Roots

1. Roots

2. Down by the Riverside

3. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

Roots,Various Artists,Ojc,Big Band,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Pop,Post-Bop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: what an incredible songwriter A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far Amazing Album! One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today... Listen to this!

Sirens Of The Ditch Jason Isbell Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Icky Thump Killers and Stars The Salvation Blues Translated From Love ASIN: B000QUU2UW Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Brand New Kind Of Actress (5:31)
2. Down In A Hole (4:18)
3. Try (4:48)
4. Chicago Promenade (3:19)
5. Dress Blues (4:07)
6. Grown (3:42)
7. Hurricanes and Hand Grenades (5:07)
8. In A Razor Town (3:15)
9. Shotgun Wedding (3:45)
10. The Magician (4:16)
11. The Devil Is My Running Mate (3:45)

Amazon.com

Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Isbell was a driving force in the rousing postmodern Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Sirens of the Ditch is his solo debut. A resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Isbell clearly has Catholic taste in his roots rock. His backing band throws together a pleasant mélange of pedal steel, organ, strummed acoustic guitar, and heartfelt Americana vocals. At first, it sounds like something you've heard before a thousand times, by Ryan Adams or was that Bryan Adams. However, on closer inspection, there's a lot more going on. After rhyming "bitch" with "ditch" in the song "Ditch," Isbell throws in a line about "dancing to 'Purple Rain'" and you're drawn in, to a clearly delineated but poetic storyline and gorgeous melodies. Isbell's best songs will remind you of Richard Buckner, Raymond Carver, and Neil Young. "Dress Blues" might be the most sympathetic and awesome song about the Iraq war yet written. Huzzah. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description

Accomplished guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive By Truckers (DBT), releases his debut solo album Sirens Of The Ditch.

The album rocks with 11 tracks all written by Isbell kicking off with "Brand New Kind Of Actress", followed by the rocker "Down In A Hole", a swampy number featuring Muscle Shoals natives Spooner Oldham and David Hood. Isbell s songwriting skills shine especially on "Dress Blues" a pensive ballad about a high-school classmate who lost his life fighting in Iraq and "Chicago Promenade" a tribute to his late Grandfather.

Listeners caught glimpses of Isbell s skills on Drive-By Truckers records with tracks like "Danko/Manuel" and "Outfit".

Sirens Of The Ditch's mystical quality can be partially attributed to the FAME recording studio (Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Otis Redding) in Isbell s hometown of Muscle Shoals, AL where the album was recorded. A lot of old soul musicians came through here in the late 60s and 70s and helped define the Muscle Shoals sound, the lifelong Alabamian explains, so that influence was always in my environment, but on this record I really tried to capture that.

Co-produced by Isbell and Patterson Hood (DBT), Sirens Of The Ditch features Isbell singing lead vocals and playing guitar throughout, joined by Shonna Tucker (DBT) on Bass and Brad Morgan (DBT) on drums. Several musicians pop in for cameos including Spooner Oldham and David Hood (Patterson s father) on "Down In A Hole", John Neff (DBT) on "Dress Blues" and Patterson himself guests on "Shotgun Wedding".

Customer Reviews:

what an incredible songwriter.......2007-07-17

This is one of the best albums I've heard this year. Almost every song paints a picture and you can almost imagine yourself there in the song. Dress Blues is definately the favorite, but Hurricaines and hand grenades, In a Razortown, and The Devil is my running mate are also equally amazing. You have to buy this album.

A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far.......2007-07-15

If you were lucky enough to see DBT during the Isbell years, then you probably understand why he left the band: here was a talented, driven dude who had mastered his voice, his guitar, and songwriting -- and was restrained by playing third fiddle to Hood and Cooley, both fine musicians and songwriters in thier own right. It was easy even then to envision Jason heading out on his own for a legendary solo career. He's done so, and lived up to the promise of such great songs as "G'dammned Lonely Love," "Decoration Day," and the unforgettable "Outfit."

The whole album is great, but if there's a better song than "Dress Blues" released this year, I'll be monumentally surprised. If John Prine had grown up in Muscle Shoals and was beginning his career during Gulf War II, this is what his songs would have sounded like.

Great Job, Jason. Can't wait to see you and the band play in Cincinnati on July 26th!

Amazing Album!.......2007-07-13

I've been a fan of DBT and specifically of Jason's for a few years now, and am so happy this much anticipated album is finally out. Jason Isbell is an unbelievably talented song writer and musician, and this album reflects that talent. I've been listening to it non-stop since I picked it up July 10th. This album is a must have, and if you get a chance, go see Jason live. He puts on a rockin' show- you will not be disappointed.

One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today..........2007-07-11

I had the privilege to hear Jason with his band the 400 Unit debut this new material in Memphis a few weeks ago along with his DBT songs. I truly believe he's one of the brightest young singer/songwriters out there today and only seems to get better. This is a stew pot of influences, in particular, Neil Young,Dylan,the Stones,Springsteen,Ryan Adams,Jay Farrar stirred in with Booker T. & the MG's, Muscle Shoals rhythm and Haggard. "Dress Blues" is just one of the best songs I've ever heard period, but they're all excellent. I still love DBT but that's just too much songwriting talent for one band. If you get the chance go check out Jason and his stellar band. Rock on Jason and DBT.

Listen to this!.......2007-07-11

Jason Isbell is on the cusp of "majordom" A fine singer/ guitarist, quality songwriter, this is a great 1st cd, or any cd, if you love music, real music, buy this, and tell other people to buy it too!

Average customer rating: Give Mike a Break! Only one disc? Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans... Re-recorded hits Buy new song on iTunes and save money

Greatest Hits Social Distortion Manufacturer: Time Bomb ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: New Maps of Hell A Poet's Life Zeitgeist Libertad Icky Thump ASIN: B000QFCCUA Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Another State Of Mind
2. Mommy's Little Monster
3. Prison Bound
4. Story Of My Life
5. Ball And Chain
6. Ring Of Fire
7. Bad Luck
8. When The Angels Sing
9. I Was Wrong
10. Reach For The Sky
11. Far Behind

Customer Reviews:

Give Mike a Break!.......2007-07-09

Of course if you are a longtime fan you might now want this, as it is largely a reprise. (Thus the title: Greatest Hits.) I, as a fanatic, am looking forward to checking out some of the re-recorded songs and love "Far Behind." Obviously if you are looking for new material, this isn't the place to go! Come on, guys. It looks like a pretty competent greatest hits collection to me. If you want B-tracks, etc., buy the damn original albums like the rest of us! Mike--you are one of the greatest songwriters of our era, and I can't wait for the new album!

Only one disc?.......2007-07-02

Considering that I have been enamored with Social Distortion since I was eight years old, my review may be on the biased side, but the major quips I have with this collection are that A. It's only one disc: Granted not every Social Distortion song can be called a hit, they have more than 11 tracks to consider great. B. Not all the old songs are remastered: The two tracks I'm really talking about are 'Another State of Mind' and 'Prison Bound'. If you've been lucky enough to see or hear one of their latest shows, they start off 'Prison Bound' with a beautiful piano melody, which would have been fantastic to hear in a studio form, and 'Another State of Mind' with the new dynamic duo of Ness and Wickersham would have been something for the ages. I am pleased to hear the White Light, White Heat, White Trash songs redone, but they didn't require too much reworking because of the album's sheer perfection on its release eleven years ago.

So for those just getting into Social Distortion, or the people like me who will buy just about anything they do regardless of how it's reviewed, give this a try, but don't spend too much on it or expect monumental difference in songs. Hopefully it won't be another eight years before another album hits the shelves.

Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans..........2007-07-01

When I first learned that Social Distortion would be releasing a "greatest hits" album, I wasn't too excited about it. Of course, I have all the albums already and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of paying $14 to get the one new song in an album of repackaged hits. I was also a bit put off by the fact that this album would only contain 11 songs. That is pretty thin for a "greatest hits" album. Still, since I can't get enough of Social Distortion and I'm a shameless completist, I knew I'd end up forking over the cash.

Let's just say that I was surprised when I first listened to this CD. As has been speculated on by Social Distortion fans for some time now, all of the songs from the major label era albums (tracks 4-9) have been given a major facelift.

This is where things get interesting. As of now, the band has not officially commented on this situation and the liner notes are no help either. Some fans are convinced that these tracks are merely remastered. Others think that the original songs have been re-mixed. Still, more think that what's on this CD is demo versions of the Sony era classics. Others think that the songs have been completely re-recorded.

I can't say that I'm an expert on mastering, mixing, or recording, but all I needed to hear was the first 5 seconds of "I Was Wrong" to realize that these songs are basically totally different. To me, the vocals and guitars sound totally different on all of the songs.

Personally, I don't buy the notion that these songs have only been "remastered". I own many remastered albums. I re-bought some of Bad Religions re-mastered releases in 2004. All of those songs sounded nearly identical to their original releases. The only difference in those releases is that they ended up much louder and crisper on the remastered discs. This is not the case with this CD. These songs have been altered and altered alot.

I'm sure some purists will be put off by the fact that the band has done this under the name of a greatest hits cd. Myself, I don't mind it one bit. It was a welcome surprise and actually made it worth me buying this cd. If I want to listen to the originals, I can pop those cd's in any time. This is a nice change of pace.

The new versions of the classic songs are interesting. I really can't call them better or worse than the originals. They are just different. I like both the originals and what's on this cd. Like I said, this is just a nice change of pace. Also, Far Behind is a great song. Classic Social Distortion.

So, I will say that this "greatest hits" album was worth the money in the end. In a perfect world, I would have preferred them to have released a b-sides/unreleased tracks cd. Social Distortion has a huge catalog of rarities that they've never released. That would have been better for the hardcore fans like myself, but I'll take what I can get. Maybe someday I'll get what I'm looking for (Mike Ness if you happen to read this: hint, hint). In the end, this will tide me over until they get around to releasing another new album. I'll just keep crossing my fingers and hoping that doesn't take nearly a decade like the last one.

If you're a hardcore SxDx fan or a newbie just looking to get aquainted with some of Social Distortion's music, you won't be disappointed with this cd.

Re-recorded hits.......2007-06-28

Let me start off by saying Mike Ness (and whoever is in Social Distortion at any given moment) are an awesome band. Period. But, this 'greatest hits' cd is a disappointment. First off, all the Sony-era tracks are not included, instead we get re-recorded ones. Secondly, 11 songs? That's it? Plenty of room to add more hits (re-recorded or not). And thirdly, the liner notes are basically a cut and paste bio. No band credits, no production credits, nothing. Then to make matters worse, iTunes has a download of the old Chuck Berry song MAYBELLENE (which you have to buy the whole album on iTunes to get ) that would ahve easily fit on here. Kind of a shame.

Buy new song on iTunes and save money.......2007-06-28

I love Social Distortion but will not be wasting my money on this "Greatest Hits" collection. I think whoever came up with the albums track listing was unfamiliar with how many hits the band actually had. Maybe the band were more popular here in the Phoenix area (where they were a rock/alternative radio staple) then in other parts of the country. At minimum the track listing should have been doubled to be a greatest hits album. I was really looking forward to buying this cd and was greatly disappointed when I went to purchase it. I am sad to say that this is the first Social D album I won't be buying. Instead I will buy the 1 new single on iTunes and save my money until a real greatest hits collection or better yet a Social Distortion Anthology or Box Set is released.

Average customer rating: Springsteen's best album ever Get American Land Edition Great fun, don't be turned off Lame Record of Lame Songs Folk Can Rock

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Bruce Springsteen Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: All the Roadrunning Taking The Long Way Surprise Living With War Modern Times ASIN: B000EU1PNC Release Date: 2006-04-25

Tracks:

1. Old Dan Tucker
2. Jesse James
3. Mrs. McGrath
4. Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep
5. John Henry
6. Erie Canal
7. Jacob's Ladder
8. My Oklahoma Home
9. Eyes On The Prize
10. Shenandoah
11. Pay Me My Money Down
12. We Shall Overcome
13. Froggie Went A-Courtin'
14. Buffalo Gals (bonus track)
15. How Can I Keep From Singing (bonus track)

Amazon.com

The premise was simple. Bruce Springsteen invites a dozen or so New York City musicians--packing banjos, fiddles, accordions and the like--to his New Jersey farmhouse for a three-day hootenanny, and tape is rolling. The results are sublime, his 21st album featuring their versions of songs harvested from Springsteen's dog-eared LPs by Pete Seeger. Not all written by Seeger, the songs are how the American folk icon interpreted them, and these organic recordings, with no rehearsals or overdubs, pay tribute with the simplicity and spontaneity he intended. It's not hard to link Springsteen's dissatisfaction with American politics to the protest song "We Shall Overcome" or even the Irish ballad "Mrs. McGrath," where he alters the lyrics to read, "I'd rather have my son as he used to be/Than the King of America and his whole navy." But the beauty of these Seeger Sessions are pieces that underscore the mood of the bandleader, which borders on down-home amusement: the bluegrass outlaw ballad "Jesse James," the Dylanesque "Pay Me My Money Down" and the euphoric "Jacob's Ladder," a gumbo-and-whiskey-fueled romp that could pass for the closing hymn at the Church of Asbury Park. --Scott Holter

Album Description

VIDEO

A 40-minute film about the recording of the album with artist commentary. Includes filmed performances of:

John Henry Pay Me My Money Down Buffalo Gals Erie Canal O Mary DonÂ't You Weep JacobÂ's Ladder Froggie Went A CourtinÂ' Shenandoah

Plus four bonus live tour videos:

How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live (Bruce Springsteen Version) Bring Â'Em Home American Land Pay Me My Money Down

Customer Reviews:

Springsteen's best album ever.......2007-07-17

When this album first came out I listened to it non-stop. My favorite track: "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep." I went to see the band when they toured to promote the album in the spring of '06. Wow. There were something like 15 musicians on the stage and their passion was palpaple. This comes through in the album, too, which was recorded live.

Get American Land Edition.......2007-07-16

This is a great album, but notwithstanding the reviews written here, you should get the American Land version of this album (We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions - American Land Edition). It has all the same songs, plus four more tracks on the audio CD, including "American Land" which is one of the best songs he's done in years. There are also several additional videos. Unlike this version, the American Land edition is not a dualdisc; instread it consists of an audio CD and a DVD disc.

Buy the American Land edition instead (ASIN: B000GG4XJM).

Great fun, don't be turned off.......2007-07-08

I'm a guy with some pretty diverse musical tastes, but quite honestly, I probably never would have gotten into Pete Seeger's brand of country-folk music on my own. But as a lifelong Springsteen die-hard, I put aside any skepticism I might have had and bought the "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" DualDisc. As his career progresses, Bruce Springsteen is a constantly changing artist, and he is always drawing influences from new and different sources. But this album is definitely different from any project he's ever done before. The banjoes, accordions, and twangy fiddles might put off some listeners at first, but give it a chance. You'll actually find that this stuff has a lot of similarities to classic rock, with the catchy hooks, instrumental solos, and song structures. Songs like "Old Dan Tucker," "Jesse James," and "Pay Me My Money Down" are upbeat, totally fun tracks. There's a few songs worth skipping on the tracklist, but overall, "We Shall Overcome" is a fun listen of folk standards and covers. I challenge Springsteen fans to go into this album with an open mind, and I think they'll enjoy it just as I have.

Lame Record of Lame Songs.......2007-06-26

If I had a hammer
I'd hammer on the hippies
I'd hammer on some commies
All over this land
I'd hammer on the peaceniks
I'd hammer on lame Jerseyites
I'd hammer out all the rotten filthy dirty draft dodgers
All over this land

Folk Can Rock.......2007-06-19

This is a fantastic album. High energy folk must suits Bruce's style so well; I can't imagine that there's anyone out there who can resist the infectious energy of this well-crafted album. This is a must-listen for those who think that folk is a quiet, downer form of music; these songs will get them out of their seats and up on their feet.

It's really one of Bruce's best albums ever.

Average customer rating: Just Fabulous STOP, BUY THIS NOW! Spend Some Time in the Wilderness Brilliant...(don't tell anyone) Meet John Again

A Year in the Wilderness John Doe Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Sweet Warrior Icky Thump Sky Blue Sky Translated From Love ASIN: B000NJWSHQ Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. The Wilderness
2. Hotel Ghost
3. The Golden State
4. Darling Underdog
5. A Little More Time
6. Unforgiven
7. There's a Hole
8. Lean Out Yr Window
9. Big Moon
10. The Bridge
11. The Meanest Man In the World
12. Grain Of Salt

Amazon.com

It comes as little surprise that John Doe employs three different female vocalists (Kathleen Edwards, Jill Sobule, and Aimee Mann) to assist on A Year in the Wilderness. After all, it was Exene Cervenka's restless harmonies that bolstered Doe's own dusky lead vocals, providing X with a distinctive sound that has seldom been imitated and never bested, even by the group's own alumni. Doe nonetheless continues to refine the formula, delivering sharp, literate lyrics to rugged, often pensive odes. He mines a kinder, gentler, but no less incisive territory of the somewhat precarious space between the sexes. Doe even strums an acoustic guitar in full folk-ballad mode on "A Little More Time," a somber reflection on love lost. Former X guitarist Dave Alvin provides rootsy firepower on the driving "Hotel Ghost," as close as this disc comes to the old L.A. punk days. But Doe's raw approach chafes at the introspective nature of these songs, adding somber, gritty gravity to the uncompromising lyrics of "Unforgiven," "you say I'm good for nothing, so nothing's good enough for me." While the set lacks the blazing nervousness of X's best material, the older/wiser Doe preserves an uneasy sense of youthful alienation that sports a musically grizzled, five-o'clock shadow. These songs resonate with a mature, biting broodiness that updates, but never dilutes, his legendary early work. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description

John Doe is back again. As a founding member of punk monoliths X, he seized his rightful place as one of the most influential musicians in American alternative music in the 1980 s, clearing a path for the revolution in that genre that would take place a decade later. Since launching his solo career in 1990 with the dusty road-poetry of Meet John Doe, John has produced six stunning roots rock albums of frightening honesty and vision. A Year in the Wilderness is no exception.

This time around John has invited his friends and frequent conspirators to help him interpret songs that came fast and hard. Doe dubs the Wilderness sessions, A scary and wondrous process where a blast of intuition and force that takes only moments to realize, but that can last forever and carry consequences you never imagined. Guest stars appearing on A Year in the Wilderness include Dave Alvin, Jill Sobule, Kathleen Edwards, Dan Auerbach (from The Black Keys), Greg Leisz and Aimee Mann.

Customer Reviews:

Just Fabulous.......2007-07-07

Although a long-time fan of X, I'd never bought any of John Doe's solo work before. I read a good review of this album in the LA Times, and thought I'd take a shot.....

I love it. The most commercial cut is "The Golden State", a great tune. I think my favorite song is "Unforgiven", and "Big Moon" seems to haunt my head. The whole album has this vibe that I can't describe, other than to say I find myself wanting to play it almost every day. It has a "deep sound", both musically and lyrically. The songs flow so well that listening is effortless, and leaves you wanting more when the album is finished.

I believe than John Doe is a great creative talent who seems to get better with age. You won't regret buying this release; on the strength of this one, I'm going to buy some of his previous releases!

STOP, BUY THIS NOW!.......2007-07-07

I don't usually write reviews, but I am making an exception for this fantastic album.

BUY IT NOW! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

I've loved John Doe since way back in the X days. I've had the pleasure of enjoying his music for decades. This is by far his best work and collaboration.

A true gem.

Spend Some Time in the Wilderness.......2007-06-28

From the rollicking rhythm of "There's a Hole" to the breathtakingly soft intensity of "Grain of Salt," from the seductive and bluesy "Big Moon" to the "hauntingly" punkish "Hotel Ghost, "A Year in the Wilderness" contains all of the elements that have made John Doe one of America's greatest (although often underappreciated) singer/songwriters: poetic lyrics, vocal intensity, and well-chosen guests.

No one expresses the possibility, the longing and the loss of the landscape of love better than Doe. Like the wilderness, Doe's landscape is striking-- awe-inspiringly beautiful and able to make us feel connected to each other and the world while it resonates with a sense of isolation. This album features some of Doe's best writing to date, yet even when he makes use of a familiar phrase his delivery is transformative. No where is this clearer than in "The Golden State" where Doe uses phrases so familiar they have become clichés and transforms them in to a unique and powerful revelation about the complex nature of relationships through the alchemy of his delivery.

This album is a must have for long time Doe fans and a wonderful introduction to his work for those discovering him for the first time.

Brilliant...(don't tell anyone).......2007-06-17

I've loved having John's solo work all to myself...pop music's best kept secret...music to share with your most musically sophisticated friends...music for long road trips. I suppose that's all over now.

And it's about time.

Because this MF is too big, too smart, too rocking, too cutting, to be denied a wide audience. I would love to see this thing come out of left field and sell 6 million copies, and have John win 5 or 6 Grammy's next February. Not that awards mean anything, but every once in awhile it's nice to see an exceptional artist, at his best, get recognized.

Besides, John has the best hair in rock and roll. "John, see you in Denver (6/22). Yrs. George Tadich Jr."

Meet John Again.......2007-06-12

I do get to meet John Doe almost everytime I go to see X , The Knitters or solo and when the night is over ,I think WoW I just shook hands with ,or got my picture with, or autographs of the greatest musician of my time, and after I heard "A Year in the Wilderness"Its really true.This project contains some of his finest. Rocking with Dave Alvin( the greatest Guitarist) on Hotel Ghost ,next with Kathleen Edwards Rocking with Golden State( You must get Return to Sin City, A Tribute to Gram Parsons They sing Hot Burrito No.2 & We'll Sweep out the Ashes in the Morning ,Its just Great)Next we slow it down with the next two trax both great but I just can't stop repeating "A little more Time " with you, with me( Takes you back ,your kids are born and how fast they grow, and you just wish some days could just last forever, like at birth. Unforgiven with Aimee Mann Has a Great Haunt about it.I would have bet that was Smokey Hormel,but I don't see him in the credits.The Bottom line is you have to have this album even if you never like X or anything to do with John Doe.If you don't know anything about him , Now its time to meet John Doe.One more thing, "The Meanest Man in the World" is probably the coolest Haunting balads to go in my ears.I hope you don't miss out on this treat. Andrew Wojcik, Hockessin Delaware andywo3@aol.com

Average customer rating: review songs John Mellencamp's Words Can't Say How Good This Music is! Words & Music/ John Mellencamps greatest hits Words and music and much more

Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits John Mellencamp Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Freedom's Road Greatest Hits Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits Bob Seger - Greatest Hits The Essential Bruce Springsteen ASIN: B0002XL252 Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

1. Walk Tall
2. Pink Houses
3. Lonely Ol' Night
4. Jackie Brown
5. Rain On The Scarecrow
6. Love And Happiness
7. Check It Out
8. Peaceful World
9. Paper In Fire
10. Your Life Is Now
11. Human Wheels
12. When Jesus Left Birmingham
13. Authority Song
14. What If I Came Knocking
15. Crumblin' Down
16. Small Town
17. R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.
18. Cherry Bomb
19. Pop SInger

Tracks:

1. Thank You
2. Martha Say
3. Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)
4. Hand to Hold on To
5. I Need a Lover
6. Hurts So Good
7. Get a Leg Up
8. Wild Night
9. Dance Naked
10. Teardrops Will Fall
11. Ain't Even Done With the Night
12. Just Another Day
13. Jack and Diane
14. Rumble Seat
15. I'm Not Running Anymore
16. Again Tonight
17. This Time
18. Now More Than Ever

Amazon.com

Compare this to John Mellencamp's previous hits set, The Best That I Could Do 1978-1988, and it quickly becomes apparent how much the artist formerly known as John Cougar has grown in the second phase of his career. Following a 1994 heart attack, the songwriter transformed from cocky jukebox hero to compassionate everyman, trading in big pop riffs for sublime, politically charged songs that echo the outspoken work of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Spanning 25 years, this 35-track set incorporates most of the last collection along with more recent hits over two discs in nonchronological order. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

review songs.......2007-06-11

There is a whole lot of songs in this album. There were many good signature songs that I enjoyed and got to know but there were a few songs that I did not want to hear again. I think I got more of my money's worth on this album.

John Mellencamp's.......2007-05-03

Excellent, keeps you rockin' & dancing to the beat. Makes a great gift for those who love John Mellencamp's music. Hey we are over 50 & we just love his music!!!

Words Can't Say How Good This Music is!.......2007-03-31

Two CDs, 37 songs and most of them were massive hits this album is great value. There's so many hits on here, you select and listen to the big songs you here all the time on radio and played by cover bands in pubs all the time such as Jack and Dianne and Small Town to name just two, then as the CD moves to the next track you realise this next title whose name you'd forgotten is actually another great song and big hit that you also hear all the time. I never knew Mellencamp had so many hits but this album is more than evidence of his great talent.

You can also get this double album in a version that comes with a DVD (check first which version you are buying as the Amazon one on this page I'm reviewing is just two CDs) but even just the double CD of music is more than worth whatever the price is.

Words & Music/ John Mellencamps greatest hits.......2007-03-09

Excellent album and Music keeps your feet tapping along with a great video

Words and music and much more.......2007-02-14

Nice to see Mellencamp back in the mix and this is as nice a recap of his storied musical career as you are going to find. The two CDs span his prodigious career offering a nice mix of his music, roughly divided into activist songs on volume 1, and romantic yearnings on volume 2, which capture the full range of his work. The set is very nicely packaged and includes a bonus DVD that includes 5 videos. That's 3 discs in all!

Mellencamp always had a message, a bit simplistic at times, but on the money at other times with such wonderful parodies of Small Town America as Pink Houses and Small Town. Many of his early songs were about the devastating agricultural crisis of the 80s, and how bureaucrats and banking institutions had sold out farmers. Mellencamp also sang of more simplistic yearnings such as Jack & Diane and Authority Song, about teenage love and bucking authority. All in all this is a great collection of music, sure to please Mellencamp fans, and at an irresistable price.

Average customer rating: Great CD! Grass Roots 2007 POP MUSIC DELUXE = GRASS ROOTS style ! An unknown tidbit about "The Grass Roots" A definite blast from the past

The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits The Grass Roots Manufacturer: Mca Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Lovin' Spoonful - Greatest Hits The Association's Greatest Hits Gary Puckett & the Union Gap - Greatest Hits The Very Best of the Rascals The Vogues - Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002P1T Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

1. Let's Live For Today
2. Where Were You When I Needed You
3. Things I Should Have Said
4. Midnight Confessions
5. The River Is Wide
6. Bella Linda
7. Lovin' Things
8. Wait A Million Years
9. Baby Hold On
10. Heaven Knows
11. Come On And Say It
12. Temptation Eyes
13. Two Divided By Love
14. Glory Bound
15. The Runway
16. Sooner Or Later

Amazon.com

As a band the Grass Roots were always a shadowy bunch, a front for studio musicians and professional songwriters looking to get their songs on the radio. They scored 14 top 40 hits during their reign in the late '60s/early '70s and their hits were among the catchiest and most enjoyable of the AM radio era. "Let's Live for Today," "Midnight Confessions," "Bella Linda," "Two Divided by Love," and a slew of others are shameless pop made brilliant by multilayered harmonies and arrangements that liberally borrowed from folk-rock and R&B. The Grass Roots may have been product, but what great product. --Rob O'Connor

Album Description

This low-priced disc is far & away the best single-CD compilation ever issued of the Grass Roots' work, 16 chart singles covering every phase of their history, from 1966's 'Where Were You When I Needed You' (in its actual hit version) thru 'Let's Live for Today' & 'Midnight Confessions' to their last hit, 1972's 'The Runway.' Originally released in 1996. MCA.

Customer Reviews:

Great CD!.......2007-05-26

This will certainly take you back in time. The Grassroots had so many hits and they are all here and are the original versions that you heard on the radio! My personal favorite is "The River Is Wide", which gets very little airplay on oldies radio stations. If you are a Grassroots fan, you will not be disappointed.

Grass Roots 2007.......2007-05-08

Just saw the Grass Roots(Grill and others) at the Sellersville Theater, in Sellersville, PA. He was using a cane but still sounded great. This takes me back to my childhood days and listening to the sound bites on this CD I am amazed how well he still sounds. I really recommend you buy this one. He also has a great stage presence and really interacted with the crowd. I would definitely recommend anyone who enjoyed this band in their youth to take time to see them. Yes, even after all these years! The crowd is small, personal and you won't regret it. He even cut a live CD in 2000 that he sells on tour.

POP MUSIC DELUXE = GRASS ROOTS style !.......2007-04-26

Well, what a great CD. Listen, I remember sitting in the backseat of my parents car, I was about 10 or 11 yrs old, listening to KLIF AM radio, Dallas. Hearing The Grass Roots songs through those cheap GM Chevy speakers was almost as good as ice-cream. I had just started playing drums (thanks, Ringo), and the Grass Roots songs propelled me even more. (I am going somewhere with this). Later, in the 80's, I went to a Texas Rangers baseball game where Herman's Hermits, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Monkees and The Grass Roots were playing a special show after the game. Well, I will say this, they were all good, but the stand-out (BY FAR) was Rob Grill and whatever Grass Roots band was performing with him. He KILLED the crowd, and let me tell you, those songs sounded as good as they did when I was sitting in the backseat of the car many years before. Get this CD. As a drummer, I've always wondered if Hal Blaine was playing drums on this CD. Hmmmmm. Anyone know for sure? (Hal was a monster drummer in the 60's and played on everything for everyone).

You will listen to this CD for a very long time. POP PERFECTION that STILL sounds GREAT!

An unknown tidbit about "The Grass Roots".......2007-03-28

before American Bandstand had a song "written" for them (by none other than Barry Manilow!) the theme song for American Bandstand was "Midnight Confessions" by The Grass Roots!

Now, I dare you say The Grass Roots weren't an important musical group! Before MTV, American Bandstand was the BOMB!

A definite blast from the past.......2007-03-09

If you remember and loved the Grassroots, you will still love them.

Average customer rating: Love It! WAITING FOR CHRIS HBO SHOW DVDS Good compilation, but get the DVD/CD version! OOOOHHHH so GOOD! Best is great !

Best Of Chris Isaak Chris Isaak Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of Chris Isaak Forever Blue Baja Sessions All the Roadrunning Taking The Long Way ASIN: B000E5N63E Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

1. San Francisco Days
2. Somebodys Crying
3. Wicked Game
4. Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing
5. Let Me Down Easy
6. Two Hearts
7. King Without A Castle
8. Only The Lonely
9. Speak Of The Devil
10. Blue Spanish Sky
11. You Owe Me Some Kind Of Love
12. Cant Do A Thing (To Stop Me)
13. Lets Have A Party
14. Dancin'
15. Blue Hotel
16. Please
17. I Want You To Want Me
18. Forever Blue (Acoustic Version)

Album Description

Chris Isaak begins his third decade as one of the most distinctive recording artists—and the epitome of modern cool—with his first career-spanning retrospective. Best Of Chris Isaak CD features every hit, led by "Wicked Game," and including many fan favorites such as "Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing," plus four previously unreleased tracks: an acoustic "Forever Blue," a cover of Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me" and two new Isaak-penned songs, "King Without A Castle" and "Let's Have A Party."

Customer Reviews:

Love It!.......2007-07-20

I have loved CI's music for many years. He is handsome sings wonderful and has a cool personality. I have all his cd's and this one is a must to have.He is working his tail off with many concerts this year. Go see him if you haven't yet. You will fall in love too as all his fans have!

WAITING FOR CHRIS HBO SHOW DVDS.......2007-06-09

Hard to find a dvd with all good videos. This dvd impressed me, even though I'm not his biggest fan. Bought Wicked Game from Walmart awhile back and couldn't play it half the time due to Digital Rights Management. Plus I rarely use Windows Media Player. Power DVD plays most video and takes snapshots. With this dvd I'm watching the soul wrenching video! Eat your heart out Walmart. Keep your DRM music. HBO please release The Chris Isaak shows on dvd! Stop teasing us with that promise.

Good compilation, but get the DVD/CD version!.......2007-06-01

Chris Isaak is the modern master of high-lonesome and old time croon. From his first CD with Silvertone to "Always Got Tonight" (the final CD represented on this set), you get to follow Isaak's progress from Presley/Orbison acolyte to the delightful, quirky original he is today. While "Wicked Game" (from "Heart Shaped World") was his lone proper hit, he's had many memorable songs and two albums to hone his craft before he entered the national consciousness.

What is interesting is that, even as he has matured as an artist, the roots to his music are still directly traceable to Sun Records. The obsessive Elvis Presley singles "Driving" and "Blue Hotel" to the more subtle "Let Me Down Easy," Isaak has remained stunningly consistent. The songs are always sly and sexy, even with the occasional foray into different vocal styles (the hot growl on "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing" from "Forever Blue").

The CD is missing a few songs ("Don't Make Me Dream About You," "Solitary Man," "Cryin'" and "Go Walking Down There"), but if you get the DVD version (Best of Chris Isaak (CD + DVD)) there are six songs that aren't on the CD. The DVD is a treat for another great reason. Skip watching the music videos; make sure to watch with Isaak's commentary. For those familiar with his (inexplicably not yet of DVD) Shotime series or his live shows, Isaak's got a very dry and quirky sense of humor. His belly-laugh-a-minute comments make the extra expenditure worth it.

But even more interesting is watching a young Chris Isaak looking like a pompadoured Rockabilly star on "Blue Hotel" and "Dancin'." It's easy to see how he became a movie-star in training ("The Silence of the Lambs (Widescreen Special Edition)," "Little Buddha" and "A Dirty Shame (NC-17 Rated Theatrical Version)"), but also just as interesting to see the stars who guested in his videos, including the late Chris Penn. But really, make sure you listen to this for the commentary. It's a blast.

OOOOHHHH so GOOD!.......2007-03-09

Chris Isaak is a master at his craft! His style reminds me of Roy Orbison, but he is even better! This album is a joy to listen to - over and over!

Best is great !.......2007-02-17

This is perfect if you own all of C.I.'s cds and want to have one that consolidates the top hits. It's also perfect if you want all those hits but don't have every cd and you get a couple extra bonus songs too. Chris has the purest voice that can melt your heart when he's singing about lost love. Although he's been around for ages and has a devout following of fans, he is not one of those in your face and on every music show kind of guys. His songs popup allover but most people probably can't name who the singer is. That's a good thing for those of us wanting tickets to his shows. SSSHHHHH ! Chris is GREAT !!!!!

Average customer rating: Great Album Interesting listening Great New CD Froom! Memorable....

Despite Our Differences Indigo Girls Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: These Four Walls Long Night Moon Rarities Continuum The Calling ASIN: B000GG4SOC Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

1. Pendulum Swinger
2. Little Perennials
3. I Believe In Love
4. Three County Highway
5. Run
6. Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate
7. Lay My Head Down
8. Money Made You Mean
9. Fly Away
10. Dirt and Dead Ends
11. All The Way
12. They Won't Have Me
13. Last Tears

Amazon.com

The Indigo Girls, now marking their 20th anniversary, were in a bit of slump before turning to producer Mitchell Froom, who serves them well on this energized effort--their 10th studio album and first for a new label. Recorded at Froom's home studio in Santa Monica, California, the album finds Ray, Saliers & Co. trying a few new things--recording with everybody in the same room, for example, and stepping further out of their acoustic framework for an enhanced sonic landscape, e.g., the Beatlesque "Little Perennials." They also invited impressive newbie Brandi Carlisle to harmonize on "Last Tears," one of the disc's most memorable tracks, and called on Pink (the IGs appeared on I'm Not Dead) for "Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate." All this contributes to a fresher sound and attitude, but the songwriting (Amy's rock leanings, Emily's moody balladry) is up a notch, too, with the social activism ("Pendulum Swinger") better expressed and more sophisticated than their usual banner-waving. What hasn't changed is the way the duo's vocal lines entwine like tangled lovers--at their best, it's hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins, their corduroy-and-denim harmonies becoming a sort of third tone. That's a neat trick for voices as diverse and distinctive as these, still commanding as they enter their third decade. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

Great Album.......2007-06-08

This is a great album. It's a must have for Indigo Girl fans.

Interesting listening.......2007-05-22

I enjoyed the images painted by the songs in this album. The music is anything but boring.

Great New CD.......2007-05-14

The Indigo Girls are back to their great style of fun music while still making their social commentaries. Love it!

Froom!.......2007-04-04

At this later stage in their career, I don't completely understand this album. After waiting years for it, I am surprised by how it sounds. Froom covered up what is most interesting of IG, 1. their voices, 2. their lyrics, and 3. their music. He ruined a good album. And how they allowed it, i dont understand, smitten by $$$$ maybe (signing a new record deal) Not to be too harsh, the songs are excellent. They show a willingnes to try new sounds (rock, punk, rap...) which is exciting, but, Froom covers up their voices. I want to hear the harshness of age...the imperfection of knowing...it is all lost in Frooms percussion and sparkling strings. I think they should recover this album, only use electric guituars and relevant percussions and lose Froom and MOST of all----put their voices out FRONT!!! Froom took an exceptional album and made it dull and worst of all, IG let him. ???

Memorable...........2007-02-26

The harmony is still perfection; the music is stripped down, harking back to the CDs they made before "Become You" and "All That We Let It". The lyrics, you can get lost in. The contrast between the seven songs of Emily and the six songs of Amy form a smooth counterpoint in the aptly named, latest CD from the Indigo Girls, "Despite Our Differences".

With a new producer and a new label, it seems as though IG has shaken off the doldrums that populated their last effort, when they replaced strong songwriting with lots of instrumentation. They use a variety of guitars here, mostly acoustic, but with electrics, slide and mandolin counterpoints. (No banjo, more's the pity.) Their back up musicians are solid and sparse. Pink appears on one song, and although her appearance and the rocker quality of the song made waves when the CD first appeared, the song "Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate" is an anthem about the music business, and, while clever and tuneful, fades away in the power of the other songs.

I normally gravitate towards Emily's songs, and here she is the sad balladeer of love lost, for the most part. She writes the opening song, "Pendulum", which is the most political ("the ticker of the nation breaking down like a bad clock") of the songs here. As in all Emily's political statements, she blends the political and the spiritual; it's a woman's power song, and lyrically stirring. My favorite of her songs on this CD is also one of those songs I can't let go of. It's entitled
"Run". In this song, Emily is relegating herself to the role of one of many lovers who've been left by someone who becomes fearful of giving too much in a relationship:

...."And you run, that's all you've ever done
It's all you know to do
I can't hold that against you.
And you'll flee, you're born to be free
And if you go, I'll understand
But you better get out while you can."


Her lyrics are as intense and as fiery in "All the Way", and her "Last Tears" and "I Believe in Love" are equally beautiful in the combination of lyrics and music. Only "Fly", with its metaphors about birds, is a weak contribution in her portion of the CD.

Amy Ray surprises with a rhythmic "Little Perennials", my favorite of her songs on this CD and the tune that keeps coming to mind whenever I look to find the CD to play again. It's a bit nonsensical, and finds, uniquely, Emily doing the low harmony instead of the high. Amy's two "rural" songs are drawn from the land on which she lives, with "Dirt and Dead Ends" the most striking and "They Won't Have Me" describing how little she fits into the rural southern landscape, despite her good intentions.

"Three County Highway" describes just about every little town I've been in and it's a love song, a little different than what Ray usually writes about.

Musically, "Despite Our Differences" is a great blend of two musicians coming together and blending their differences in a collaboration that weaves back and forth. Lyrically, it is outstanding. As usual, it gets more frequent play than anything else I've purchased in the last 6 months in my car. It's good road music, it's articulate, it's everything I buy an IG collaboration for.

I hope you listen and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx) Culture Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition) This Is Ryan Shaw War Ina Babylon Natty Dread Icky Thump ASIN: B000QTD0AC Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. I'm Alone In the Wilderness
2. Pirate Days
3. Two Sevens Clash
4. Calling Rastafari
5. I'm Not Ashamed
6. Get Ready To Ride the Lion To Zion
7. Black Starliner Must Come
8. Jah Pretty Face
9. See Them a Come
10. Natty Dread Taking Over
11. See Dem a Come
12. See Dem Dub
13. Natty Dread Taking Over
14. I'm Not Ashamed
15. Not Ashamed Dub

Average customer rating: These Days ~ Vince Gill Inspired by negative reviews These Days by Vince Gill Vince Gill - These Days Simply awesome !!!

These Days Vince Gill Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Like Red on a Rose A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection It Just Comes Natural Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing Not Too Late ASIN: B000HKDEN8 Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tracks:

1. Workin On A Big Chill
2. Loves Standin
3. Cowboy Up (featuring Gretchen Wilson)
4. Sweet Thing
5. Bet It All On You
6. Nothin For A Broken Heart (Duet w/Rodney Crowell)
7. Son Of A Ramblin Man (featuring Del McCoury)
8. Smilin Song (featuring Michael McDonald)
9. The Rhythm Of The Pourin Rain (featuring Bekka Bramlett)
10. Nothin Left To Say

Tracks:

1. All Prayed Up
2. Cold Gray Light Of Gone (featuring The Del McCoury Band)
3. A River Like You (featuring Jenny Gill)
4. Ace Up Your Pretty Sleeve
5. Molly Brown
6. Girl (Guest Vocalist: Rebecca Lynn Howard)
7. Give Me The Highway (featuring The Del McCoury Band)
8. Sweet Augusta Darlin
9. Little Brother
10. Almost Home (Duet w/Guy Clark)

Tracks:

1. This New Heartache
2. The Only Love
3. Out Of My Mind (featuring Patty Loveless)
4. The Sight Of Me Without You
5. I Cant Let Go (featuring Alison Krauss & Dan Tyminski)
6. Dont Pretend With Me
7. Some Things Never Get Old (featuring Emmylou Harris)
8. Sweet Little Corrina (featuring Phil Everly)
9. If I Can Make Mississippi (featuring Lee Ann Womack)
10. Take This Country Back (Duet w/John Anderson)

Tracks:

1. What You Don't Say (featuring LeAnn Rimes)
2. The Reason Why (featuring Alison Krauss)
3. The Rock Of Your Love (featuring Bonnie Raitt)
4. What You Give Away (featuring Sheryl Crow)
5. Faint Of Heart (Duet w/Diana Krall)
6. Time To Carry On (featuring Jenny Gill)
7. No Easy Way
8. This Memory Of You (featuring Trisha Yearwood)
9. How Lonely Looks
10. Tell Me One More Time About Jesus (featuring Amy Grant)
11. Everything And Nothing (featuring Katrina Elam)
12. Which Way Will You Go
13. These Days

Amazon.com

These new recordings of mostly recent Gill compositions are the culmination of a project aimed at recording four distinct albums: rock, romance, vintage honky-tonk, and acoustic. The Rockin' Record, virtually perfect from start to finish, begins with "Workin' on a Big Chill," its swampy groove straight out of John Fogerty and a showcase for Gill's guitar virtuosity--a groove he resumes on "Cowboy Up," with cameo harmonies from Gretchen Wilson. "Sweet Thing" and a duet with Rodney Crowell on "Nothin' for a Broken Heart" pulsate with Chuck Berry intensity that contrasts with the solid, '60s Memphis groove of "Bet It All on You." The Reason Why showcases Gill's legendary ease with ballads, several of them enhanced by creative string arrangements by David Campbell (Beck's father), including "What You Don't Say" with LeAnn Rimes and "The Memory of You" with Trisha Yearwood. The stunning "Faint of Heart," a remarkably sultry jazz duet with Diana Krall, could become a standard. Some Things Never Get Old revisits classic fiddle-steel honky-tonk, music Gill has long reverenced and referenced. "This New Heartache" is straight out of Ray Price. Gill and Patty Loveless tear up "Out of My Mind" and Allison Krauss and Dan Tyminski join in for the waltz "I Can't Let Go." "Don't Pretend with Me" honors Ernest Tubb's honky-tonk primitivism. Little Brother, all-acoustic and often bluegrass-flavored, shines from beginning to end. Along with "Molly Brown," a stark cautionary about racial violence, Gill sings both "Cold Gray Light of Dawn" and "Give Me the Highway" with the Del McCoury Band. He and Guy Clark close it out with "Almost Home." Despite outstanding past efforts, Gill--one of the top hitmakers of the '90s--hasn't had a Top Ten single since 2000. No matter. His talents and the heart he puts into his writing, singing, and picking remain at their peak. This stellar collection proves it--four times over. --Rich Kienzle

Album Description

In an unmatched outpouring of virtuosity and energy, Vince Gill has created a 4-CD set of 43 new and original songs that MCA Records will release Oct. 17 under the title These Days. The collection is an artistic tour de force that displays Gill's mastery of lyrics and musical styles, ranging from traditional country and bluegrass to jazz and rock.

"I started looking at all these songs I had," the amiable superstar explains, "and going, `Shoot, I want to record that song, and I want to record that song.' I just kept checking with the other musicians to see if they were available. I had no deadlines, no rules or anything like that. So I just kept trying songs."

To accompany him on this ambitious undertaking, Gill turned both to artists he knew and had worked with before and to those whose music he admired at a distance. "I never try to fill up my records with famous people," Gill says. "I try to fill them up with the most talented people I can find on the face of the earth." By the time the project was completed, that group included Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Rodney Crowell, Phil Everly, the Del McCoury Band, Emmylou Harris, John Anderson, Lee Ann Womack, Jenny Gill, Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, Guy Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Bekka Bramlett, Michael McDonald, steel-guitar master Buddy Emmons and many other musical standouts.

Initially, Gill planned to pare down the songs he'd recorded to a single album. Then, in one of the studios he used, he spotted some Beatles memorabilia and recalled that the Fab Four had routinely released multiple albums within the same year.

Gill took the idea to Luke Lewis, Universal Music Group Nashville Co-Chairman, who totally supported his notion of multiple releases. In fact, Lewis came up with an even more radical strategy: he told Vince to go and record more songs that explore his passion for acoustic sounds and release a 4-CD set. And that's exactly what happened.

Gill co-produced These Days with famed keyboardist John Hobbs and sound engineering whiz Justin Niebank.

Customer Reviews:

These Days ~ Vince Gill.......2007-07-07

A lot of the songs are vintage Vince Gill. His guitar playing is nothing short of spectacular. The duets are wonderful. His guest singers blend well with Vince's, oh so sweet, tenor. I love the album, but give it only four stars because so many of the songs are featured on albums I already own.

Inspired by negative reviews.......2007-05-21

Before ordering this CD set, I read most of the reviews on Amazon. A couple of them were very negative. However, I just couldn't believe in a "bad" recording session from Vince Gill. Especially with the great stars who collaborated as guests on many of the cuts.

Well, the good news is the negative reports were just wrong. I like these CD's, there are four in the box set, more every time I listen to them. An excellent product and a great addition to any music collection that loves ballads, country, bluegrass, and yes: Vince!!

These Days by Vince Gill.......2007-05-13

This item is a must buy for all Vince Gill fans. We purchased it after seeing in Vince in concert. The concert was great, but you can't have that all the time. His range as a musician is evident throughout this 4 CD set. Plus, the musicians he surrounds himself with make this a must buy.

Vince Gill - These Days.......2007-05-13

I'm a long time fan of Vince Gill but this album is his best. A must have for any Vince Gill fan!!

Simply awesome !!!.......2007-05-12

This CD set is well worth the money. Actually, it's priced very reasonable. There are alot of new songs. All 4 CD's are excellant.
Again, Vince Gill delivers !!

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