1 comments about Rev It Up and Go-Go.

1. I don't get why Jessie has done a solo album rather then get his band Jackyl to do these songs with him.
   
   The first few tracks sound like tracks you would hear on a Jackyl album. The only thing is, there not exactly great songs, there all 3 star, just ok, songs to say the most. Some of them sounded like they needed the Jackyl backing vocals to make them stand out a bit better.
   
   The other half of the album is either live, or supposed to be a mockery of a live show. Some parts sound ok, but a half hard rock/metal then a half country/southern rock just doesn't sound right.
   
   I suppose if you view it as a red neck album, it might go together, but there is barley a memorable track to be found here.
   
   As I said, I don't understand what Jessie is trying to do, or trying to prove bringing out these Jackyl sounding albums without Jackyl themselves. If you go solo, go for something different then what you and your band do.... but nothing on here would have sounded out of place if Jackyl had have released it on a Jackyl album.

5 comments about Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog.

1. I always heard people say that the Black Crowes were one of those bands to bring back rock 'n' roll. I always believed them but I never really... UNDERSTOOD them. After hearing this show, I now know EXACTLY what they meant.
   
   This is just pure, raw, solid rock and friggin' roll. Phenomenal stuff. The horns and the backup singers add a whole new element to the show, and the band themselves are spot-on with their playing.
   
   If you want a new rock album, buy this!



2. If The Black Crowes had released a live album from their first tour which supported Shake Your Money Maker, I would've liked it a lot better. I don't understand why groups play slower and call it "maturing." Get out there are ROCK if an audience paid to see you. And get rid of the backup singers. Whenever a band hires 3 female back-up singers and a horn section for their tour, the end is near. I'm just glad they released this before we had to sit through a live version of "Whoa Mule."



3. Couldn't resist, the 5th track on this live collection from the Fillmore in 2005 is "Welcome to the goodtimes" and that's exactly what the Black Crowes have delivered here. The band a in top form and deliver a 2 Hour + show with energy, passion and emotion.
   
   Chris Robinson sings as well as I have ever heard, what a voice. The Live "At the Greek" back in 2000 with Jimmy Page was simply fantastic, well this new set is right up there.
   
   For me the Black Crowes remind me of a mix of The Allman Brothers / Little Feat / Lynyrd Skynyrd with the swagger of early 70's Rolling Stones.
   Together with Rich Robinson (gtr), Marc Ford (gtr), Steve Gorman (drums), Ed Hawrysch (Keys), Sven Pipien (Bass), Mona Lisa Young & Charity White (Backing Vocals) and the Left Coast Horns (David Ellis - Tenor Sax, Gavin Distasi - Trumpet, Joshi Marshall - Alto Sax and Marty Wehner - Trombone) the band are firing on all cylinders from the opening track "(Only) halfway to everywhere". "Sting Me", No Speak no slave", "Soul SInging", "Welcome to the goodtimes", "Jealous Again", Space Captain" and a jaw dropping 13 minute version of "My morning song" closes the opening set which just never let up and already had me thinking, wow, this is right up there with any live album I have ever heard... fantastic.
   
   The second set starts of acoustically with "Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz" (Rich and Marc on acoustic guitars only, no vocals), and an acoustic version of "Cursed Diamond" (same twin guitars with Chris on vocals). Slowly the intensity of the second set increases as Rich stays on acoutic and Marc goes to electric lead joined by drums, keys and drums for a emotionally charged version of "She talks to Angels". At this stage I'm thinking... wow, what a well thought out and paced setlist, and it just kept getting better. "Wiser Time", a full out extended jam on "Non Fiction", a briiliantly soulful and almost gospel like "Seeing Things". "Hard to handle" was next with a very cool extended improvised middle section. Jaw dropping moment number two for me was the next track "Let me share the ride" - crowd goes crazy, this just rocks, the set was a 10/10 before this, now it's gone thru the roof! "Mellow Down easy" , the classic "Remedy" and a great working of "The night they drove old Dixie down" finish things off in style.
   
   I really enjoyed this CD (and DVD), if this sounds remotely like your sort of thing, go for it, it's a top notch effort and has joined my personal list of "Great Live albums" that I've enjoyed over the last 30 years.
   
   - "How the West was won" from Led Zeppelin (1972)
   - "Made in Japan" from Deep Purple (1972)
   - "Yessongs" from Yes (1973)
   - "Welcome back my friends" from ELP (1973)
   - "Too late to stop now" from Van Morrison (1974)
   - "On your feet or on your knees" from Blue Oyster Cult (1975)
   - "Live in London" from Bruce Springsteen (1975)
   - "One more from the Road" from Lynyrd Skynrd (1976)
   - "Frampton comes alive" from Peter Frampton (1976)
   - "Live Bullet" from Bob Seger (1976)
   - "Seconds Out" from Genesis (1977)
   - "A Live Record" from Camel (1978)
   - "Bursting Out Live" from Jethro Tull (1978)
   - "Two for the Show" from Kansas (1978)
   - "Playing the fool" Gentle Giant (1978)
   - "Waiting fro Columbus" from Little Feat (1978)
   - "Strangers in the Night" from UFO (1979)
   - "Live Rust" from Neil Young (1979).
   - "Paris" from Supertramp (1980).
   - "Exit...Stage left" from Rush (1981)
   - "Under a blood red sky" from U2 (1983)
   - "Stop making sense" from Talking Heads (1984)
   - "Live in the city of Light" from Simple Minds (1986)
   - "Live adventures of the Waterboys" from the Waterboys (1986)
   - "Operation Livecrime" from Queensryche (1991)
   - "Without a safety Net" from Big Country (1992)
   - "Secret World Live" from Peter Gabriel (1994)
   - "Together in Concert" from Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga (2000)
   - "Lve at the Greek" from Black Crowes and Jimmy Page (2000)
   - "Live Scenes from New York" from Dream Theater (2000)
   - "Hullabaloo" from Muse (2002)
   - "Out West" from Gomez (2005)
   - "Freak 'n' Roll - into the fog" from Black Crowes (2006)
   - "Okonokos" from My Morning Jacket (2006).



4. Though CD was brand new and in wrapping, my only complaint is the fact that the CD case was badly damaged upon delivery. Both CDs, however, were perfect condition.



5. When the Black Crows first hit, Rolling Stone did a very nice review on the band. One of the things Chris Robinson talked about was the live concert done by Humble Pie in the early 70s called "Rocking the Fillmore" where all the crowd noise and talking between Steve Marriot and the crowd was left in the recording. If you haven't gotten this, don't wait any longer. It's one of the best rocking live albums ever done and Chris talked about how much he loved that album and that he wanted to do a live one like it. Well, this is the one. This cd is one of the rockingest most powerfull live albums I've heard in a long time. This is the one he always wanted to make and you need to do yourself a favor and get it because they nailed it .

5 comments about Rhythmeen.

1. im a huge ZZ Top fan.. and when i first bought this cd/album i was hopeing for some, just unforgetable down-right, mean, biker Riff's that stick in your head and never leave...however this album of theirs didnt do that for me exactly,..i was slightly disapointed in that area, i felt like most of the songs started to sound the same after awhile,..but at the same time i couldnt stop listening, evey song has a very Gritty, almost sloppy bluesy style that i love,..the words can be a bit 'funky' or 'corny' but thats zz Top for ya, and i love it either way,..and even though the riffs seemed simialr to one another,..the guitar work and drums durring the rhythm sections are so awesome! that it'll make you wish the song could play forever,..
   
   so all in all id have to say this is their roughest and Rawest-in-style album out there, very different but very zz Top at the same time..and if your into that, this cd is for you



2. After the commercial 80's this album arrives as a real blessing to those Top fans who miss the old days of hard driving Texas Guitar Boogie. There's no doubt the Rev Willie G. is the Master of the guitar tone & he proves it again in spades. Vincent Price Blues & Hairdresser have become two of my favorite all time Top songs now. If Afterburner and Antenna shook your faith in That Little Ol Band From Texas, then welcome back.



3. Let me start by saying Tres Hombres if not my favorite album is in my Topp three (pun somewhat intended) of all time. The downward spiral for me started at Eliminator with the Topp worming their way toward "Hair head" Synth rock, 80's synth pop and finally dreaded "hip hop" beat box crappola.
   I not only stopped listening and buying I stopped going to their shows as I couldn't bear to see them turn into the MTV cartoon of themselves they had become. The blues rock protégée's were gone I thought forever. Then I heard a rumor that the Topp had returned to their roots on this album...I snorted and chuckled, but then I listened to an online sample...no this doesn't tell the same down-home stories of their Texas youth... but the feeling is back...the crunching down-home bar-b-q Texas blues that made me love this band is back...at least on this disc...Billy you are forgiven...at least for now (also quit lying about blues poster's, we old timers know ya got yer name from rolling papers...nuff said. Buy it!)



4. Rhythmeen overall is a high energy album despite its somewhat laid-back approach, and many ways superior in performance than any other release from ZZ TOP. Every song is rock solid and well constructed, deep killer bass, thunderous drums, and incredible guitar work. This album is Heavy, Dark and Loud! Hidden gems that youll find in this album are Rhythmeen, Black Fly, Shes Just Killing Me, Vincent Price Blues, and Hairdresser. This album Rocks Hard! Mr Gibbons made some sort of a deal at the Cross Roads. I never heard him play like this before. Billys difinitely got his mojo working overtime on this recording. The sound reminds me of Black Sabbath. Heavy Blues Rock. If you dont already have this album and are a fan of hard blues rock than buy this cd immediately,and then crank it up!!!!



5. Gritty, dirty blues-rock. An original album by an original band. There are 3 phases thus far to ZZ Top. Early Top, 80s Top, and Post 80s Top. This is post 80s, but like no other album from post 80s top. It wants almost to sound Early Top, but it is to modern, bizarre and dirty for that. Crazy, crazy album. Raw and groovin. Post 80s top is underrated, and that is an understatement. Why this album is not classic and consumed by many is beyond me. For grunge, blues, and rock fans alike. Highlights: Title track, Black Fly, Vincent Price Blues, She's just killin' me, What's up with that

5 comments about From Dusk Till Dawn: Music From The Motion Picture.

1. Enjoyed the movie quite a bit, especially the sound track. Lot's of not well known jems that really groove. Cool dialog spread through out.



2. This is not a review but a question: does this soundtrack contain the song the bar band is playing during Santanico Pandamonium's (Salma Hayek's) dance / seduction / prelude to vamping out? (That scene is so erotic, dreamy, and hypnotic.) Have been burned in the past by so-called soundtrack albums that leave off the most distinctive songs (haven't we all?), so just checking before I buy it. From reviewing the credits, I suspect this song is "After Dark" but I want to be sure. Thanks!



3. Front to back this soundtrack is dynamite. Watch the volume on Cheech's cut("Chet's Speech"). Might offend everybody within earshot. Tito and Tarantula are awesome and this is one of the few albums available that their music (just two cuts)is on. George Clooney's "Everybody Be Cool" must be played at maximum volume. "Texas Funeral" has become my all time favorite country ballad. I give this 10 out of 5!



4. This has got it all, Metal country and several songs I don't know how to classify. Wonderful

   Parents be warned several speeches about various portions of the female anatomy.




5. I found the movie hilarious and entertaining, and the soundtrack is even better.I am a huge fan of the southwestern rock, and this CD is what I have been looking for. Chet's speech is one of the highlights of the album. There is one fault to the album, and that is the goofy song Texas funeral. It's just too damn weird. Besides that, the album is great.

5 comments about Searchin' for a Rainbow.

1. The Marshall Tucker Band is a really interesting bunch of musicians. No one blends country and rock together quite like these guys. The title song rules even though it reminds me of Bob Dylan's "Black Diamond Bay". Throw in some highly memorable vocal work and the occasional touches of violin and guitar playing and you have yourself a great band. While I would have preferred some more jamming on the record (because I KNOW these guys can jam like no other) I can't complain about the quality of the musicianship.



2. SEARCHIN' FOR A RAINBOW features the Marshall Tucker Band going in a great new direction. The country, bluegrass, and Western swing elements that had always been there were moved to the fore this time around, and the band had its first hit single (#38) with the song "Fire On The Mountain", which uses the Gold Rush of the 1800s that was part of my high school Social Studies curriculum as a metaphor for how the music business chews up and spits out people. However, dig a little deeper, and the song is a parable about how self-indulgent behavior can kill you in the end, an interpretation that led to me hanging up pictures of pretty actresses as a deterrent to habits that might make me sick or injure me. That's hardly the only great song here, as the title track, "Virginia", and live versions of "Can't You See" and "It Takes Time" (the latter a bonus track), also stand out. There's more filler than usual, but this CD still gets five stars for effort and the great moments that do appear.



3. My musical tastes run to the eclectic- classical, Beatles/British Invasion, Johnny Cash (especially the Sun Records years), '60's and '70's classic rock, country and many other genres as well. I am not a huge fan of this band, in fact the only songs by them I've heard are on this album. I first listened to this album in a friend's dorm room at college. The whole record just works for me. I take it as a unit, and I really like listening to it. It's worked for me since 1975, and I'll probably keep listening to it 'til they put me under.



4. Yes I said album I wore our 3 LP's and I also have a new one in the wrapper. I also have the cd and it is on my computer and my Ipod as well. Not many days go by and probaly never a week goes by that I don't listen to this music. It is a part of me.



5. I've been an avid record album collector for over 30 years. I had about 400 original albums. However, last October, I was a victim of Hurricane Wilma in the Florida Keys and suffered major damage to my home. Two of the most precious possessions were lost to me; my personal and family photographs along with all my record albums. These are things I'll never be able to replace. I am grateful that no one was hurt and that I've been able to rebuild the damaged parts of my house.
   I was around for the advent of Southern Rock and saw both The Marshall Tucker Band performing these two albums and The Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore East as the second opening act, behind the Elvin Bishop Group, for Johnny Winter And. I'm just happy that I was able to replace these treasures with CDs. I'll always miss my vinyl, but am very glad that even though I won't have the sentiment of the original record albums, that I can still have the priviledge of enjoying the great music in what is now a much higher quality format.

5 comments about Lions.

1. It's my feeling that the Black Crowes were struggling with a lot of stuff before and during the making of this CD. The brothers Robinson weren't getting along (have they ever...LOL) and the band had seen a lot of their sales decrease with each album past "Southern Harmony..." It was probably thought that a label change and a new producer, Don Was, would revive their creativeness and, hopefully, sales of their new material.
   
   Despite the mismatch of producer and artist, I still think "Lions" is a good CD. I like many of the songs and even though the production is a bit too slick for my taste, I enjoy listening to this CD. "Soul Singing" is a particular favorite.
   
   I had the pleasure of seeing the Crowes open for Dave Matthews Band recently, so I came back to this CD to listen to it after they played a couple of songs from it live. My overall opinion is that it's not their best work, but it's a good listen (I don't think they ever really made a bad album, anyway).



2. This is Black Crowes worst album, hands down. I LOOOOoooVvvvEeee the Black Crowes. The soul of the band is compromised with this album, though there are a few very good songs. Black Crowes are best on the "By Your Side" "Southern Harmony and Musical Companion" and "Three Snakes and One Charm" albums. "Shake Your Money Maker" and "Amorica" are also very good. I expect raw, hard, blues-soul-rock by these talented fellows. Their most recent effort, "Warpaint," is quality, but not the harder Black Crowes that I love.
   
   I'd love to hear another "By Your Side" or "Southern Harmony and Musical Companion" or "Three Snakes and One Charm" by this band (without exactly repeating themselves, which they never have).



3. This is an excellent album. The band is in fine form...especially after that Shake Your Money Maker retread(which is what you get working with a caveman LOL). Although I personally miss Johnny Colt and Marc Ford...their replacements are slouches by no measure. The songwriting is quite good...some fine, fine...soopafine material here. Lickin' is one of my all time faves. The glossy, almost poppy dance mix production really freshens an sging sound. Most of the tracks run into eachother, making the album hard to turn off. So take me down to the Greasy Grass River Baby...just make sure you bring some Crowes.



4. ...including Hendrix, Zappa, James Brown, Stones, George Clinton, and many others can be heard influencing this album, which is never imitative but always unique and very spiritual, with references from Milton and Dante to William Blake and Sitting Bull's dance prior to Custer's Last Stand. From the screeching feedback that introduces "Midnight from the Inside Out", les freres robinson can be scary, nasty-hot ("Lickin') the ultimate putdown artists (No Use Lyin') and still breathe monstrous life into a little funky thang y'all ("Ozone mama"). The soul journey that seems to begin on "Greasy Grass River" flows though Electric Ladyland and creates a veritable Stairway to Heaven, and we are dropped in the water, freed, redeemed, and blessed..."Soul Singing", "Cosmic Friend" mix funk and rhythm and blues with psychedelia, as someone else has mentioned, wandering into a Sly Stone-like brilliance, but much modernized and somehow ethereal while heavy at the same time. Wow. Very impressed. These fellows are certainly masters of their craft, and also OUT THERE with Don Was, who really knows how to open up a studio recording. (Check out Brian Wilson's "I Guess I Just Wasn't Made For These Times"--I mean the album from the mid-80's, not the Pet Sounds song.) Where have I been? I needed this album back in 2001! I gotta lotta catchin up to do!



5. This disc is much better than most of the reviews on Amazon.com give it credit for. Actually, IMHO this is the bands best set since their sophomore effort. Why?? Because they push the comfortable boundaries of traditional "Southern Rock" cliches and yet still remain loyal to the spirit of the sound. If you like the band but were turned off by this album I challenge you to give it a second listen.

5 comments about Christmas Peace.

1. Christmas Peace is an excellent album that everyone who likes Elvis Presley should own. It combines one CD of Christmas songs with one CD of the Gospel songs that were so close to his heart. They are not only inspirational to listen to, they also show that Elvis was a deeply Christian man who was overwhelmed by his life circumstances. Would any of us do better? You cannot sing with the conviction he does on his Gospel selections and not believe it. The songs on this album capture both the sacred season of Christmas and the sacred theme of Gospel music.



2. The CD is great! It's a must have for all Elvis fans! It contains Elvis' greatest Christmas songs and a CD that contains his inspirational songs.



3. I'll give this cd a 5 star---------BUT WHERE IS THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM ELVIS-----WHICH I REALLY WANTED TO HEAR ?????? On the Christmas cd #8 states Christmas Message from Elvis on the discription list of Songs. I received this cd and there is no suchChristmas Message !! (VERY DISAPPOINTING) !!!! On the Cd Disc #1 (Christmas) if you look at the back where the list of songs are it does not say anything about this message being on the disc----Amazon has this WRONG on their list---Because it IS NOT THERE !!! BUT I would still get this CD---It's Still GREAT because it's ELVIS !!!! I LOVE ELVIS -----So I WANT ANYTHING HE SINGS !!! So get this cd, Elvis' Singing will NEVER let you be sorry ! I could never get threw the Holiday's or any other day without this CD ! This is a great christmas CD, don't let the fact that there is no Elvis message on this stop you from odering this If you want to have Peaceful Holidays you will love this cd. There is no way I could handle Christmas without Elvis! Dina



4. Another repackaging of the 20 Christmas songs that Elvis recorded during his career. The twist on this package that makes it different from previous Christmas releases (such as "White Christmas" and "If Every Day Was Like Christmas") is the second CD containing 20 Gospel songs.
   
   Elvis' performance of the earlier Christmas songs (the ones recorded in the 50's and 60's) are outstanding! Elvis is in top form for these songs and several of them have become Christmas classics still receiving radio play 50 years after they were recorded! The Christmas songs recorded in the 70's are good but not in the same class as the earlier recordings. His performances of the Gospel songs on the second CD are excellent!
   
   If you are looking for a collection of Elvis Christmas music AND some of his mellow Gospel songs, this is the collection for you!
   
   However, if you are just wanting Elvis Christmas songs, I would recommend that you save a few bucks and buy the "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" CD, which contains all 20 Christmas songs found here plus 4 alternate versions on a single CD, making it the most comprehensive Elvis Christmas collection available. If you are just looking for some Elvis Gospel music I would recommend you buy the Elvis "Ultimate Gospel" CD.



5. Elvis has always been my favourite artist. This cd shows how wonderfully capable Elvis was at singing any style of music he chose. Great sound quality and packaging make this another winner from BMG .

5 comments about Saddle Tramp.

1. Who Knew Charlie Daniels blows the Allman Bros twin guitar solo's out of the water and plays the Blues like nobodys business. I guess if you do then you already have his albums.



2. I bought this years ago in album form. Why? Because at that time I had people pressuring me on how to dress, who to have for friends and a host of other things to make me over into a sophisticated California girl---had just moved from a small town back east.
   I heard this on the radio in my car, drove straight to the record store and bought the album. Went right home and made my well meaning "roomies" sit down and LISTEN to the words to "It's MY LIFE". Best advice that anyone could give you-------and it didn't hurt that I LOVE the Blues and this is a great little blues number.
   Good music and I love that song so much I bought the CD too.



3. Since music always seems to be in needs of unfortunate labeling i've always thought of The Charlie Daniels Band as progressive country. Their musicianship pushes so many different, eclectic musical styles it's hard to classify them as just southern rock or country. This album is my favorite of their catalog and showcases their many talents. "Dixie On My Mind" starts off the album with a burning tempo reminescent of "Texas" on the previous album. The opus of this record is the title track clocking in at over ten minutes long. This gem shines a light on Charlie's guitar playing as well as Tommy Crain. The double drumming and bass are solid throughout and the often overlooked Taz kicks it on the keys. These guys are incredible musicians. Saw The Cdb two years ago and was surprised and impressed when they performed this song in the set after all theese years.
   "Sweet Louisiana" is a bluesy romp featuring some more fine guitar work. "Wichita Jail" is short and sweet but contains some typical funny Charlie lyrics. "Cumberland Mountain Number 9" is a Tommy Crain penned tune. Not my favorite of his but it still works. "It's My Life" is a 6 minute diamond with great playing and lyrics. More excellent guitar work on this. They remade this in the 90's but it was definitely missing the jamming and punch of this version. The album closes with one of my all time favorites "Sweetwater, Texas". Charlie wrote this one alone and it features great lyrics and a waltz tempo. He plays a soft fiddle on it and his voice sounds great.
   This album is a great capsule of the band's abilities. Rock,country,blues,jazz progressions all intertwined throughout 7 songs. The only thing missing is one Taz tune. Would highly recommend this album if you want to find out what the CDB is all about besides the major radio hits.



4. Saddletramps is one of Charlie's kick butt albums. Back in the seventies I bought this album just because I had heard of his name but none of his music. It was well worth the buy. The country jazz influence of the title song was just amazing. I have been hooked every since. I recommend this album to all those southern rock fans of the seventies.



5. SADDLE TRAMP is another great Charlie Daniels album. It contains several great songs, including the hard-jamming title track. If you love A DECADE OF HITS, FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, HIGH LONESOME, MILLION MILE REFLECTIONS, FULL MOON, THE LIVE RECORD, or SUPER HITS, then you'll love SADDLE TRAMP.

5 comments about Dose.

1. When I was in my early 20s, I loved music by bands like Cream, Free, Juicy Lucy etc., and I still listen to their music - but only occasionally. I keep telling myself that someone of my age shouldn't be listening to this type of music anymore. I came across Gov't Mule by accident - I thought 'what an odd name for a band' but, as I had nothing better to do, I checked out the samples and what I heard were some snippets of really ballsy, heavy jazz-blues-rock. Needless to say, when I bought the album it just blew my clogs off - not to mention my socks (come to think of it, no one in our house mentions my socks either). Even though I had to turn down the volume on my hearing aid, it was a revelation to hear and enjoy music that I thought I'd outgrown.
   
   Most of the music is 'heavy-dense' with a brooding quality, and it is played at a fairly slow tempo - even taking the Lennon & McCartney song 'She Said, She Said', and making it sound like something dredged up from a swamp. There are a couple of lighter moments (relatively speaking) : 'John The Revelator' with some edgy slide guitar and outstanding vocals; and 'Raven Black Night' which includes acoustic guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and west African percussion instruments with strange names. I also think the music has a strong Jazz influence (Jazz buffs don't pillory me, I'm not an expert on this genre!). Many of the tracks are long, typically between 6 and 8 minutes - but don't let this put you off, because most songs have bridges featuring some pretty impressive and imaginative guitar soloing (electric, slide and acoustic); also, the guitar playing is 'studio live', so its raw edge is carried forward to the final product (there is no over-dubbing of lead guitar). Although the band have been described as a 'power trio', the inclusion of some additional instruments gives the music more depth than that of the aforementioned bands; but even so, it still has a lot of 'clout'.
   
   Warren Haynes's playing, combined with a voice which is the aural equivalent of granulated gravel, is what puts 'blues' into blues-rock. Matt Abts provides some precision drumming and Allen Woody's bass playing lends more than a modicum of funk to the proceedings. The lyrics are OK (but nothing special) and the music is rather short on melody - now I like a catchy tune as much as the next person but, on this occasion, I'm fairly happy to let melody take a back seat (with this type of music, melody is the 'icing on the cake' - but the flavour and texture of the cake itself are far more important). There are no dud tracks and certainly no filler - I liked all tracks, but the ones I keep coming back to are 'Thorazine Shuffle', Thelonious Beck', 'Birth of The Mule', 'John The Revelator', 'She Said, She Said' and 'Raven Black Night'.
   
   I turn up the wick on my amp and play 'Dose' loud; I'm not sure which will disintegrate first - the nerves surrounding my cerebral synapses or my hearing aid, but it's a risk I'm prepared to take (and besides, I can always buy another hearing aid). So, there we have it - a jolly good record which I can confidently recommend to fans of heavier blues-rock, and also to retirees looking for an excuse to re-connect with some decent heavy rock music of the non-metallic variety.



2. Gov't Mule has been lumped into the jam band category, but their music is hardly just noodling solos, half-a*sed melodies and nonsense lyrics. Their albums are cohesive, SOLID, INTENSE, GREAT SONGS! A little jazz influence, too, of course. And they do like to solo--hey, it's Warren Haynes with the Allman Brothers, after all--but their material is heads and shoulders above ANY hard/southern/blues rock band out there today. For a long time I avoided Gov't Mule because I thought they were just a jam band with long, boring, jazzy songs. Boy, was I wrong! DEAD wrong! Get ALL of Gov't Mule albums if you like Skynyrd, the Allmans, Led Zeppelin, Blackfoot, the Black Crowes....you will be KICKING yourself for not discovering this band years ago!!
   
   The only album of theirs I DON'T recommend is their latest--Mighty High. It's nothing but boring, industrial-ish reggae. If you like that kind of music, then fine, you'll probably like it. For me, it was a waste of money. I just hope their next effort is back to the blues rock that they are best known for.



3. Possibly the heaviest album put out by Gov't Mule, this is also among their best (though they're all good, aren't they?).
   
   The album begins with the driving "Blind Man in the Dark," which is an excellent choice to lead off the album. A heavy song, with great vocal work, it immediately grabs the attention of the listener, before the more jazzy "Thorazine Shuffle" takes the album, still in its infancy, in a completely different direction, with it's catchy bass line and variation between somewhat laid back verses and a more aggressive chorus.
   
   "Thelonius Beck," an unique instrumental, is a melange of blues and jazz styles, before the the thumping, meandering bass and guitar of "Game Face" are accompanied by some great vocal work from Warren Haynes.
   
   "Towering Fool" marks the first real slow song of the album and, as always, the slow one is accompanied by great lyrics and a strong vocal performance from Warren, who really carries the track with his vocals and a great, soulful guitar solo. This leads into "Birth of the Mule," the second instrumental track on the album, which is a bit of a surprise, but it's a nice track, before "John the Revelator," with it's unique guitar parts.
   
   "She Said, She Said" takes the album in a different direction, with more upbeat melodies and rockin' guitar parts, and is probably the most accessible song on the album to someone unused to the prowess of Mule. "Larger than Life" is a heavy, powerful track, that really brings together great songwriting, compelling melodies and instrumental work, and Warren's great vocal abilities to create an album highlight.
   
   The final two tracks include "Raven Black Night," with its delicate guitar lines and a sound that is somewhat unusual for Mule, although interesting and good, and the great, bluesy "I Shall Return" with a simple but soulful chorus that makes for a great closer that's certain to keep the album in a listener's head.
   
   A great album!



4. What do you get when you combine a living legend of a guitar player, with a supremely talented bass player respected among the world's best bass players, and a flat-out awesome drummer? Possibly the best power trio of all time, and one hell of an *$$ kickin' "Mule"! Think this praise is unfounded and just my personal opinion? Think again!
   
   Warren Haynes, a living legend, has rightly been proclaimed one of the best guitar players of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. Warren is the premier Blues/Rock guitarist and has played guitar on dozens of albums, not only as a solo artist and for Gov't Mule, but also for other legendary bands and artists.
   
   Matt Abts is a Grammy Nominated drummer and has received multiple first place drumming awards from respected drumming publications. His drumming on this album can only be described as spectacular.
   
   Allen Woody - Unfortunately Gov't Mule's next studio album was the last album bassist Allen Woody performed on. In August of 2000 Allen Woody unexpectedly passed away. As a fitting tribute and show of respect about two dozen of the world's best bass players assumed Allen's duties on Gov't Mule's following two albums. These bass players included Les Claypool, Jason Newstead, Flea, Roger Glover, John Entwistle, Bootsy Collins, Phil Lesh and Dave Schools. Gov't Mule's first two albums are their hardest/heaviest, and in my opinion their best. They have yet to put out an album as outstanding as when Woody was with the band. Woody was an irreplaceable piece of the Mule, and is certainly missed by all. RIP Woody.
   
   Now, Gov't Mule has been one of my favorite bands for years, but I was surprised to learn that Metallica frontman James Hetfield recently stated that Gov't Mule IS his favorite band. I would have guessed that James would have named a classic band from the 70's, or possibly one of his contemporaries as his favorite band. But it's obvious James has an understanding of what exceptional Rock is, and appreciates listening to music from seasoned and truly talented musicians, not some cr*p from a "flavor of the month" band. If you are a fan of Rock/Metal and listen to Gov't Mules first two albums and fail to understand how good they are, either you are pretty young and should probably not stray to far from listening to your Linkin Park and Godsmack, or you simply have no true grasp of what excellent Rock music performed by talented musicians is. This fact is not arguable.



5. WITH THIS THEIR SECOND STUDIO RELEASE, GOV'T MULE TAKES IT'S HEAVY BLUES ROCK TO A NEW LEVEL. WHILE MULE'S FIRST RELEASE HAD A LIVE FEEL TO IT, THIS ONE IS MORE OF A STUDIO ALBUM THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO TAKE CHANCES WITH. GREAT SONGS AND GREAT PLAYERS. WARREN HAYNES, ALLEN WOODY AND MATT ABTS ARE IN TOP FORM ON THIS ALBUM. IF YOU WANT GREAT BLUES ROCK WITH TOP NOTCH PLAYING, THIS IS THE CD TO GET.

5 comments about Deja Vu All Over Again.

1. This is a good Cd...It may not be a favorite, but it has several catchy down home style songs in the CCR tradition...it is a bit of a breakaway cd from Fogarty usual, but he is older and obviously, is moving on, like most people do. Do not look for deep lyrics because this is not Fogerty...He keeps it in a simple, front porch, style



2. If you like John C. Fogerty / CCR then you will like this CD. If you don't, then nothing on this disc will change your mind. Saw this man in concert in KC in 2006 with Willie Nelson and he puts on a good show. The title track and Nobody's Here Anymore are vintage Fogerty and are the two best tracks on the disc. The rest are good for any Fogerty fan. My only complaint is that the disc is too short.



3. Just when you think you have heard all the different sides of John Fogerty he comes out with yet another CD with lots of surprise's in it. This time a softer side to his war protesting with the title song Deju Vu. He even adds a song for his first daughter with wife Julie. This is a very good side of John Fogerty that I hope we see more of.



4. As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
   
   It is extremely feasible of any project John Fogerty has been associated "Deja Vu All Over Again" may be the one that even the hardcore fan isn't impacted on the first listen the same level as they will be during subsequent. While "Eye Of The Zombie" was met with a certain amount of hostility (Unjustly) those were from the critics poison pen and not the typical Fogerty/CCR fan.
   
   As the consumer gives Fogerty's release from 2004 a larger workout on the CD Player suddenly their initial reaction increases between 1 and 1.5 stars. In it's disjointed fashion you need to comprehend what is going on and its contents can't be heard with half an ear and the TV on.
   
   An interesting note is how Fogerty used a beloved baseball reference for the title track. "Déjà vu All Over Again" is one of several famous quotes from legendary catcher Yogi Berra. A Hall of Famer that played with the New York Yankees. The track with a bit of "Who'll Stop The Rain" poses the all too similarities between Vietnam and Iraq. "Sugar-Sugar In My Life" mixes a country and folk feel. Fogerty was approximately 59 years old when the record was released so how about some of the critics that wanted to swoop down like a vulture on pray pay homage to how his voice has held up through the rock and roll battles. "She's Got Baggage" has been referred to by many as Fogerty plays the Ramones. A bit of fun as some punk/new wave sounds emanate from the speakers. "Rader" could be a Dire Straits tune. Fogerty is certainly covering the rock and roll years as the journey unfolds. "Honey Do" is a take off on the legendary Carl Perkins track "Honey Don't." "Nobody's Here Anymore" can be the strongest cut on the album. It offers success on two levels. For those that like the mixture of Fogerty's music and lyrics the tune will be a keeper and for those that are analytical in their song interpretation listen to the loneliness in the vocal inflection. John's been at this a long time and has seen a plethora of friends in the entertainment industry leave the earth far too early. "I Will Walk With You" could be easily placed in the realm of the genius from Paul McCartney with the Beatles ("Blackbird"). "Rhubarb Pie" gives the feeling of a bunch of friends gathered together with acoustic guitars. "Wicked Old Witch" is "Green River" slowed down a notch and well done in its modern day construction. "In The Garden" ends the festivities as Fogerty shows for a guy nearing sixty he can still rock out!
   
   Fogerty invited Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) to play on the CD and at times if the drums are familiar it is Kenny Aronoff. He was John Mellencamp's drummer for numerous years and his ten page resume includes the Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion tour, Bob Dylan, Meatloaf, and Stevie Nicks to name a few.
   
   Enjoy the music and be well,
   Craig Fenton
   Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"



5. Great value. If you are into the 60s' and 70s' you will love this one.