5 comments about The Sky Is Crying.

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's posthumous album, The Sky Is Crying, is a rarity in the fact that the outtakes here are of the same high quality of the rest of the band's albums. It's big on the blues cover tunes (all of their albums had a few) but the strong performances show an embracing of the blues rather than just a retread. The fact that no guitarist could play or sing quite like Stevie Ray certainly distinguished them as well. Everything here works as the band breathes even more fire into Lonnie Mack's "Wham", turns the Jimi Hendrix classic into a slow burner that gains in momentum until it reaches its end, and turns their own "Empty Arms", which sounded somewhat sluggish on Soul to Soul, into a joyous shuffle. Stevie Ray also shows his continued love of jazz on Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne" and pays tribute to the Yardbirds on his own instrumental "So Excited." The tracks recorded during the In Step sessions are also great as Stevie Ray's wicked slide playing highlights "Boot Hill" and he gives a passionate vocal performance on "Life by the Drop." The remaining tracks, versions of "May I Have a Talk with You" and "Close To You", are also very good. All told, The Sky Is Crying is a great album, sounding much better than a collection of outtakes has a right to.



2. The Sky is Crying. It's the perfect title to this, the first posthumous release of Stevie Ray Vaughan's material.
   
   It's honestly hard to listen to this album without feeling the emptiness left behind with Vaughan's passing, knowing that this was all there was left. A recording, not an album exactly, of outtakes and seconds that, somehow, manages to be just as strong as any other release by SRV.
   
   Given that these are songs never really intended for release, it's amazing how powerfully they come together. Part of the appeal is in hearing SRV cover classics like "The Sky Is Crying" and "Little Wing," songs that, as many times and by as many artists as I've heard them, I never get tired of hearing, just to see how another guitarist combines the familiar with his or her own unique style. Of course, Vaughan does a fantastic job with them, here, as is to be expected, and they provide that appropriate note of sadness to an album that marks a sad moment.
   
   But it's not all sad tunes, as typically SRV bluesy rockers are found in plenty, as well ("Wham"; "Close to You"; "So Excited"). And there are other songs that are just so full of emotion that I'm amazed that they weren't included in other albums ("May I Have a Talk With You"; "Life by the Drop").
   
   In an album so clearly connected to the loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan, closer "Life by the Drop" seems a fitting finish. Simple, with lyrics that seem to fit the moment perfectly, and then the album is over. Just like that.
   
   I've heard some say that SRV is just white man's blues, and that it doesn't recall the true emotion of the blues. Well, this one does for a good many listeners.



3. The Sky Is Crying (1991) is an album of songs recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan that weren't used on albums he officially released before his untimely death at 35 on August 27, 1990, in a helicoptor accident. Why, I don't know. There is some really great blues here. The best song on the album is the title track. Originally an Elmore James song, Stevie gives it the full-tilt, wild electric guitar, slow blues treatment (think Texas Flood), and it's as good as he's ever done. His instrumental take on Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing sounds really good, too, and a lot like Jimi. I wish Stevie would have sung on it, too. Boot Hill is excellant electric slide guitar boogie with trademark SRV vocals. May I Have A Talk With You is very good, and Stevie speeds things up with the lusty Close To You. One of the biggest treats on the album is the solo 12-string acoustic guitar Life By The Drop. Stevie sings of being left behind by his best guitar mate, who chose pursuing his dream over drinking his life away (living life by the drop). It's a moving performance of a poignant song. Lovingly put together by his brother, Jimmie Vaughan, The Sky Is Crying sounds as good as any of SRV's albums. While a couple of the instrumental songs are uneven and really nothing new, the album as a whole is very good, and it's essential for the fans of a great bluesman, Stevie Ray Vaughan.



4. Critics cite Texas Flood and In Step as SRV's bests albums, but this is easily my personal favorite. It's a nice sampling of his unbelievable and seemingly unattainable talents and abilities.
   
   Vaughan's deranged vocals and fiery slide guitar hit you like a freight train on "Boot Hill," the CD's first song. "Chitlins Con Carne" is a wonderful example of his jazz guitar--pure elegance--suitable as a backdrop to a formal dinner. In addition, SRV's "Life By The Drop" is a haunting ballad played on 12-string acoustic guitar--a fitting cap stone to a great retrospective CD and brilliant career.



5. This is easily on par with SRV's first three albums. It's, as you may know, a posthumous release of recordings made throughout his career. Many people rave about the "Little Wing" cover--and it is great--but I'm knocked out by the Kenny Burrell cover of "Chitlins con Carne." Every song is a keeper, not a throw-away in the bunch, just a slightly wider variety of SRV's playing than you'd get elsewhere.

5 comments about Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - The Real Deal: Greatest Hits 2.

1. Double Trouble is an outstanding collection of Stevie Ray's songs. I am a relative newcomer (5 years) to his music and I love it more and more with time. This isn't necessarily his best, but there are some real tasty ones on this album.



2. What can I say?? It's Stevie Ray... typical great guitar playing, Double Trouble is fantastic. My favorite is Scuttle Buttin'....really shows Stevie's talent on the guitar. Would reccommend this CD to anyone who loves the Blues!



3. There are some great songs on this album, it's a shame he died too young. His style of guitar will be missed.



4. My husband complains that Stevie Ray stole his guitar playing from Hendrix, but I'm amazed anyone can play guitar the way he does, much less master the Hendrix style. Everything on this CD is great if you are a blues fan. Double Trouble is an incredible band.



5. Well, I guess if your a real fan of SRV, then you will love this. I am new to his music, and although he is obviously an accomplished muso, it was not quite what I wanted. It has not sold me on him, but he does have a couple of good tracks. Maybe just not for me.I will not purchase any more SRV if this is representative of his work

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 Lie to Me.

1. I'm not thrilled by this album. I like Lang's bluesy renditions but I would have liked a few more cuts that have the energy of the title song.



2. When you consider that Jonny Lang was still a kid when he recorded this album, it's incredibly impressive.
   
   But putting the child prodigy angle aside, for a moment, it's really a mixed bag. There are, undoubtedly, moments of sheer greatness. The opener, title track "Lie to Me," is catchy, high quality blues, and the follow up "Darker Side" is a potent song, as well. The album offers up a nice mix of harder rockin' blues numbers with slower blues both of the heavy and soft varieties. At times Lang's playing even echoes that of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
   
   So why is it a mixed bag?
   
   Well, to some extent, the album tries a little too hard to be modern, and loses some of the raw emotion of the blues. Part of this modernity is seen in the album's clear pop leanings, evident on a number of tracks, which water it down somewhat. And then there's that final track, "Missing Your Love." It might be the weakest track on the album, and it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth. If it had to be included, it would have been a better fit somewhere in the middle...well away from the influential beginning or ending of an album.
   
   But, given all that, it's still a good album, and one worth hearing. Perhaps some who like pop infused blues more than I will appreciate it more fully.



3. For a second effort, it is just as good as the first. Jonny just keeps getting better and with a more mature and bluesy vocal.



4. With his worldly, whiskey voice Jonny Lang stuns us once again. So young to feel so much!!! And he relays it spectacularly. From the soulful lyrics to the spectacular guitar, this is a moody, wonderful CD.



5. Jonny Lang's major label debut was more successful than anyone would have dreamed. The title track became a big hit and vaulted Lang into overnight stardom at the tender age of 16. I actually don't think this album is quite as good as his previous independent effort "Smokin", but it is still a very good album. Being on a major with a big name producer the material here is much more polished than Lang's previous stuff. The guitar solos are shorter and the album contains more covers than originals. Still when you consider the fact that this kid was just 16 when this was recorded it is pretty amazing. Highlights include "Lie To Me", "Darker Side", "Rack Em Up", and the soulful "Missing Your Love" which would be a shade of things to come on Lang's later albums. I have had the chance to see Lang live several times over the years and each time he gets better. This is a very nice blues album from a talented guy. I don't think it is his best, but certainly worth owning.

5 comments about Grant Street.

1. It should be said that Sonny Landreth is blindingly fast on guitar. Yet, after trying to like this album for more than a week, I just do not. And the reason is that my ears detect no soul at all in his playing. I am reminded of several other virtuoso guitarists (Walter Trout and Johnny Winter most specifically) who make an awful lot of noise, but very little listenable music. I am also missing entirely the Blues aspect of this recording. It's rock-and-roll. A little more attention to melody and continuity, and less fret-finger acrobatics, would help a lot.



2. this is about as high energy as a trio could get. But it's a lot more than just noise: excellent guitar work, solid vocals. not dinner-time music. but if you want music that will blow the roof off your head, this could be it.



3. I caught Sonny on tour last year and thought he was great. Almost all the material from his performance is on this CD and it really showcases his music. I am really impressed with Sonny and his bandmates in concert and here on the CD. Sonny's voice has really improved over the years and is now a strength. Of course his guitar playing ranges from excellent to phenomenal as always. I think this CD really does catch Landreth at his best. Every fan should own this recording and it's a great place for any newcomers to Sonny's sound to start.



4. Sonny Landreth has been kicking around for years and I've seen him as a member of John Hiatt & the Goners. My first exposure to him solo was at this years "Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival" outside of Chicago. After I got home that night, I immediately went onto Amazon.com and order his live CD "Grant Street". From the opening instrumental "Native Stepson" through the closing trck "Congo Square" this CD is filled with outstanding blues guitar playing and slide guitar playing as well. Other than being from Louisiana, I'm nt sure why he's classified as a country artist. This is pure bare bones Amrican power Blues. I like Sonny's voice too it blends wel with this style of music. He is backed by just a bass player and a drummer but the sound is full and brilliant. I will be purchasing more Sonny Landreth Cd's in the not too distant future.



5. There's not a guy who's heard this CD on my stereo or iPod who hasn't asked, "Who is that playing the guitar?" Yeah, no kidding, Sonny Landreth is da bomb, and Grant Street is a fantastic CD. Buy it if you enjoy superb guitar playing, you could not possibly be disappointed.Grant Street

5 comments about The Essential Daryl Hall & John Oates.

1. I think this is a GREAT CD with many beautiful songs!! I've definitely recommend it because it has all of the hits that this talented group achieved and then some. Overall, you can't go wrong if you like Hall & Oates and GOOD MUSIC!!



2. There have been countless Hall and Oates compilations released over the years and none of them have been as extensive as this one. Some came close but would skip over the early years and miss key tracks like "She's Gone". This particular track is my personal favourite, and you cannot beat the original album version included here. I believe Hall and Oates re-recorded it in the late 70's or early 80's into a shorter mix.
   
   This compilation is digitally remastered and includes album tracks and every single, except for "OOh Yeah" and the medley from "Live at the Appollo" ("My Girl"?). Besides those two omissions, I think all fans owe it to themselves to grab a copy. Some key standouts are "How does it feel to be back", "One On One", "Don't Hold Back Your Love" "So Close" and "Rich Girl".
   
   This is a very easy album to listen to. Buy it for the original version of "She's Gone" if anything. LOVE THAT SONG!



3. I spontaneously ordered this CD thinking of the good ole days. I guess my memory is fading because there were very few songs that I actually liked. Even my husband wondered "what the heck did you buy this for?" My own fault, not Hall & Oates.



4. She's gone. This song got worn out by commercial radio in the late 70's. It sort of faded away from the radio. There was a time that I said "if I hear this f#@$ing song one more time"... Now it seems to have a new meaning or new life to me. Daryl Hall has one of music's most distinctive and soulful voices. When he hits those high notes, it still gives me goose bumps.



5. It made me fall in love all over again with Hall & Oates. The CD came sooner than I expected.

5 comments about Baduizm.

1. this is another great album to listen to when you want to chill out or clean the house to. even though she doesn't have the strongest voice, her lyrics and sound bring something new to music.



2. Amazing sound, Very creative and with a good team of musicians - The best CD of Eryka.... It worth each penny spent!
   Buy it!



3. she's black female (gil scott heron)a rebel without a cause.Her music is her own.You can't catcgorize her.it's uniquely executed superbly. Ican't criticise any of outlandish.She's amodern day,Diana Ross.Listen to her voice.All recordings are great.Baduism is very good,my favorite:worldwide underground.



4. Waste of time reading this review - just get the album.
   
   Discovered her about 100 years after everyone else ... on Dave Chappelle's Block PArty. Sings like an angel, is drop dead gorgeous as smart as Einstein.



5. This album is great, with songs like "ON and On" and "Next Lifetime" she adds so much to music. There are songs which appeal to the free spirit in every person.

5 comments about Turn Around.

1. I stumbled across Jonny Lang about 3 years ago and immediately bought all of his albums,and this the latest, shows that this young man is getting better with each one.He is a refreshing talent,and long may he may make more albums for our listening pleasure.



2. jonny lang always just floors me... i like this cd.... its nice to know hes not just blue............. always powerful and i still will drive a longggggggggggggggggg way to watch him live.... its different but ever changing as any good artist will do........ love you jonny lang.....



3. Lots of complaints on here from prior Jonny Lang fans. I only learned of Lang recently, so I am only familiar with his new work. It is outstanding. I bet most complaints are not really about the music or artist himself, but rather that they were expecting something more similar to his past work. For what it is though, it is unique, inspiring , and has a great beat.



4. I am (was) a great fan of Jonny Lang. I have seen him a few times in concert and loved that a young kid could play the guitar like he did.
   
   Sure this album changes from darker themes to a more christian theme but that is not my beef with the album. The problem is that he apparently has gradually given up on playing the guitar in his songs. He was an excellent soloist and if he wants to find religion, fine, just keep playing the instrument that got you there. He is dangerously close to becoming a christian-backstreet boy.
   
   Jonny, you dont have to do drugs or sing about sin to make great music. This is not, musically speaking, great music.
   
   Maybe next album...



5. You can tell he has now experienced life, and is not just soulfully singing about it....although he did THAT well, too!

5 comments about Eric Clapton - One More Car One More Rider.

1. WASN'T SURE WHAT "COOL" REALLY MEANT UNTIL I SAW THIS DVD. SIX GREAT MUSICOS DELIVERING TWENTY GREAT SONGS AS IF THEY WERE JAMMING IN THE LIVINGROOM. SLOW, EASY AND WITH STYLE THAT COMES FROM JUST FEELING THE MUSIC. ONE OF THE FEW VIDEO PRESENTATIONS THAT ACTUALLY MAKES THE MUSIC SOUND BETTER. IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN "COOL" IN YOUR LIFE......LISTEN AND WATCH THIS DVD. YOU WILL THEN BE "COOL' FOREVER.



2. my primary objection to this show is that it is too slow and "sentimental" david sancious is a brilliant musician but his talents are mis-used here...the set list is a bit sleepy, and while there is some ripping blues as the show progresses, the sense of the dvd as a whole is that it is one collective "nap time"



3. Outstanding! I first rented this DVD, then went out and bought one for both me and my brother.
   Sit back with a bottle of wine and enjoy this one. It's really a fantastic experience.



4. Even if you are not an Eric Clapton fan, this DVD is great music. The sound is excellent and Eric can play guitar like no one else. He mixes old classic Clapton with lots of blues that is just unbelievable. BUY IT!



5. As a long time fan, this is one of the best live DVD concerts ever. It was done in Long Beach, California about five years ago and was filmed at the last minute...never really intended to be taken to the market for many years. The musicans are top flight, the music is well arranged and superbly played. I really enjoyed listening to the late Billy Preston jamming on that Hammond organ...he added a lot to the band's sound. The instruments ran the gamut from classic guitars of the 40's and 50's to the latest stuff Fender makes as well as some electronic synthesizer stuff from Dave Sanchez that sounded a lot like a saxophone, but he was playing it on a keyboard and blowing into a reed of some kind. I especially enjoyed the last song they played..."Somewhere Over The Rainbow"...it was a remarkable sound from the late 1930's that was arranged and played to perfection. Love him or hate him...Eric Clapton is an icon in the guitar world who can hold his own with just about anybody esle on the planet.

5 comments about What Love Will Do.

1. This woman once again proves to the younger musicians and everyone else willing to listen: Age is just a number and experience counts for everything.
   
   She pulls lyrics form some of the great including Annie Lennox! And holy mother og pete's christ can this woman sing! I saw her live and this album does a pretty nice job of pulling off her live sound. It is so raw and gritty like best Stax records were. Don't hesitate appreciate and buy this album.



2. Unfortunately, the low rating is due to the fact that this cd arrived two times with significant skipping, making it impossible to really hear and enjoy. I liked what I heard enough to think that I would've liked it otherwise but, after two bad copies, asked for a refund.



3. This is an ecellent blues album. I love Janiva's voice and there are several good rockin songs.



4. My title came from the first words I heard from a subdued 53 year old female blues fan after I loaned her the CD. In fact, everyone that I have loaned this CD to has gone out and purchased more of her stuff. What better recommendation is there than that?
   
   I was recently blessed with the opportunity to see Janiva in Kansas City at Knucklehead's Saloon. She and the band are an experience to not be missed. She has the most amazing voice. Her voice is beyond description.
   
   Give yourself a gift and buy this CD. Don't even debate whether you should or not. BUY IT!!!
   
   Heck buy them all, you won't be sorry..



5. Magness' voice is raspy, sensual and powerful. Everything a woman needs to sing the blues. REAL blues. Best track? "One Heartache Too Late".