4 comments about Truth Is Not Fiction.

1. I heard one of Mr. Taylor's songs at the end of "The Shooter" and was so moved I searched for his music to learn more. As a classic rock and classic country afficianado you might say I'm a little out of my league writing a review on Taylor's work. His music is soulful, deep, blues-y, full of emotion, powerful and thought provoking. I put the CD in my truck (I did say I'm a country fan afterall!) and lose myself in the lyrics as I travel down the road. I'll be buying more Otis Taylor and suggest you do the same.



2. This is a great CD. I first heard Otis on a movie soundtrack, Shooter, playing "Nasty Letter". Since them I've been hooked on his powerful songs and skillful guitar playing. Well worth a listen!



3. Otis Taylor is at the top of a very short list -- current, vibrant African-American musicians expressing themselves through blues. Although Taylor obviously has assimilated classic Delta, rural and urban blues but has no interest in becoming an archivist or revivalist. He is telling his stories, not recycling Robert Johnson's. The same can be said of his music.
   
   If there are "rules" to the blues, Otis Taylor is breaking pretty much all of them. These songs mix electric and acoustic instruments, with no drums. Taylor plays a very percussive banjo on some tracks, and other cuts include background cello that sounds like an early Suzanne Vega disc. Since this CD, Taylor hit upon "Trance Blues" as a way to describe his music. It simultaneously appeals to "jam band" festivals and John Lee Hooker fans. This is the most idiosyncratic blues(-ish) stuff I've heard in ... pretty much ever. Purists will be as unhappy with Taylor as the Newport Festival crowd was with Dylan in 1965. People who love blues but are ready to move on from Clarksdale circa 1938 without should really check this out. Folks who have worried about blues becoming fossilized with no means to develop or grow will be thrilled.
   
   I notice that one of the reviewers is dismayed by the subject matter in this CD. It bears noting that this is not heavy-handed or uniformly sad stuff. It is a pleasant listen. The song about organ transplantation ("Be My Frankenstein" -- I told you this is not 1930's blues) is downright lighthearted. Taylor is as entitled to write a song about lynching as Billie Holiday was to sing "Strange Fruit." But if you're looking for 12-bar shuffles, you won't find them here. Highly recommended.



4. Today just about any tradition-based, secular African-American musician is routinely called a blues artist, as if blues were all there is to be said about black folk music. So call Otis Taylor a "bluesman" if you will, but if so, he is far from an ordinary one. He fuses old and new in a striking, even startling, manner, and with such assurance that one cannot help comparing it to Dylan's comparable achievement. Though Truth Is Not Fiction has its own, distinctive sound, it will bring to mind such masterpieces as Time Out of Mind and Love and Theft. Yes, on the evidence of this disc, one can speak of Dylan and Taylor in the same sentence.

   Though thoroughly contemporary, the arrangements eerily bridge the 19th and 21st Centuries in roughly the way Dylan's recent work has done. Taylor's settings are sparer, however, and his narratives more straightforward. Taylor even manages to breathe new life into the one non-original, the hoary folk-blues "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Big Joe Williams's often-recorded rewrite of the old prison lament "Another Man Done Gone"), but it's his own material that places him among the most compelling American roots performers to come along in recent memory. Dylan would have been proud to write -- for but one example -- "Shakie's Gone," but even the master would be hard-pressed to pull it off half so well.

   This is music from a deep well, indeed. If you're looking for the stuff that lasts, Otis Taylor certainly has it.

5 comments about Hit Me with Your 80's Box!.

1. Good stuff, especially for those of us nostalgic for 80's music. It's a nice three CD collection of some of the best mainstream stuff from the 80's, including some music I had trouble finding elsewhere.



2. I mix 80s dance music and the number of times when mixing that I find myself reaching for either this compilation or its companion, "I Want My 80s Box," is extraordinary. These are two outstanding collections. They are pricey, but worth every penny. For many people, owning these two will be all the 80s music you'll ever need.
   
   Fidelity is outstanding, the tracks are well organized more or less chronologically, and the sequences in which tracks are placed is excellent. The "box" itself in which the 3 CDs come is sturdy, it is easily folded out in part or in whole to access any of the CDs quickly and easily (unlike many multi-CD offerings). Liner notes are extensive and interesting.
   
   This offering is a class act all the way. Highly, highly recommended. 7 stars.



3. This is a great collection of awesome 80's music, but I feel that each disc should have had about three more songs on them. Also, I think the title refers to Pat Benatar's HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT. Strangely enough, the song is nowhere to be found on this set???



4. ...Why does this box set not contain the very song its title is a reference to? If it were to be truly complete, it would contain: HIT ME WITH YOUR RHYTHM STICK, by Ian Dury & The Blockheads.



5. Hit me with your 80's box is great box set for anyone who likes eighties music. While it not as good as "Like, Omigod:The 80's pop culture box" It still will take the listener back to a great time in the music industry.

5 comments about Feels Like Rain.

1. Buddy Guy. One of my favorites. Picked up this one and it is fast becoming one of my favorites. I'm not a blues purist. I like the Southern Soul and this fits right in there. Some Kind Of Wonderful. Wow! Change In The Weather. Wow! A little taste of Ray Charles. A little taste of Muddy Waters. That's what the blues is all about. Feels Like Rain!



2. A nice album from the legendary Buddy Guy, Feels Like Rain is about as straight forward as it gets. A strong set of electric blues, served up with a heapin' side of boogie, the album plays out as an old blues man just havin' a great time makin' music.



3. Feels Like Rain was my introduction to Buddy Guy, and what a fine introduction it is! Altho some blues purists will complain that it isn't "pure" blues, and with it's all star cast, a sell-out, but I prefer to look at it as Buddy showing his versatility. From the Stevie Ray Vaughan-sque She's A Superstar, and Feels Like Rain (the smoldering and sensuous cover of the John Hiatt classic), to the red hot finale of Country Man, this to me is a much more consistant album than Damn Right. This CD proves that blues doesn't have to be confined to 12 bar covers of Elmore James and Robert Johnson. And since blues was conceived from slaves easing the pain of their confinement, isn't that what it's all about?



4. More of a mainstream rock record than Guy's first Silvertone album ("Damn Right I've Got The Blues"), and much more so than his third, "Feels Like Rain" is not where you go to listen to Buddy Guy the legendary blues guitarist.
   In fact, this is some of Guy's least blues-oriented material...the only real blues tunes are Muddy Waters's "She's Nineteen Years Old" and John Mayall's "I Could Cry"; the rest of the album is dedicated to rock- and soul covers, blues-rock and pop-rock.
   
   The production is rather slick and lacks muscle, and a little bit of grit would have been nice, but Guy himself comes off quite well. His guitar playing is not the best you'll ever hear from him, but his voice is excellent, strong and expressive, and while some of these covers are superflous at best, Guy's rendition of John Hiatt's "Feels Like Rain", Ray Charles' "Mary Ann", and the soul classic "Some Kind Of Wonderful" are really enjoyable (the latter is a duet featuring Paul Rodgers of Bad Company).
   Bonnie Raitt guests on "Feels Like Rain", playing bell-clear slide guitar, and the band includes a great pianist, Bill Payne from Little Feat.
   
   If you want to hear Buddy Guy play the blues, pick up "Buddy's Blues" from MCA/Chess, and Rhino's "The Very Best Of Buddy Guy". If you just want a regular feel-good rock record played by a number of better-than-average musicians, well, you'll probably like this just fine. After all, you can't keep a real professional down.



5. First off I love this CD and listen to it all the time. The only reason I gave this CD 4 stars is that this album is very Heavily produced and at times get a little to slickish for my liking. Listen to "Sufferin' Mind" to see what I mean. But still the production doesn't alter the fact that this is a good album.

5 comments about Toto - 25th Anniversary, Live in Amsterdam [HD DVD].

1. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LSAJ3O/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title
   Agora que a banda está se desfazendo e decidiram parar de gravar, que é muito lamentável, mais um dia sabiamos que isso ia acontecer, pois um dos membros do TOTO está, digamos, meio acabado; então é hora de você adquirir este magnífico show, performance nota 10 do TOTO em Amsterdam e ainda mais agora com o lançamento em HD-DVD. A definição do som (DTS), ficou surpriendentemente melhor que a versão DVD, também em DTS e a imagem não se conta. A performance vem com 02 sucessos, que só por eles vale a pena ter o título, que é AFRICA e ROSANNA. Indico a todos que sao amantes do Pop Rock Internacional.



2. I don't know all the names, but I know the songs for this band. All the "big" songs are here and the sound quality is great. Of course, like everyone else has stated, they are great on their instruments. The guy who sings lead on "Africa" and on "I Won't Hold You Back" cannot sing the way he used to and that must be mentioned. And in the case of "I Won't Hold You Back" he has no one to help him with the backing vocals on the chorus and in one part, he gets the fans to sing it at the point he is forced to raise his voice. Very disappointing. We'd be better off just listening to the studio songs for these guys. I must say, though, the other vocalist (the one who sings the high chorus on Africa) still sounds great. The first guy has the "I'm tired or had too many cigarettes" syndrome.
   
   Why do these bands from the late 70's and early to mid 80's keep coming out of the wood work to tour? The answer it simple... Today you have a bunch of dingbats who look like they just got out of prison, bodies filled with tattoos and piercings who cannot sing, compose decent melodies or even play their instruments... It's only within he country and western style that there are still some good artists (though country's not really my first choice). That's why I, and many others, continue to seek out old school rock acts.



3. I know Africa and Rosanna. Dont know the other songs. The sound and picture quality is great. Channel separation is great too. This HD-DVD was well done.



4. Great picture, awsome sound, only thing lacking, would have liked to have heard more of a greatest hits package. Not enough old material in full song format. Worth buying!
   
   Martin Copperthwaite
   Swanson, Sask, Canada



5. I had never heard Toto before I bought this DVD. It was bought as just a beautiful DVD cover, really!
   I was always a big fan of such bands as Extreme , Mr. Big, Ozzy , Manowar and other rock/metal groups. Now I'm not anymore!
   It's not rock, not jazz, not pop and not funk....... it's just an awesome music....... precious and very soulful songs.

5 comments about Salvation in Lights.

1. I had never heard of Mike Farris before I saw him on the Gospel Music Channel one night. His voice intrigued me so I decided to order his CD. The songs on the CD sound like a mixture of many different styles of music: everything from Negro spirituals to Blues, Soul, and Funk, with a heavy dose of New Orleans flavor. Some folks will probably not care for it. I can say that is like nothing I have ever heard before. I can say that it will affect you in some way. At times you will want to raise your hands, look toward heaven and praise God. At other times you will want to sit, close your eyes, and connect with the song on a deep spiritual level. At other times you'll tap your toes and maybe even want to get up and dance. The CD is outside what I normally listen too, but I can't seem to get enough of it.



2. This is, simply put, a great CD. Mike Farris' powerful voice and his backing vocalists blend well with the soulful sound of his band. While this is lyrically a religious-based album, and I am not in the least bit religious, I enjoy the music for its qualities of being both refreshingly entertaining and uplifting. There is not a 'throw away' song on the album. It is solid from beginning to end. I just saw the band live and they are incredible live. They are able to sing full-out and create the energy displayed on the album. They sang and played full throttle. Their love of the music came across clearly and you could tell that they had as good of a time on stage as the audience did, which danced and sang as Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Review played.



3. Let's rewind about 12 years to 1996 and Cleveland, Ohio. I was in a smoke filled bar with some friends having one to many beers waiting for The Why Store to come on stage as the headlining act. I actually don't remember much of the Why Store show, but what I did remember was a band called Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies (SCW) with Mike Farris as the lead man up-front. As soon as Mike started singing, I couldn't believe what I was hearing! The power and soul in his vocals was powerful, and inspirational at the same time, like being at a big tent revival, but without the evangelizing. There were times of full out eruption to quiet melodic sounds coming from the stack amps. Absolutely incredible!! I was hooked from then on. Fast forward 12 years to 2008. I long gave up the bars and beers am was sitting at home watching the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) and I hear this same distinct voice coming from the TV as I did so many times before but couldn't believe it was on GMC???. Was this the Mike Farris I knew from SCW! I was right, it was!! Hallelujah!! I found out (OK I am a bit behind here) Mike is still singing and has elevated it to another level indeed!! Singing for our Savior! This CD "Salvation in Lights" is quite the testimony for Mike. It really showcases his voice and talent, all of which he gives thanks to the Lord God almighty. A must have CD if you want to hear some Louisiana style grass roots soul filled gospel music! I love this CD and can't wait to see Mike on tour again. This time I will be drunk on the Holy Spirit!!



4. I was not familiar with his previous work as the frontman of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies but after hearing of his Salvation story and of his musical experience I thought He would be someone to check out. I am so glad I did this is such a great album with very powerful and soulful vocals. It has its own unique sound that doesnt really sound like anyone else out there today. It is great for all ages with a souful, gospel, rock, R&b, and blues sound. I love his cover of Sam Cooke's "Change is Gonna Come" and his version of the hymn "Precious Lord Take My Hand." Again a great album that reaches both the young and the old.



5. I love Mike Farris and his old band The Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies!
   This new Christian CD is fantastic!

5 comments about I Ain't Movin'.

1. I love her music. This is a CD you can actually tune the world out, roll your window down and feel nothing but peace...I listen to her in traffic coming home from work. It's great



2. I bought this disc because of the huge hit single, YOU GOTTA BE - it was the kind of anthemic song I needed to hear at the time and to this day I still love the lyrics and the thought behind it.
   
   Sadly people wrote this artist off thinking that there was only one hit but thankfully this isn't a one-hit disc and features strong vocal performance and thought provoking lyrics that sound timeless.
   
   My favorite tracks are: I AIN'T MOVIN, FEEL SO HIGH, CRAZY MAZE, HERALD THE DAY, LIVING IN THE CITY & LOVE IS HERE (I interpreted the lyrics as God coming to Earth to collect his angels. This is a really beautiful song!)
   
   I'd recommend it to those who can appreciate soulful music that can't quite be classified as strictly r&b or pop from a talented singer/songwriter.



3. i am very happy i bought this cd. wonderful and enchanting, worth buying.



4. I picked Desree's "I Ain't Moving" in late 1994 after she opened for Seal at a concert. She served as a perfect compliment to his performance and I could not think of a better opening act for the occasion.
   
   I was aware of her previously with her ubiquitous single, "You Gotta Be" from the preceeding summer. What a gem of a recording. The whole album is eminently listenable and soothes the soul nicely. She carries off a very nice clear vocal delivery juxtoposed with rich narratives of self-empowerment as well as various facets of the human experience. Overall, it uplifts and soothes in a most inspiring manner.
   
   The title track, "Feel So High", "Living In The City", "You Gotta Be", "Crazy Maze", "In My Dreams" are my favorites.
   
   If you're only familiar with "You Gotta Be", you "gotta be" missing out on some good stuff here.



5. I totally agree with the reviewer below. It's a total shame people of the same ethnicity back artists solely for the reason because they share the same race. It's the same way in the Latino community. I think the quality/talent of the performers and musicians is what we should like music for. And with Des'ree, there's no shortage of quality. Although my favourite song off I Ain't Movin' is "You Gotta Be", the whole album is still quite good and worth owning. Alternative music (or an eclectic record collection period) is a great thing to have. The kind of songs off Ain't Movin' are something special that you don't see anymore these days.
   
   For some other Alternative selections, I also suggest Fishbone's Truth and Soul, and also De La Soul's 3 Feet High & Rising.

5 comments about Riptide.

1. Well - Hyperactive / Didn't Mean To Turn You On - songs I can't simply live without. I've played this CD over and over.



2. Robert Palmer's career in the 1970s and the early 1980s could best be described as a "talented journeyman". Many recognized his talents early on, but it did not translate into commercial success. That would all change for Palmer in 1985 when he was asked to become the lead singer for a supergroup called "The Power Station". When Power Station was formed, Palmer could have easily been considered the least known of the four members - the other members being Tony Thompson from Chic and Duran Duran's John and Andy Taylor. Some may say that the big names in Power Station helped propel them to success and made Palmer a household name. I think a more accurate statement is that Power Station provided Palmer the vehicle to promote his career. Power Station was intended to be a one time project (although they would reunite many years later). Thompson's Chic band mate - bassist and super producer Bernard Edwards was involved in the Power Station project. Spurned on by the success of the Power Station, Edwards would join forces with Robert Palmer to produce his "Riptide" album. Thompson would also come along to provide the drums on the majority of the tracks. This album proved to be the cornerstone and springboard for what would be a very successful solo career for Palmer.
   
   When Edwards produced Power Station he successfully worked to achieve a high energy hard rock sound. In a lot of ways, the decision to bring Palmer into Power Station was an odd one. Palmer was known more for being a soul-like crooning singer, but he proved to be successful in delivering Power Station's hard rock sound. When Palmer moved over to concentrate on "Riptide", he would have a variety of music styles which would make this a very unique album. This album showcases Palmer's hard rock sound that was featured on the original Power Station album. However we also see a soulful and funk side of Palmer - and even some of his crooning style. It's Palmer's crooning style that really surprised me the most. In fact, I'm very surprised that Palmer's name isn't mentioned in the upper echelon of crooners in music history.
   
   Here is a song by song recap of the songs on the collection:
   
   "Riptide": I admit when I first heard this track, I didn't get into it right away. This was a 1930s track written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson and Palmer's version still has very much a 1930s feel. The song has very much a tropical island feel (in sync with the title). Palmer gets a chance to showcase his crooning abilities. The more I hear Palmer's vocals, the more I like them.
   
   "Hyperactive": This song is vintage Power Station with the hard rocking sound and ferocious drums. Palmer's vocals are spot on the money with the hard rock sound. However, like Power Station - it is very hard for Palmer to upstage the drumming of one Tony Thompson. People forget that Thompson was once in line to join Led Zeppelin to replace the late John Bonham (until a car accident would prevent that from ever happening). Thompson's drumming is in his classic ferocious style and it really pays off. I give Palmer credit - he is able to sing (in a very believable manner) about the successful and wild woman in this song.
   
   "Addicted to Love": The video (featured those women on guitar) probably helped springboard this song. This song also features a hard rock sound. This would prove to be Palmer's most commercially successful song. This is a good song, but it pales in comparison when I hear it against "Hyperactive".
   
   "Trick Bag": I can hear Bernard Edwards' funk influence on this song - and it is Palmer who is able to deliver the funk-like vocals flawlessly. Like the title track, this song took me a bit to get into as well - but eventually I did.
   
   "Get it Through Your Heart": This is classic Robert Palmer crooning. Unlike "Riptide", which was a song not written by Palmer - this is a song that was written by Palmer. When I heard this song, it feel it backs up my claim of putting Palmer in the upper-echelon of crooners.
   
   "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On": This was the second most successful track of the collection. This song has Rock feel, but it isn't the hard-rocking feel of "Hyperactive" or "Addicted to Love". This song also has a funk feel, but not as funky as "Trick Bag". This song was written by Funk/Dance songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Palmer's smooth vocals shine, but the star of this track has to be the bass of Bernard Edwards. Edwards delivers some of the best bass work in his career on this song.
   
   "Flesh Wound": This song combines some of the hard rocking vocals with the smooth styled vocals of Palmer. This wasn't a bad track, but it was the weakest track on this collection.
   
   "Discipline of Love": Many people don't realize that this song was released before "Addicted to Love", but it wasn't nearly as commercially successful. I thought this was a very strong track - and it brought both the hard rock with the funk sound. Like "Flesh Wound", Palmer has his smooth styled vocals - but they are much more effective on this track.
   
   "Riptide": This is a reprise of the opening track. I like how this was also included at the end - it was the perfect "wrap-up" on this album.
   
   When I got this album, it was one of the first ones that was in the "Digipak"-style format. Overall I still prefer the jewel case as the "Digipak" style wears down easier. It is also worth noting that the lyrics are included for all of the songs - along with songwriting and musician credits. While some of the songs took me a while to get into - eventually I did. This is a very good album. Highly recommended.



3. Looking at the credits reveals Andy Taylor & Tony Thompson, 2 more quarters of The Power Station. The sound is similar and there's 4 or 5 strong tracks that really rock it and a few that are just OK, but I liked it when it came out on vynal and I just picked up this CD and it still sounds as fresh as it did back then.



4. It's summer 1986. I'm 21 years old. I get a summer job in Manhattan after junior year of college, and I buy the cassette of "Riptide" after hearing the song "Hyperactive" on the radio.
   
   Every morning taking the LIRR to Manhattan, I have this album playing on my Walkman. Hey, I already had heard "Addicted to Love" but I really thought "Hyperactive" was a better song.
   
   Only Peter Gabriel's "So" competed with this album for Walkman time that summer. I knew very little about Robert Palmer before this record so I can't comment about this album alongside his other material. But if you're looking for a rocking album, this guy had some really good songs on this record.



5. I luv the man since he been out with the classic hit "Addicted to Love". Yeah Robert Palmer always got some style. That's why he so unique and real diverse on what he sings about. This man had it all. I was shocked to see that he died from a heart attack in Paris of Sept 2003. Whoa that was a big blow for me. Anyway he lives on tho.
   
   I'm blessed to see what he left us since he been around and how he died. But this far is one of my favorites I ever own on tape but sooner or later I'll own it on both CD and cassette.
   
   Favorite songs are: Riptide (such a bluesy song), Hyperactive, Addicted to Love, Get it Through Your Heart (more like a standards song), and I Didn't Mean to You On.
   
   Don't need to add every song on my list but I love 'em all, gets me crazy when I listen to this. I'm 'specially a singer and a trumpet player so whether u call it that's fine.
   
   May your music and legacy rest in peace, Mr. Robert Palmer, we greatly miss you. Wish you was here.

5 comments about The Civil War (1998 Studio Cast).

1. I bought this because I thoroughly enjoy Frank Wildhorn's work. It is somewhat true to what one would expect from the creator of The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyl and Hyde but mostly it is a completely independent experience. My biggest complaint was that I am not a country music fan and Civil War is full of it. All in all I would say this is a stirring, unique and surprising oratorio from Frank Wildhorn who shows some greater depth in research yet lesser depth in composition.



2. The civil war cd was so amazing, i felt like i was back at the show.thanks Kay



3. After seeing a local performance of this musical, I started looking for a copy of the soundtrack and came upon this version. I loved it. I am not a civil war buff nor do I call myself a music know-it-all but this music is moving and inspirational. The many, varied well known artists only add to the ambiance- out of many walks of life do we share the history of the civil war- it is one of those historical events that bring us all together. I'll listen to this often.



4. I saw the play in Pgh. several yrs. ago and bought both cds. I wish EVERY American could see this show and learn about the Unbelieveable sacrifice of war. Pray for peace!



5. Being both a musical theater fan and an obsessive Civil War nut, I loved seeing the two combined in this great album. I've got to admit, I was a little put off when I saw that they had Hootie and the Blowfish, Travis Tritt, and a dozen other pop artists masquerading as historical figures, but the whole thing works surprisingly well. The music is closer to stuff you'd here on your local pop or country radio station than stuff you'd hear a bunch of Union Army personnel humming around a nineteenth century campfire, but it's very moving at times, and even funny at other times. And the lyrics are awesome! I can really tell the writers did their homework on this. Most of these songs were copied, almost verbatim, from old Civil War era letters and speeches. Bottom line is, this music is beautiful, and you might even learn a few things while you're listening to it.

5 comments about One More Night with Chris Smither.

1. The last time I mentioned the name Chris Smithers in this space was in a review of a few of his CDs that I have listened to over past fifteen years or so. Chris, although he has been on the folk scene in the Boston area since the 1960's and has played all the venues associated with that folk revival and the current dwindling remnant of that revival , has become an acquired taste picked up almost accidentally by hearing him being interviewed on NPR in the early 1990's. I will use the first paragraph of that CD review to start the DVD review of this present musical documentary because that same question asked there applies here.
   
   "If I were to ask someone, in the year 2008, to name a male folk singer from the 1960's I would assume that if I were to get an answer to that question that the name would be Bob Dylan. And that would be a good and appropriate choice. One can endlessly dispute whether or not Dylan was (or wanted to be) the voice of the Generation of '68 but in terms of longevity and productivity he fits the bill as a known quality. However, there were a slew of other male folk singers who tried to find their niche in the folk milieu and who, like Dylan, today continue to produce work and to perform. The artist under review Chris Smithers is one such singer/songwriter."
   
   I do not know if Chris Smithers, like his contemporary Bob Dylan, started out wanting to be the king of the hill among male folk singers but he certainly had some things going for him. From the very informative interview segments that are interspersed between songs it is hard though to read his appetite for success that one can easily read in Dylan, early on. Chris was in close contact and around those who were influential in that folk revival, especially Dick Waterman who was crucial in getting the old Southern black blues players like Son House a moment of glory.
   
   Chris, moreover, plays that signature blue guitar (not used in the film) for all it is worth, as seen here on several songs including Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues. Or Love You Like A Man (covered with certain flair by Bonnie Raitt and other women). Moreover he is as capable as a songwriter as any of writing of longing, lost love, thoughts of mortality and...being stupid in the world. Witness Let It Go on that last point. Then turn it up a notch with a bittersweet song like Caveman (males-haven't we all had our stories of love and lost like that). Yes, Chris had the tools to go out and slay the dragons of the folk world. This is a very important piece of folk music history as a work in progress. That work may not be well known outside the precincts of the graying folk world, but it should be.



2. I found Chris Smither on Itunes when I listened to a snippet of a cover he had done of a Dylan song. I was immediately entranced. Then I listened to some of his original work and was impressed by his creativity, his unique turn of phrase, his dry/sly sense of humor. His guitar playing is phenomenal. I started searching for more of his work and found this DVD on Amazon. As I have watched it, I have become even more of a fan and his songs are often running in my head. He's got some years on him...I don't know why I never heard of him 'til now, but I'm glad I've finally become aware of him and his talent.



3. I used to be lucky enough to see Chris play live regularly when I lived in Boston, but haven't had the chance in 8 years so I was eagerly anticipating watching this dvd. It was everything I hoped for. As always with concerts, I would have tinkered with the song list a little but even though my favorite's missing, there are lots of great songs here.
   
   1. Train Home
   2. Origin of Species
   3. The Devil's Real
   4. Link of Chain
   5. Happier Blue
   6. Interview I
   7. Drive You Home Again
   8. Leave The Light On
   9. Sittin' On Top Of The World
   10. Small Revelations
   11. Love You Like A Man
   12. Interview II
   13. Father's Day
   14. No Love Today
   15. Diplomacy
   16. Caveman
   17. Statesboro Blues
   
   That makes up the main portion of the disc, the 78 minutes listed on the back cover. But there's another 22 minutes of bonus music, half from another concert with additional musicians and half Chris playing at home. Those songs are:
   
   Concert:
   Hold On I
   John Hardy
   Seems So Real
   
   Home:
   I Feel the Same
   Homunculus
   Every Mother's Son
   
   Amazon originally had two listings for this; I don't know if there really were two versions (only one listed on Signature's website), but after the other one I had originally ordered being out of stock for weeks while this one was in stock, I contacted them and had them send this one. This is not widescreen; go by the ratio shown, not the word listed in the description.
   
   There's a good mix of longer views and closeups of Chris's face, hands playing, and feet tapping. It all sounds and looks great to me.



4. My college son sent me a wave file of Chris Smither two years ago, and I have been hooked ever since! Recently, my husband and I and my son went to The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan to see Chris and others perform live. What a delight. We bought the DVD One More Night with Chris Smither and loved it. See him in concert if you can. You will not be disappointed.



5. Chris Smither is a real musician, he writes songs from life experiences that have humour and heart ...he sings in a conversational style accented by a lisp and world weariness. Mr Smithers is a stunningly original guitarist and this combination of singer/songwriter/musician ...sadly today in our world adds up to obscurity and playing to dozens of people at a time in guitar venues and house concerts...and folk clubs....while untalented freaks sell millions and get police escorts to rehab. THAT SAID...
   if you can't get to a show this is a beautiful piece of work...and on top of that the bonus footage is also a kick. Okay...Its obvious I'm a fan but that only means I'd have been critical if this wasn't as good as Chris is live and he's great...I saw him open for John Renbourn at the legendary McCabes in LA years back and he blew him off the stage....it was ridiculous how much better he was than the headliner.
   This is the kind of music that doesn't get traded in next month , next year, but given to your kids when they get tired of FAKE music...
   good job Chris and THANKS!

1 comments about Best of Joe Cocker: Live.

1. When you can't be there, this is the next best thing. Two plus hours of Joe Cocker live from two different concerts. Includes several of his famous hits, and some songs I'd never heard him cover in his unique style. I loved it.