1 comments about Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad.

1. According to the liner, John Cephas claims Rev. Gary Davis and Sister Rosetta Tharpe as major influences - you can scarcely make a claim better than that. Phil Wiggins learned with a street singer Flora Molton who is unknown to me. The result of the pairing of Cephas and Wiggins is a sound similar to Terry and McGhee - obviously in the instrumentation but also in the aesthetic sense of their blues.

   This CD sounds like early work by a great duo - early work in the sense that it is well executed with feeling but lacks the depth of the blues that is in their major influence. Yet the sound is so good that I have no doubt that later albums will grow in subtlety.

   It is difficult to choose a favorite track - The Richmond Blues which reminds me of Willie McTell is excellent, the harmonica in West Carey Street Blues is fine, Black Rat Swing is a catchy number. This is a duo with which anyone interested in traditional blues should be familiar.

No comments about Something Else (CD+DVD).

2 comments about Little Dave and Big Love.

1. Tracks...
   
   1) Standing Up On My Own
   2) You Took My Baby
   3) After Hours Bar
   4) I'm Having It So Hard
   5) Hey Moma
   6) Why Do You Treat Me This Way
   7) Instrumental # 7
   8) Got A Bad Feeling
   9) Ain't It A Shame
   10) I Don't Care What Nobody Say
   11) Mississippi Boy



2. This album represents a modern look at how the blues should be played. Each track is well thought out, each note necessary. Dave is technically sound in his guitar playing, and his singing captures the essence of the blues. Stop reading and buy this album.

No comments about A Celebration of Blues: The Great Singers.

1 comments about More Real Folk Blues: The Missing Album.

1. John Lee Hooker's compilation album 'More Real Folk Blues' is simply unbeatable. While arguably his best work in the MCA catalog are songs like 'Shake It Baby' and 'One Bourbon, One Scotch and One Beer,' this set spans all of the best from a blues legend.
   
   Among the many highlights here are 'This Land Is Nobody's Land,' which is a very traditional blues song, 'Mustang Sally and GTO,' which is honestly one of my favorite Hooker songs, and 'I Can't Quit You Baby,' a song that Led Zeppelin had a huge success with in 1969.
   
   Overall, this is a near-perfect compilation documenting almost all of what made John Lee Hooker one of the greatest. And, the sound quality is great!
   
   Highly recommended for any John Lee Hooker fan. An entertaining CD.
   
   ENJOY!!!

5 comments about Mary.

1. I had been a committed die hard Mary fan up until she dropped this CD and it has gotten worse ever since. I tried hard to like this CD. I listened to it over and over and it still didn't work for me. The only song I liked was Deep Inside and All That I Can Say was tolerable. This CD didn't have the heart or soul behind what I am used to from Mary. I was hurt and disappointed. For those of you who liked a different Mary, I recommend earlier albums like My Life and Share My World.



2. I had been a committed die hard Mary fan up until she dropped this CD and it has gotten worse ever since. I tried hard to like this CD. I listened to it over and over and it still didn't work for me. The only song I liked was Deep Inside and All That I Can Say was tolerable. This CD didn't have the heart or soul behind what I am used to from Mary. I was hurt and disappointed.



3. This CD was one of her best. Enough said, get it, do not download or rip.



4. Before Mary released "No More Drama" (from here on out referred to as NMD), she released her self-titled CD and it's still her best work. I really like the way she called in some friends (Lauryn Hill, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Aretha Franklin to name a few) to help her out with this effort. My favorite song on the whole CD is "All That I Can Say". This is one song that helped me get through a tough time in my life. I also like her version of First Choice's "Let No Man Put Asunder". You could call this the "pre-NMD" album. Even though it didn't have as many dance cuts as NMD, it still seemed to be a preview of things to come a year or so later. No matter what, Mary was and still is on top of her game.



5. everybody should know that her self-title cd, MARY, is the best cd she has ever came out with. i really adore this cd. in a way, when she sings her lyrics, she reminds me of myself, of all the heartaches and pain, ups and downs i've been through. i am really a mary j blige's fan. keep bringing the music and keep bringing that beautiful voice.

No comments about Sing! Sister! Sing!.

5 comments about Rock 'n Soul, Pt. 1: Greatest Hits.

1. hall&oates have had many hits. among those hits sara smile.she's gone,(reissued after sara smile hit the top10.) wait foe me,kiss on my list,pricate eyes,i can't go for that(no can do),and maneater. this collection also has 2 new songs say it isn't so and adult education. this is an album that is worth hearing, if you like hall&oates,you will like this album. ed wilson



2. 
   Nowadays, the duos as musical figures is almost a rarity, but in the late sixties, seventies and eighties, it was synonymous of successful formulas such as Simon & Garenfunkel, Carpenters, Zager and Evans and Air supply.
   
   In this mainstream, Daryl Hall and John Oates filled if I may, a true necessity in the market. Their innovative expressiveness and original moods meant the sound of a generation.
   
   Listening them carefully, you will notice their songs are far to be dated because of its formal construction and melodic lines, attractive and seductive.
   
   Get close to this fabulous duo.



3. This short collection came out in 1983 at the height of Hall & Oates' popularity. At the time, it was probably very thorough, taking several of their then-current hits, mixed in with a few of their 70's songs. Today, though, I'd recommend it as more of a sampler (with only 12 tracks).
   
   1973-1979 TRACKS:
   -Sara Smile
   -She's Gone
   -Rich Girl
   -Wait For Me
   
   Being that I'm really not familiar with their work before the 80's, I can't really say if there are any key songs missing here, but it is a nice inclusion. "Sara Smile" and "She's Gone" (in its shorter version) are slightly folkish, medium tempo pop love songs.
   
   1977's "Rich Girl" is their earliest song I've really gotten into. It's more of a mix between their folk/pop stuff, and the sound of their 80's arena pop/rock hits. Starting out as an accoustic ballad before a ringing electric guitar and steady beat (though sung in a slight folkish tone) elevate it to a medium rock level.
   
   1979's "Wait for Me" is another medium pop hit, not unlike that too, although I wish the studio version had found its way here instead. Chrnonologically speaking, after this, is the gold mine of the collection!:)
   
   1980's VOICES:
   -Kiss on My List
   -You Make My Dreams
   
   These monster hits obviously should've made the cut, but their R+B pop/rock remake of "You've Lost That Lovely Feeling" and "How Does it Feel to be Back", both sizable hits too, got cheated.
   
   1981's PRIVATE EYES:
   -Private Eyes
   -I Can't Go For That
   
   Especially with both these songs representing different styles, it's a nice addition, but it annoys me how the rest of this album always goes relatively unnoticed. "Did It in a Minute" is probably one of their catchiest arena rockers ever, and "Your Imagination" is a great, somewhat unique pop/soul hit.
   
   1982's H20:
   -Maneater
   -One on One
   
   I love both of these songs, but just like the previous two, so much got sadly left out -- the slow and sexy rocker "Open All Night," the chugging arena rock (and big hit) "Family Man" in particular. Even John Oates' semi-well known silly pop "Italian Girls" would've been nice.
   
   1983 NEW SONGS:
   -Say it isn't So
   -Adult Education
   
   Both of these went on to become major hits themselves, and rightfully so. "Say It isn't So" is a semi soul-influenced loud pop hit that easily could've been on the previous couple albums. "Adult Education" - a humorous look at present and post-high school life - is a mid-paced, unique guitar pop/rocker that includes elements of rap(!) and hard rock (great guitar and drum build-up toward the end).
   
   OVERALL: With all of even the 1980-83 songs missing, this is obviously not a comprehensive collection, but it's still a good place for a very casual and/or new H+O fan to start. Espeically with its age, it should be fairly easy to find an inexpensive, used copy. Afterwards, I'd recommend one of their more recent collections -- which would include their 1984 and later hits, such as "Out Of Touch", "So Close," and "Everything Your Heart Desires," which obviously aren't here either.



4. I'm sure everyone from the generation before my own has had wonderful memories of Hall and Oates in highschool and college. For those of you who have grown up with this music, my review will probably be nothing but drivel. But if anyone is reading this that is not too familiar with Hall and Oates and checking them out for the first time, then I implore you, get into them! Sadly, it took me years to actually give this album a listen. I had heard of Hall and Oates before, but they were stereotyped in my mind as cheesy 80s garbage. I couldn't have been more wrong. Every track on Rock 'n' Soul is absolutely breathtaking (with the exception of Adult Education, I can do without that one). The majority of the songs on this album are indeed made up of Rock and Soul, but that brief description hardly does justice to such passionate music. I can honestly say that anybody who enjoys a song that is full of love and life will thoroughly enjoy everything that this album has to offer. Tracks like Rich Girl, You Make My Dreams Come True and Wait For Me give me goosebumps every time I hear them. Other numbers like She's Gone, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes and One on One are stellar too. If you're looking for an ebullient, flavorful and longlasting listen, then you have found yourself the right recording in Rock 'n' Soul Pt. 1.



5. This is a very dated collection of greatest hits. It was released back in 1983. At the time, it probably was a very good greatest hits collection. It contains 12 songs and back 20 years ago, to get any release with 12 songs was great - but that was in the pre-CD/digital days. Since then, Hall and Oates have released much better and more complete greatest hits collections. I'm recommending "Ultimate Daryl Hall and John Oates". This contains every song on the "Rock and Soul Part 1" CD, plus it goes deeper where Rock and Soul Part 1 failed to go and it contains post 1983 material.

   One thing that really annoyed is when an artist calls something "Part 1" and never comes out with a "Part 2". To me, it would have been very easy to come up with a "Part 2" of their post 1983 hits and have another CD. This is just a gripe that I have. The liner notes are also pretty thin in here. Not a lot in terms of credits, discography, photos, etc. Inside the liner notes is a pseudo handwritten version of the lyrics for "Adult Education". I also did learn that Mickey Curry was the drummer for Hall and Oates. If you are a Bryan Adams fan, you will know Curry's work. Two glaring omissions from this collection are "Family Man" and "Did it in a minute". I would have liked to have seen these songs on the collection. This was probably to make room for "Adult Education" and "Say it isn't So" which were newer songs that were released for the first time.

   In the post 1983 work, Big Bam Boom would become the next release. It was the most successful album by Hall and Oates and its hard to now see any Greatest Hits collection without songs from that album. You can't blame Rock and Soul Part 1 on this one, its just that more time passed since this was released.

   Chances are, if you do get this CD - you probably are going to get it either used or at some sort of bargain sale. And if you can get a good price on it, go for it. Otherwise I'd recommend the 'Ultimate' collection is the way to go as the way to start up your H&O collection. The content is still there on the CD and there are some very good songs on here. My advice there are better places to start with Hall and Oates.

5 comments about Late in the Night.

1. Rick Holmstrom is one of the most exciting and dynamic individuals to ever strap on a guitar. His earlier work catapulted him to the top of the traditional blues genre...a true master. (If you don't own them, his earlier solo efforts and his work with Johnny Dyer, Rod Piazza and San Pedro Slim are highly recommend in the traditional blues genre.)
   
   With Late In the Night, Holmstrom achieves a brilliant marriage between ultra-hip traditional blues licks with smart, rootsy songwriting. Both blues traditionalists and roots rock enthusiasts will LOVE this record. And if you're a guitar player...this one is simply essential. The tones are big and tweedy, and the licks are full of personality, taste and originality. A first-class effort all the way.



2. It amazes me that one person can continue to come up with ideas that are interesting and continue to further what people call the blues. If you have liked Ricks solo work or his collaborations with William Clarke, RL Burnside, Rod Piazza or seen him do his thing with Mavis Staples you will not be disappointed.
   
   The album has a lot of variety. On the Vine swings with the best of them. Wahm-O sounds like something the Ventures wrote after a great day in the surf. Tutwiler is another classic Holmstrom instrumental . In terms of tone check out the intro to Im Leaving and Peculiar Hop.
   
   The bottom line is this is a great CD with a lot to offer. Don't listen to the other reviewers (i.e. the ones who would not know tone if Leo Fender bit them on the backside or know their a-hole from an f-hole) Buy it and decide for yourself.



3. Greasy, sleazy, moody and hip, "Late in the Night" proves one thing quite clearly: The blues maestro is back! In a grittier departure from the loop based "Hydraulic Groove", Rick continues to show off his ability of fusing together the modern edge while simultaneously paying tribute to the blues greats. Tracks like "Peculiar Hop" and "77 Red V8" will have you submerged in tone, while "Tutwiler" and "Dig Myself a Hole" will have you groovin good. Rick even introduces a new singer/songwriter element indicative of the Stones or CCR with tracks like "Hey Johnny" and "I'm Leaving". Once again, I'm left with the same two questions I always have after I hear a new RH record: "How does he do it?" and "What will he think of next?"



4. This cd happens not only to be my favorite blues release of this year, but one of my favorite releases in any genre. Rick effortlessly pulls off the task of paying homage to his plank totting blues heroes of yore, while at the same time coming up with something very unique and completely his own. This is the challenge that so many others fail at, but Rick Holmstrom pulls off with gusto. Plus, as a added bonus you get a record full of that great primal guitar that Mr. Holmstrom does so well. Looking forward to the next one, Rick!



5. I picked this CD up yesterday and to be honest with you I'm just not enjoying it.
   
   As a guitar player myself, the whole thing sounds like he just started learning how to play a couple of years ago. The solos aren't fluid, his tone is horrible and most of the licks sound like every other blues CD I've listened to. Maybe it's just me, but after spending hours listening to Joe Bonamassa and Larry Carlton I guess I'm spoiled? I dunno, just sounds like nails on a chalkboard. The CD drags on and has no momentum either. Is one of his other CDs better perhaps that I could listen to?

2 comments about The Key.

1. Knowing some of Joan Armatrading's earlier,softer work
   "The Key" is actually a pleasant surprise.Joan's giant voice was
   always very well suited to rock 'n roll and this delivers many
   exciting tracks in that vein from "(I Love It When You) Call me
   Names","Drop The Pilot",the tital track,"The Dealer" and "Bad Habits".But some very well-constructed modern pop songs
   such as "Foolish Pride",'What Do Boys Dream" and "I Love My Baby" also make a point for Armatrading's many faces and the albums other tracks offer many unique conbinations in between.Not bad!



2. I love her voice since I heard it. The best impression I still have from "The Key Tour". I met her in Berlin at the concert. I found myself beneath a lot of fans but I was a newcomer because the several hitsingles who came out of this record. "Drop the pilot" had the highest position for Joan in West-Germany. (We were in the beginning of the 80's.) The more You listen to this music the better it is, a good relaxation from the daily routines. Get it if You can! It's difficult. Pity!