the high points lift this album to great votes. Not one of his best, but not too far behind. If You're New start with the eponymous "R. Kelly" or "R".

5 comments about Comin' from Where I'm From.

1. he is ver under-rated as an artist. he may not be as polished as everyone else, but he's got the voice better than some. i like this whole album.



2. I came across Anthony Hamilton after getting a sampler Cd from HMV which featured' Better days'. I must have rewinded that one song more times than I care to remember. Based on that excellent song, I was chomping at the bits for the CD to be released. Well my Little Sister beat me to the punch, so I was able to borrow her copy. To be honest, my view upon hearing it then, is the same as now. Whilst I'd admit the Mr. Hamilton can sing, and there are some nice moments on board, to my mind it's not a must have 5 star release. I don't know if this says more about the R&B scene nowadays that an OK release that hankers back to the Southern Soul sound of yester year is treated as the next best thing. Oh, I still love 'better days'.



3. Anthony Hamilton's second album has received praise as well as harsh criticism. Im on the praise side because I genuinely like his music. Comin From Where I'm From was a soulful joint that turned me on to his music. Charlene and Since I Seen You are pretty good tracks too. Lucille is my favorite track on the album. On this song, Anthony tells a story of a woman who is abused and how she left Anthony for the abuser. There are a few songs I dont care for. Cornbread, Fish & Collard Greens is a riot and not in a good way. Better Days, My First Love featuring Latoiya Williams and Chyna Black are also songs I could do without. Other than these flaws this album is not bad and warrants a listen. Anthony Hamilton's Comin From Where Im From is definitely a slept-on album for 2003 and you know what the crazy thing is? The same people who trounced this album turned around and jumped on the bandwagon when Soulife came out. Aint life grand? Standouts: SINCE I SEEN YOU, CHARLENE, IM A MESS, COMIN FROM WHERE I'M FROM, LUCILLE, FLOAT and I TRIED.



4. 1. Mama Knew *3:28* 4/5
   2. C,F&CG *4:33* 1.5/5
   3. Since I've Seen't You *3:15* 4.25/5
   4. Charlene *4:06* 3.75/5
   5. I'm A Mess *4:24* 5.5/5
   6. Comin' From Where I'm From *4:00* 4.75/5
   7. Better Days *3:02* 4.25/5
   8. Lucille *4:28* 6/5
   9. Float *5:41* 5/5
   10. My First Love Feat. Loyoiya Williams *6:14* 4.25/5
   11. Chyna Black *3:59* 2.75/5
   12. I Tried *5:02* 4/5
   
   Cover Art: B+
   Songwriting: B- (CF&CG lowers it big time and I'm A Mess heightens in spades and spades. Second best track.)
   Production: A- (Check out Lucille and be utterly speechless in amazement and awe!!!!!)
   Length: A-
   Overall: B
   
   50/12 = 4.166666666666667
   
   4.166666666666667 = 4.17
   
   4.17 stars.



5. I like this style of music. But as far as this album goes... It's just "OK". It's one of those albums that is nice to have if you want to listen to that genre, but not necessarily something that you'd listen to every day. The stuff gets quite stale after a little bit. :(

5 comments about Motown.

1. After three mediocore albums in the 1990s. Michael McDonald chose to go back to his roots. Having been a long time admire of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as well as other artists he seems to top the originals.
   Despite the fact that following the release of this album he had been ridiculed on TV (Family Guy), moviesThe 40-Year-Old Virgin (Unrated Full Screen Edition) and the popular Internet series Yacht Rock he doesn't seem to mind at all and that's why he did a second one. Don't let the cover fool you, there is an earlier American pressing.



2. As a child growing up in the 1960s, I have memories of us kids sitting in the back seat of the family car and listening to "The Motown Sound" on the car's AM radio. Berry Gordy, Jr.'s Motown Records empire dominated AM radio playlists in the sixties, and you didn't have to wait very long to hear a Motown song. Dad always drove, Mom rode shotgun and us kids were all in the backseat. We had a lot of fun back in those days, and the world seemed dependable and carefree. The sweet and soulful "Motown Sound" made it all that much better.
   
   Michael McDonald takes us back to Motown's glory days and the 1960s and 70s with his excellent album, Motown (2003). Not every singer could do a Motown tribute album like this, but Michael not only does a respectable job here, he gives a lot of these songs a lift right into the 21st century. It's a wonderful tribute! Now, some of you will say that the original versions are better, and I'll be the first to admit that in most cases that's true, but that's not really "what's going on" here. This is Michael McDonald doing an album of updated versions of Motown songs (although most of the arrangements are true to the originals). The production is pristine, full of pop orchestration and soulful female backing vocals just like the original Motown, and in most instances the only difference between the songs on this album and the originals is Michael is doing the singing. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing are both notable, but certainly not the only highlights here. Stevie Wonder's All In Love Is Fair gets an emotionally soulful interpretation from Michael and sounds great, even rivaling the original. The cover of Marvin Gaye's I heard It Through The Grapevine is excellent, and I like this heartfelt version of The Temptations' Since I Lost My Baby, too.
   
   No, these aren't the originals, but if you like Michael McDonald and you like Motown, you get both with "Motown". Plus a trip back to a magical time in popular music history.



3. This man has the kind of voice which sends chills up your spine. He is such a talent - how can you possibly ever get sick of listening to him. This CD features all the most popular Motown titles and Michael certainly does a good job of it. Do yourself a favour and purchase it.



4. Wow - some mixed reviews here. Have to say if you are a fan of "the voice" you will be a fan of this. Great music to sing along to and a smooth voice singing it. If you want the originals, buy the originals! If you want a nice grouping with a superb voice, this is it.
   
   Look for a new group of R&B covers with 3 new originals from Michael 3/11/8. "Soul Speak" has already charted 3 songs simultaneously on Billboard the first week of singles release so once again - you'll like it.



5. People. I forgot to mention that during my stay at the beach this summer, there came a hoard of baby-boomers who took up residence at this exclusive beach house not far from beloved sand castle. It did not take me long to realize that they were going to party until 3 o'clock in the morning everyday (sometimes 4 or 5!). I was invited once, and given a potent martini to mellow me into a party mood. I admit I was lost. With Guido being in California and the rest of my guides attending to saving Britney, my concerns were of no concern! Needless to say- I stayed and partied. If I am being all things to all people- then I had to. Maybe I should run for political office. Hmmmm....maybe it could work. Anyway- one selection that they seemed to love was this one. And, as you know, Metamorpho is not opposed to any music (unless he hates it-of course). But, since I don't have a hateful bone in my body - I took it all in good stride.
   But, let's get to Michael McDonald, shall we? I think this album is NOT really reflection in it's highest form. However, that said, he makes a concentrated stab at classic Motown tunes and does a more than respectable job at that. You all may think it's a sell-out and that nothing could compare to the originals. But, I don't think that is the point of the album. I think, instead, he gives a lift to the originals, making you realize what a glorious wealth of music Motown produced. Alot of these tunes are classics and, undeniably, an essential part of American music that was produced in an incredibly fertile time.
   Expertly produced, and with the distinct voice of Michael, you wind up with an album that satisfys on every level. I could never have imagined "Reflections" sung by anyone but the Supremes. But, he does it, and very well at that. He's got the back-up singers and everything shines through with amazing accuracy. This is not only very listenable- but at times a positive charge to the system and you find yourself glady giving up your spirit to the groove.
   I see the advantage of this album in many ways. If anything- if you don't own the originals, you will seek them out. He brings your attention and his talent to wonderful arrangements of classic songs. It is a nice excursion and a very listenable c.d. He has picked a genre for his inimitable voice-soulful,smokey, and with all the nuance you would expect.
   The downside for me is that these can't compare with the originals. They are for all time. But these are respectable covers done extremely well. It is a joy in many respects and, I can tell you, after a few martinis it only gets better and better. (Well, doesn't everything? :)). It falls short of 5 stars, but not by much- and if you're having a party- it is a good slection to play. It is not a classic-but a good reflection of the classics and Michael deserves accolades for the effort.
   I guess that's it for now. I must go and figure out what album I will review next and find those guides who have deserted me. They mean well-but just haven't learned that my needs come first! Oh well...
   Ain't no mountain high enough...
   to keep my reviews getting to you.....Cheers-Metamorpho

5 comments about Hymn for My Soul.

1. The minute that old gravelly voice comes through the speakers it makes you just want to smile. The fact that one of Rock's classic voices is still in such fine form is reason enough to appreciate and buy this CD. I could only wish that the song selection created a feeling that there were some classics here that will stand the test of time. The haunting rendition of Creedence's "Long as I Can See the Light" comes closest, and is a tremendous bluesy take on an original swamp classic. The rest just don't seem to measure up to the best of Cocker's interpretations. Mediocre song choice, but Oh, how that voice still sends chills up your spine!!!



2. 40 YEARS ONE OF THE BEST VOICES UNCLE JOE IS ONE OF THE BEST



3. I love Joe Cocker and have all of his cd's. This was very disappointing to me.. Slow and not typical of his previous works. I would not recommend this to anyone.



4. I've never been a fan of Joe Cocker, beginning from his Woodstock days. My husband has always been a big fan of his, especially since Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen album. I had to listen to that one over & over, ad naseum, etc. I saw Joe in August on The View, promoting his new "album". He was very charming, & performed his title song of this "album", as I guess I'll always call it. "Hymn for my Soul" is just a beautiful song--I fell in love. My husband's birthday was coming up, so I ordered it for him. I am now a certified fan of Joe. The version of "Come Together" is definitly the best I have ever heard, even better than the original. Sorry I've dissed you all these years, Joe. You are a true artist, & my husband was right from the beginning.



5. "We are amazed but not amused by all the things you said to do," Joe Cocker blasts amid a punchy horn arrangement on a Stevie Wonder song that starts one of Cocker's best CDs. "You Haven't Done Nothin'" is simply one of the best tracks Cocker has recorded. He plucks George Harrison's "Beware of Darkness" from the All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION] album and fully embodies the track with its now familiar melody and transforms the meditative song into a slow soul crooner, "The hopelessness around you, in the dead of night, beware of sadness." Percy Mayfield's "River's Invitation" is another pearl with Benmont Tench's piano giving the perfect accent to the bouncy arrangement about a guy about ready to throw himself into the river, "I'm trying to find my baby that no one has seen around, You know which way I'm headed if my baby can't be found." The Beatles' "Come Together" that Cocker sang in the film and on the soundtrack of Across The Universe [Deluxe Edition] concludes the set as a bonus track. Other songs like Daniel Moore's "Just Pass It On," John Fogerty's "Long As I Can See the Light" and Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells" are also exquisite. Joe Cocker does what he does best on "Hymn for My Soul," fills the music with power and conviction that mesmerizes the listener. Bravo!