Short Stories

short stories

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Aztex are co-led by the husband-and-wife team of accordionist Joel Guzman and vocalist Sarah Fox, both respected veterans of Texas's regional Tejano industry. The band's debut album was produced by Los Lobos' Steve Berlin, who worked with Guzman and Fox on 1998's Grammy-winning Los Super Seven album. (That was Guzman playing all the accordion parts except for those songs featuring Flaco Jimenez.) Short Stories eschews modern Tejano clichés in favor of deep folk roots and crossover dreams. Fox shines on a version of Lydia Mendoza's 1947 classic "La Jaibera," while Guzman's solo on the traditional "Pajarrillo Barranqueno" solidifies his growing reputation as the best conjunto accordionist in Texas. Joe Ely trades harmony with Fox on a salsafied arrangement of his "Maybe, Maybe," and Guzman shows off some jazzy piano licks on the mambo "Why Don't You Love Me?" The band stumbles slightly on a couple of rock originals, but what Aztex do well, no one does better. --Rick Mitchell

Short Stories,Aztex,Hightone Records,Americana,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Roots Rock,Tex-Mex

Short Stories

Average customer rating:

pure harmony
perfect late night cd.
One of most my treasured records
sensual
I fu like this...

Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories)
Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spiritual

Amazon.com essential recording

This subtle, sublime collaboration finds bassist Charlie Haden and guitarist Pat Metheny crafting bejeweled chamber duets that transcend genre. With their shared Missouri lineage as a thematic touchstone, Haden and Metheny forge a lyrical, mostly acoustic style at once intimate and expansive. Both pare their playing to a Zen-like economy, focusing on a purity of tone, clarity of harmony, and counterpoint to achieve a tender lyricism.

Metheny's acoustic steel-string and classical guitars predominate, but he also applies discreet overdubs (including some delicate synthesizer and keyboard textures) to sculpt orchestral detail. Haden, as always, is both a generous foil and a deft melodist on his own, moving easily into his instrument's upper register as he twines through Metheny's lines. The set's emotional coherence is particularly satisfying in light of the material, which spans Ennio Morricone ("Cinema Paradiso"), Henry Mancini ("Two for the Road"), Jim Webb ("The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress"), and Roy Acuff ("The Precious Jewel") as well as affecting originals by both leaders. And giving the project a sense of closure, while commenting obliquely on the generational dialogue it represents, is the luminous "Spiritual" (composed by Haden's son, Josh), an instrumental prayer that exemplifies the balance of concision and deep emotion at the heart of this exquisite triumph. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

pure harmony.......2007-07-07

An intimate, sometimes haunting, always soothing compilation of melodious tracks by two masters. The focus is introspective yet sophisticated; it is a subtle, lyrical synthesis of dreamy acoustic guitar and bass.

Haden's bass lines twine and insinuate through the familiar Metheny guitar work; this is real mellow winding-down music, better than evening cocktails.

These tracks are only vaguely jazz-like; really, this music is genre transcending. Great stuff as background music to read or write by. If only more of reality was this smooth . . .

Highly recommended.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

perfect late night cd........2007-01-16

reading & music go together like wine & cheese at my house. since most of my reading is done later in the evening, i am always looking for great music on the quieter side (the stooges, husker du, etc... will not do at midnight). this is one of my favorite late night recordings. I can't recommend it highly enough. Metheny's guitar & Haden's bass work up perfection on these melodies. Each track is a gem. Can't wait to give it yet another listen.

One of most my treasured records.......2007-01-06

I often return to this recording. It's simply sublime. The interplay between the players is beyond words, and the last song "Spiritual" is just that. Gives me goose bumbs everytime I hear it. A great record for falling asleep to, or having a quiet evening with someone you love. I can't recommend it enough. I'm not a huge fan of Pat's 80's new agey sounding stuff, but "Beyond the Missouri Sky" is amazing. I've enjoyed several Charile Haden records as well. I can't believe that this record is buried as cd #38 on amazon when one types in Pat Metheny. To me it should be the first one up, even before his first three records.

sensual.......2006-12-21

I heard the last track on this album one day on the radio. It is a fabulously beautiful music. So I got the album. The rest of the album is very nice, but the last track turned out to remain my absolute favorite. Beautiful CD packaging too.

I fu like this..........2006-12-20

I am always looking for similar soundind CD's ,..try Jason Miles(with Bill Frissell),..very cool,..never seen it mentioned here

Average customer rating:

Harry at his best
short stories
Definitely worth lending an ear
Great Album -- One of His Best
Music was Harry Chapin's life AND his livelihood

Short Stories
Harry Chapin
Manufacturer: Rhino Flashback
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Verities & Balderdash
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ASIN: B0000JMMIY
Release Date: 2003-10-10

Tracks:

Short Stories
W.O.L.D.
Song for Myself
Song Man
Changes
They Call Her Easy
Mr. Tanner
Mail Order Annie
There's a Lot of Lonely People Tonight
Old College Avenue
Old College Avenue

Customer Reviews:

Harry at his best.......2007-07-04

Almost every song has that Harry magic. Not to take anything away from his other albums, I like this one the best. There's an energy in his stories that is new, fresh and profound. Your passions will certainly be gently agitated with these delightful and well constructed illustrations.

short stories.......2007-03-27

this is a favourite of mine because it contains 3 standouts WOLD Mail-order Annie and Mr Tanner. I'd recommend this cd to anyone

Definitely worth lending an ear.......2006-04-07

This is NOT Chapin's strongest album. It IS a collection of some of his easier-to-hear songs - "W.O.L.D." was Top-40 for a bit when it came out. "Short Stories" complements Chapin's other work by filling in some of the gaps (for lack of a better word) in his earlier albums.

Great Album -- One of His Best.......2005-09-15

This is the first Harry Chapin album I ever listened to, back in the days when I was doing college radio. Although the vinyl LP has long been worn out, I still popped it on the turntable now and then.

Fortunately the album has finally been released on CD and it sounds excellent. In addition to the Single "W.O.L.D.", the CD contains Harry's all time greats including three of my favorites, "Mail Order Annie," "Mr. Tanner," and "Old College Avenue."

This is an unforgettable album. There are a few more unreleased albums still to be released (Harry's second live album "Legends of the Lost and Found"). Hopefully they will follow.

Music was Harry Chapin's life AND his livelihood.......2005-06-20

"Short Stories" was the third album of story songs produced by Harry Chapin in 1973 and because of his hit single "W.O.L.D." the album made it up to #61 on the Billboard album chart, which was just a notch below what his debut album "Heads & Tales" did because of what is considered his signature song, "Taxi." His fourth album, "Verities & Balderdash" would make it all the way to #4 because of his biggest hit, "Cats in the Cradle." This history lesson on the relative sales success of Harry Chapin's albums is an example of irony because all of Harry's fans know that his most memorable songs were too long to end up on the radio, a fact underscored by "Taxi."

So when I listen to "Short Stories" again and remember how Harry Chapin got me through my first semester of college by allowing me to wallow in my depression over my love life (or lack thereof), the song that stands out for me is "Mr. Tanner." Now, I know that this classic Harry Chapin song featuring the vocals of big John Wallace is not really a love song in the sense that it is about a man and a woman, but it is about the love of a man for something. Besides, "O Holy Night" is one of my favorite Christmas songs and I like the way it is incorporated into the song. More on target when it comes to melancholy songs would be "Mail Order Annie," the story of a mail order bride who is a lonely man's hope for happiness.

The title song provides a context for Chapin's story songs, and while there are only a few gems on this album, "Short Stories" proved that Harry was writing about more serious subjects than other balladeers at that same time (e.g., James Taylor, Cat Stevens). The key things is that with Harry the songs are about desperation without being depressing (at least, not as depressing as your own life), which is why we always care about the characters he signs about, whether it is the nomad disc jockey, the sad woman they call "Easy," or the dry cleaner who signs softly to himself as he sorts through the clothes. The gift of Harry Chapin was that he could move us with his simple, sad songs, which is part of the reason why he is so sorely missed by so many of us.

Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories (CD & Region 2 DVD)

Average customer rating:

Unnecessary.
A MUST HAVE
quite a jem
UNIQUE!!
not eclectic, but still profound

Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories (CD & Region 2 DVD)
Regina Spektor
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Us [DVD]
Bonus Material [DVD][*]

Album Description

Mary Ann Meets The Gravediggers And Other Short Stories is a 2-disc CD/DVD (PAL/Region 0) album set comprising a 12-track CD album compiling the highlights of the entire recording-output thus far from one of the most enticingly eclectic & classically confounding artistes to still reside amidst her mid-twenties; drawing together songs from her long out-of-print debut album 11:11, tracks from the follow-up Songs and highlights from her magical breakthrough Soviet Kitsch and including the single 'Us'. Also includes a bonus DVD featuring the 'Survival Guide To Soviet Kitsch' and the music video for 'Us'. *Please note you will need an All Code DVD player to view. Sire. 2006.

Album Details

Special Edition CD/DVD featuring the Singer that the Strokes Thought So Much Of, They Gave her Equal Billing on their Duet Single. This Disc features the Best of this Eclectic Artist's Recordings from her Albums the Deleted Debut "11:11" And "Songs" as Well as from "Soviet Kitsch". The Dvd features a "Survival Guide to Soviet Kitsch" and the Promotional Video of the Song "us". (Note: The Dvd is in the Pal Format and Coded for Region 2, Therefore You Must have Pan-format/All Region Capable Player in Order to See the Content).

Customer Reviews:

Unnecessary........2007-05-08

This is an entirely unnecessary release. A compilation album, however well-done, is not the proper venue for Regina's work, even as an introduction. Her albums each have a great degree of individual character, and in this compilation lose so much in context. I know a lot of people are anxious to jump on the Spektor bandwagon right now, but it's worth tracking down the individual albums. Begin to Hope and Soviet Kitsch are of course widely available, and can be found right on this site. The other two do take some work to track down, but can both be found at various independent music stores, and 11:11 can also be easily purchased digitally. I understand why a retrospektive like this might be attractive to a new fan, but it really isn't the best way to meet Regina's earlier work, espescially at this price.

A MUST HAVE.......2007-02-18

This is a collection of songs from Regina Spektor's first 3 USA releases.
Regina's first 2 releases were not available in the U.K. Regina is an
intelligent singer/songwriter/performer. She can make a single note sound
as if you have never heard it before..This CD is a beautiful example of
Regina's immense talent.The quality of sound is also "tops"
p.s. Regina sounds like a classically trained musician(HERSELF)
~Peace

quite a jem.......2007-01-04

Regina Spektor has shocked my musical tastes into shape yet again! Ever since I listened to "Us" from Soviet Kitch, I have loved Regina's lyrics and innovative vocals. This CD combines songs from Regina's previous CDs including the hard to find "Songs" and "11:11". Part of the reason I love Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers is that each song on the CD is so distinct ( you have stories about condemned men being warned not to drown in the bath and sneaky murderesses and a woman with cancer who decides to buy a limo before buying chemotherapy). The selling point of this CD for me was the song, "the Consequence of Sounds" that uses a simple beat as a backdrop for Regina to explore how careless words/media have caused a world of fear and violence. Plus the artwork from this album is reminiscent of Edward Gorey's genious.

UNIQUE!!.......2006-11-06

Ms Spektor is a wonderful artist who knows how to use her voice like a fine instrument. She employs so many facets of singing that I would not know how to "classify" her music. Possibly cabaret? Some light rock? But oh-so-interesting lyrics. This music might be a little harsh for the over-40 crowd. But as a 57-year old grandma, I feel my son has broadened my horizons my introducing me to such wonderful and unique music as Ms Spektor's. I will definitely buy more of her music.

not eclectic, but still profound.......2006-08-27

eclectic - Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles. this does not mean "really different sounding" or "quirky" which is actually true of r.s.. regina is extremely talented, and it's not her fault if her listeners don't know basic vocabulary. her voice is the same on every song. her piano is the same on every song, but...she is different from EVERYONE else, so it ellicits records that are listen-worthy, eccentric, and enjoyable. perhaps they mean eccentric...

Average customer rating:

Outstanding new band and music!
AWESOME!!!
If u like fast rock, GET THIS!
Good, but lacking something
Breath of fresh air

A Collection of Short Stories
Houston Calls
Manufacturer: Drive Thru
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000A1IL3C
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

Sunrise Goodbyes
Exit, Emergency
Bob And Bonnie
Elephant And Castle
Amtrak Is For Lovers
High Rise
One More Won't Hurt
A Bottle Of Red, A Bottle Of Spite
A Line In The Sand
A Pen And A Piece Of Mind
The Better Part Of Valor

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding new band and music!.......2007-04-19

The record company who produced this band is SMART! I heard the song "Bob and Bonnie" on a demo CD that was included in some magazine I bought, and liked that song so much I bought the CD. I have found EVEN MORE incredible songs on the whole CD. I like every song...a lot! I ripped all the songs to my PC and listen while working in my home office. Then, when I go out, I have the CD in the car and jam while going down the road. There are no favorites...they're all awesome! I will say that "A Pen and a Piece of Mind" is a real standout, however. I love the synth work toward the song's end. I can't wait for them to put out another CD. I have high hopes that they can keep up the great story-telling and pop-rock sound. It really is one of the best CDs I've heard in a VERY LONG time. I was in high school in the 80's, so I'm a "pop-rock-music expert", and these guys truly rock. The songs, instrumentally, are complex, and the lyrics are intelligent and express things we can all relate to. All in all, an absolutely fantastic, fun, upbeat album that will have you movin' and grovin' throughout whatever it is you have to do that day. They remind me of Third Eye Blind without the edgy moodiness. As sung in the first song on the disc "Sunrise Goodbyes"...the music moves you like good poetry! Don't miss this CD...it will boost your mood and have you enjoying the pure gift of music again!

AWESOME!!!.......2006-03-03

randomly decided to check out what rating this awesome band got, and only a 4?? theyre definitely a 5!
their sound is really unique, and their songs are really good. exit,emergency is my favorite song on the entire album, sunrise goodbyes is really really good, bob and bonnie is such a sweet song and one of my favs also, one more won't hurt is definitely one of my favorites, basically all the songs are all really unique and sOOO good. houston calls has been one of my favorite bands ever since they came out

If u like fast rock, GET THIS!.......2006-02-04

This is THE BEST CD i have gotten so far, my favorite songs are Exit Emergency and Elephant and Castle. They have awsome riffs, and a great voice. I think what really puts it all together is the Piano, because no matter how hard the guitar is you can hear the piano/keyboard. I'm not an audiophile, nor a major critic, but if u like bands that play fast rock, thats not too hard, this is your match. AND To all the parents out there wondering if this CD is appropriate for their kid even if its not explicit, IT IS! There is no horrid lyrics AT ALL! the only mild language u hear once or twice is h**l or D**n [...]

Good, but lacking something.......2006-01-24

Houston calls is a pretty good band, and this cd is pretty alright too, but it isn't worth more than 3 stars. Alot of the songs tend to sound the same, and the lead singer has kind of an annoying voice. "exit emergency" and "Bob and Bonnie" are the standouts here. If they'd take a few more chances and mix it up a little bit, houston calls would be one of the best bands out there. they have the potential, they just need to take some more chances. This one's only for avid DTR fans.

Breath of fresh air.......2006-01-16

Let me start off by saying I'm a huge Drive-Thru fan. Years ago I got hooked on the label because of acts such as New Found Glory, The Starting Line and Something Corporate... I eagerly anticipated each acts new releases and was hardly ever disappointed. Well that was years ago and unfortunately the label has digressed in recent memory. While releases such as "Life in Dreaming" by Hidden in Plain View and "Based on a True Story" by The Starting Line were good albums, neither lacked the lasting affects of previous Drive-Thru recordings. Combine that with Something Corporate frontman Andrew McMahon being diagnosed with luekemia, it grave a dim outlook for the future of Drive-Thru with no top acts ready to lead the label.

One day I checked out the web site and saw the advertisement for Houston Calls debut CD and immediatly thought of Starting Lines "Say It Like You Mean It" (to me one of the best pop-punk/emo recordings in the last decade). When I picked up the CD and began listening to it, I was thrilled to have a new drive thru CD that sounded like their classic releases, but at the same time disappointed there wasn't more to the CD.

I have to agree with most other reviews of this that a lot of the songs sound alike. Tracks (1,2,6,8,and 10) all have a similar arrangement that disappointed me in the beginning. The only reason I kept listening to the CD are because the other tracks stood out as excellent songs in my mind. Track 3 "Bob and Bonnie" is a new twist of writing a love song, telling a story of two unknown strangers falling for each other. While a ballad by lyrical content, the sound is much more fast paced that keeps you enjoying the message. Track 4 "Elephant and Castle" has an excellent guitar setting to the song and takes you through the story of a girl moving on from her hometown to chase a dream (this is one of those rare CDs where the title of the album defines what its about... all the tracks are their own story as one can clearly see). Just a great rock song. Track 5 "Amtrek Is For Lovers" is one of my favorite songs in recent memory. A true ballad, the chorus of "No joke... she say's I'll leave you. I never meant to treat you like this, I can't believe it. I'll give you three more chances then I'm gone for good. He swears... he's really worth it. Can't have time to show it, this routine is over as he says to her, it hits her like a ton of bricks." will have you rewinding the track over and over. The drum beat and guitar rhythms to go along this song are perfect, truly a special recording. Track 9 "A Line In The Sand" is a fast paced song of moving on. Definatly a rock song... the lyrics are repeated through most of the song, which is disappointing to someone like me who loves a good lyric more then anything else, but the chorus is excellent and the instruments carry this edgy anthem of lost love and anger. The CD concludes with track 11 "The Better Part of Valor" (seriously, what a great title for a track!). Took awhile for me to like this track for some reason, but now its one of my favorite. Lyrics are excellent "... if you still have a heart to steal then I'll steal it from you." and the drum beat is superbe. Although this track will sound alot like other bands (reminds me of Anberlin's "Paperthin Hymn" which is an awesome song and even better band), it differs from what the rest of "Short Stories" sounds like.

Yes a good amount of the tracks sound alike, but please don't think they are by any means bad tracks. They are poppy and upbeat, just repititious. I wanted to give this album 5 starts because the standout songs are so excellent in my opinion, but I simply can't because of the repitition. For the Drive Thru label though, this CD gives hope to their die hard fans that the label is returning to push out CDs that made them an icon before.

Average customer rating:

This fantastic duo is a must for your collection
Excitement and Atmospherics from Jon and Vangelis
THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM EVER !
The one that started it all!
Some outstanding parts, but mostly dull.

Short Stories
Jon and Vangelis
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chronicles

ASIN: B000008H4E
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Curious Electric
Each and Everyday/Bird Song
Bird Song
I Hear You Now
Road
Far Away in Baagad
Love Is
One More Time
Thunder - Jon & Vangelis,
Play Within a Play - Jon & Vangelis,

Album Description

1980 collaboration between Jon Anderson of Yes & Vangelis. Ten tracks.

Customer Reviews:

This fantastic duo is a must for your collection.......2006-09-18

For those of you who thought Vangelis was too musically complex, the this production by the one and only jon Anderson its your best introduction to Vangelis opus.

This is a innocent, emotive, space filling and melodic album. The electronics are flawless as well as the intervention of Jon's voice.

more than 20 years later, I find it refreshing for the soul.

Excitement and Atmospherics from Jon and Vangelis.......2006-04-08

This is a great collaboration, a truly miraculous and deep set of songs, one of four excellent discs by Jon and Vangelis. After a rousing introduction, quite electric and spacy, during "Curious Electric," "Each and Everyday" is a stately and welcome ballad. Jon's lyrics are evocative of innocent, caring times, and are reflected beautifully in the lovely melodies of Vangelis. "Bird Song" is an innocent march, which builds in majesty and tempo. Jon harmonizes with himself to gorgeous effect, a song about the wonder of the first embrace. "There's a road that takes me back," begins the beautiful "I Hear You Now." "In the midst of all creation, there's a road for you and me."

"The Road" begins with a chant, and tympani and bells introduce a driving, indeed manic piece. This fades into a lush, unabashedly romantic aria, for want of a better word, accompanied by shimmering atmospherics. The words are also very moving: "Although the future is so uncertain, take heart my good friend, your time is waiting, no thoughts of sadness. Of all the feelings, there's one that matters, the gift of loving, the gift of love is calling you. Oh heart of mine, be true! I know we're ready, like ships asailing, let all nights seem like this, forever I could hold you. Come to me. There we find true love."

"Far Away in Baagad" begins in a playful way, and seems truly possessed of a Middle East flavor. The depth of emotional expression reaches its deepest point on this record. "Should have known that things were getting out of hand, when you told me that you you left your father's ways behind, and you thought that you couldn't understand him and he didn't really answer the dreams that you planned." Well, I sure remember when I realized that about my father, and this song gets to me every time, and should for anyone who is in touch with their feelings about their dad.

The CD ends with a rousing rock beat, that then Jon sings the question, "Are we everything, a play within a play?" and this great trip spins off into a reverberant, melodic space.

This is obvlously a journy of the soul worth taking.

THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM EVER !.......2005-09-26

This is the only album i have listened to which is consistently brilliant from start to finish.There is not one weak moment on it,which can't be said for other so called classic albums of the past.Every song is simply stunning.Jon Anderson's voice is so beautiful set against the keyboards of Vangelis.What a great combination!I guarantee anyone who buys this album will not be dissapointed! PERFECT!

The one that started it all!.......2003-10-05

After a few occasional get-togethers, the on-again-off-again Yes singer and Greek instrumentalist finally release an entire LP of their own. It would be a depature from the Yes mould for Anderson. His lyrics are inspired by then-wife Jenny. The album is a bit slow and is an acquired taste. Originally released March 1980. I have the LP. I almost got the import, but I came up short!

Some outstanding parts, but mostly dull........2003-01-03

My #1 favorite song from all of 1980 was a minor hit that came off this album: "I Hear You Now." That song is gentle and beautiful, but I have to admit the rest of this album is pretty dull. "Bird Song" is the next best, and is also quite pretty, but it's only a short tag-on composition at the end of "Each And Everyday." "The Road" is next best, with a nice ending, but it wanders in the middle and has some problems with its chord progression in the beginning. The remainder of the album is unremarkable except for the nice synthesizer sounds. "Curious Electric" is a spacy, semi-humorous song with gobs of reverb and a ring modulator, singing about a sick television tube. The thing that holds this album together is the great sounding synthesizers with special sound effects, even though the playing itself isn't anything dazzling. Vangelis' musical style with lots of lonely sounding reverb and downbent synthesizer notes sounds very '80s-futuristic, reminiscent of the film "Blade Runner," or of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. So, if you like that type of sound the CD will be worthwhile, otherwise not, since you can get "I Hear You Now" on Jon & Vangelis' greatest hits album.

Average customer rating:

Longnecks and Short Stories
Successful blend of traditional and '90s country music
Should have made him a superstar!!!
MY FAVORITE CHESNUTT
One of my favorites

Longnecks & Short Stories
Mark Chesnutt
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2002-09-17

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Who Will The Next Fool Be

Amazon.com essential recording

Contemporary honky tonker Mark Chesnutt's 1990 debut, Too Cold at Home, came with an endorsement from George Jones himself, not to mention a title-track hit that left you thinking that maybe, just maybe, ol' George wasn't exaggerating. Longnecks takes the "maybe" out of the question once and for all. One of the finest country albums of the 1990s, it's filled with rip-roarin' boot-scooters ("Bubba Shot the Jukebox"), Western swingers ("Old Flames Have New Names"), and sad ballads ("I'll Think of Something") that successfully update Jones's east-Texas tradition. And when Chesnutt covers Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be," he adds a bluesy wail that'll have your jaw hitting the floor. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Longnecks and Short Stories.......2007-02-14

"I'll Think of Something" makes this CD worth every penny. There are other good slow songs on here,too, but about half are upbeat or honky tonk.

Successful blend of traditional and '90s country music.......2006-09-05

After his understated but excellent debut, for his second album Mark Chesnutt branches out a bit. The song selection, arrangements, production, etc. are all bolder than that of Mark's debut, and it all works beautifully. To call this album "branching out" or "bold," however, one would have to understand the pure traditionalism of the Two Cold At Home album. There is a subtle yet major difference between this album and Mark's debut.

For example, take "I'll Think of Something," originally recorded by Hank Williams, Jr. and one of the best songs on the album. Certainly this is a traditional county ballad, but check out the guitar solo that ends the song. This sound was and is common in modern country music, but is actually a rock tone and style of playing, and this style is nowhere to be found on his debut.

Don't get me wrong, most of these changes work very well and Longnecks... is still traditional music compared to other country albums released in the early 1990's. The only "innovation" that doesn't hold up today is the `80s-hair-metal snare drum sound used on "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "Postpone the Pain." Probably intended to help these songs fit in on early `90s country radio, unfortunately today this type of snare sounds dated.

Chesnutt gets a chance to shine vocally with Charlie Rich's country-blues "Who Will The Next Fool Be." This may be his finest recorded vocal performance. And again, check out the lead guitar sound.

"Uptown Downtown (Misery's All The Same)" with its Bakersfield bounce and Jim Lauderdales's fine harmony vocal, sounds like a lost Buck Owens track. It could have been a big hit had Randy Travis not had a similarly-themed single, with a title that appears twice in the chorus of this song (better class of losers)!

"Postpone the Pain" is a Canjun stomper featuring Wayne Toups on vocals and squeeze box.

The ballad "It's Not Over," with Vince Gill and Allison Krauss on harmony vocals, was later included on Mark's album Thank God for Believers and was released as single from that album. I believe this is the same version.

Several tunes here are in the same vein as the traditional honky-tonk songs on Chesnutt's debut. The album opener, Bobby Braddock's "Old Country" serves as a perfect bridge between the two albums. "I'm Not Getting Any Better at Goodbyes" is a country ballad written by Steve Earle. My favorite song on this album, "Old Flames Have New Names" is a wonderful Western swing tune with awesome interplay between the musicians.

Two novelty songs, "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "Talking to Hank," round out the album. "Bubba..." is written by Dennis Linde, and is pure fun. With it's previously mentioned drum-sound and pseudo-disco strings, this song was custom-made for country radio. "Talking to Hank" is a duet with George Jones, who is both one of Chesnutt's heroes and one of Chesnutt's fans. The appearance of "The Possum" helps to mask the fact that it is actually one of the weakest tunes on the albums (but still quite enjoyable).

This album is a strong compromise between the faithful traditionalism of Chesnutt's first album and the type of music that was then-desired by country radio. Mark Chesnutt's vocals, Mark Wright's production, and the song selection are all superb. While not quite as good as his debut album, Too Cold at Home, Longnecks & Short Stories is a fine country album that fans of both traditional country music and `90s country music would enjoy.

Should have made him a superstar!!!.......2004-05-05

This album had it all, 10 songs that could have all been singles; excellent honky-tonk sound; and awesome cover art. If this were released in 1955, it would have knocked Webb Pierce off his rocker!!!!!

Timeless music. I don't know what else to say. This is one of those cd's that you will be able to sing along with every song!! And who would have ever thought that Mark Chesnutt could cover early period Charlie Rich (Who Will The Next Fool Be) and actually make the song his?

I paid full price for this cd when it was realeased, now you can get it for budget price. You have no excuse not to have this.

MY FAVORITE CHESNUTT.......2003-09-04

Longnecks and Short Stories is Mark Chesnutt's very best. Classic country western sounds by one of the greatest voices in the business.

One of my favorites.......2000-06-28

Mark Chestnutt has always been a true Texan country crooner. Having collected all of his albums, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Aside from the radio hits (Old Country, Bubba Shot the Jukebox ) songs like Talking to Hank and Old Flames Have New Names shows his vocal range. All around, the album maintains the listener's interest. If you like Mark, this is a "must have".

Average customer rating:

Further On...Further In

"West Eats Meet" Is The One C.D. That I Take Everywhere!

West Eats Meet
Harry Manx
Manufacturer: Dog My Cat Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00025DZ9G
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Help Me
Make Way for the Living
Shadow of the Whip
Great Unknown
Forgive & Remember
Sittin' on Top of the World
That Knowing Look of Fate
Sitr a Little Breeze
Tough & Tender
Ways of Love
Something of Your Grace
Hector's Song

Customer Reviews:

Further On...Further In.......2005-10-20

.....Another great release from Harry....

He says that this is his blending of American Gospel with his Indian Raga Blues. I didn't know what to expect, but the "gospel" sound is only really strong on one song (Sittin' on Top of the World, done in a light upbeat way). What is noticable, is the lyrics seem more upfront here. While Harry plays his usual tasteful mix of Lap Slide Guitar, Mohan Veena, Banjo, Harmonica and Tamboura, he also utilizes female backup vocals (rich and beautiful), keyboards, and tabla and other percussions, but puts these all backseat to supporting the songs. The result is a pop/R&B sound like Van Morrison at his mellow best. The instrumental fills are more Indian sounding (Mohan Veena slide and Tabla). These are spiritual blues or blues washed in light, the gospel part is that the intent is a blending of East and West spiritual roots music.

These are deep and profound songs but packaged and delivered in an easy listening way. As he sings in Stir A Little Breeze, "The world is a tale, told by a fool...Come see real flowers, of this painful world, their numbers few...This ways' not for the blind"

"West Eats Meet" Is The One C.D. That I Take Everywhere!.......2004-12-05

....I first saw Harry in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was mesmerized by his sound, I now watch his tour dates and call ALL of my friends from the East Coast to West Coast to inform them of his arrival in their cities and towns. Harry is not to be missed! But, if you can't see him live "West Eats Meet" is a phenomenal piece of work and the biggest sleeper of the year! A must have in your music library!

Average customer rating:

pleasant listening to fine crafted songs
Against their best albums, this LP suffers
Like it for what it is.
What Is This Album?
The End of a Great Run through the 70's....

Short Stories/Tall Tales
Horslips
Manufacturer: Diablo Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Tracks from the Vaults
Unfortunate Cup of Tea
Drive the Cold Winter Away
Live
Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000058A1C
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Guests of the Nation
Law on the Run
Unapproved Road
Ricochet Man
Back in My Arms
Summer's Most Wanted Girl
Amazing Offer
Rescue Me
Life You Save
Soap Opera

Album Description

Reissue of the folk/rock/progressive act's final studio album, originally released in 1979. Remastered at Abbey Road from the original tapes with repackaging from the band. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Album Details

This was Horslips' ninth & final studio album, originally released in 1979. Remastered at Abbey Road from the original tapes & with re-packaging by the group themselves.

Customer Reviews:

pleasant listening to fine crafted songs .......2006-10-01

After a first listen you may wonder if this is the same band that delivered the folk laden "Drive the Cold Winter Away", "The Tain" and "Book of Invasions - a Celtic Symphony", but give it a few tries more and you are taken away with a strong collection of well crafted songs in a modern setting of electric guitar and keyboards plus rythmesection. Only the splendid "Rescue Me" is on acoustic instruments and a fine popballad it is. Overall not bad, certainly not, every song has his own distinguished melody and stands out among the others. Odd that the keyboardpattern in "Summer's Most Wanted Girl" and far more so in "Amazing Offer" do remind of that of the Cars on the first albums. It is clearly an indication of the new direction of this band after having made completely different albums, with a strong Irish folk background. Now they tend far more towards pop/rock. "Guests of the Nation" is a fine example. Well this (alas last studio)album has not dissapointed me, although I hoped for a little bit of that classic Horslips' folks/rock sound, it stands on its own and shares a place with earlier albums "Aliens" and "The Man Who Built America". Sit back and enjoy, thet owe it.

Against their best albums, this LP suffers.......2006-08-10

I rate this 2 out of 5 only by comparison with the band's finest albums, Tain, Book of Invasions, and Happy to Meet--5 stars; Tracks from the Vaults: 4; Dance Hall Sweethearts: 3; and the closest equivalent not in sound but in effect to SS/TT: the Unfortunate Cup of Tea. I am a Horslips fan, but to be honest, this album is a letdown.

Fans of Aliens and Man Who Built America would like this most. Those eager for more of a progressive folk style should stick to the earlier triumphs, for they will find almost no trace of the band's best songs and stirring concepts on SS/TT. For a band that long had suffered under Tull comparisons, this does, true, mirror the stage reached by the early 80s with Tull. But, fans of both bands generally would have to admit that this period was not the peak for either the Irish band or their English peers.

Followers of the fab five tend to mark this low; the reviews on Amazon rate it overall higher than other critics have. Yes, it does have a sparkly keyboard and sprightly guitar combo. The guitars are the most recognizable feature, the one instrument that despite genre changes by the band, still has a distinctively identifiable Horslips sound. You'd never guess if you had not been told, however, that the final studio track by Horslips here, "Soap Opera," with its synth hiss fadeout, is by the same band that began their first album with a cough and tin whistle and wheezy concertina.

So, this is the end of the line. The concept of matching lyrics to short stories, evident still from the title, seems to have been (as was the Carolan comparison for "Dance Hall") jettisoned. Two F. O'Connor stories do survive as titles and their storylines can be dimly discerned in Flannery O'C's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" in the lyrics here, and a bit less allusively in Frank O'C's considerably grimmer than the song here's attitude, "Guests of the Nation." Guests is the standout tune on the LP; "Rescue Me," with its tender folk return to the band's roots, shines as well and stands here as a poignant reminder of the spirit that infused the band at its peak.

The other songs? Well, none reach the nadir of the opening track on Dance Hall, "This Is What You Want," although even that celtic disco fusion from '75 at least tried to be different enough to stick in your memory a bit--for better or worse. The same problems the band had mid-70s when they veered into mainstream hard rock repeat at the end of the decade. On SS/TT, the other eight songs shuffle along into MOR rock circa 1980. This final phase of the band has been labelled "new wave," but this is in the same league as when Dire Straits and Huey Lewis were marketed with that same musical category, after bar bands had cut their hair and jumped on the post-pub rock bandwagon.

None of the eight songs sink totally, and this is to the credit of the consistent vocals that had always distinguished the band's accomplished singers. The guitars do chug along with echoes of an Irish trad influence however faint, and the drums can be as thunderous as they were on previous LPs. But, the energy has dissipated. It's a brief ten songs, barely over 35 minutes, as if the effort to come up with five-a-side did the band in. Added up, the total lacks dynamics. If the band had kept at it, had taken their time to write stronger songs, and had sustained their earlier innovation, perhaps the promise of "Rescue Me" and the force of "Guests" could have sparked other and stronger songs for the rest of the LP. But, sadly, the creative flame burns low and here eight times out of ten only flickers barely above the nondescript embers.

Like it for what it is........2006-08-08

I'm amazed at the bad reviews this album gets! Yes, I understand; they changed thier sound. They tried to appeal to a wider audience. But this album is very good!
Being a huge Jethro Tull fan, I was happy to be introduced to the "old" Horslips. I loved anything that was a mixture of rock and some form of traditional or classical music. A while later, but still in the "vinyl" days, I found Short Stories Tall Tales in the cutout bin. Having not yet heard The Man Who Built America, I thought, "Are these the same guys?" But I loved it immediately.
Thier later sound needs to be taken on it's own merit, not by looking back on the way they used to be. When I first heard this album, I thought, "The FM rock radio stations ought to be clued in to this; this would take off!" But we all know they are too stupid to try something off the beaten path.
If you really love the "old" Horslips, and don't like pop, then you won't like SSTT. But if you like early 80's rock, you should enjoy this. It's good simple rock.

What Is This Album?.......2004-10-27

... UNDERBLINKING RATED THAT'S WHAT!!!! I recently heard something like the company making the Horlips CD's were going bankrupt or something, so I thought I'd better get the albums I didn't own now. I'd already looked at this, read the reviews, and essentially got the message it was alright but just bland. THAT IS NONSENSE!!! I've listened to this several times and although it isn't the Irish Folk rock of old, it's damned good. It's not even pop rock... if you enjoyed The Man Who Built... then you'll enjoy this too. Think Jethro Tull, Crest of a Knave, and you've got the sound.... this is a very good album, and well worth the money, but it on, relax, tap your foot (if drunk dance stupidly) and enjoy...
... Hope this has been useful... Toodle Pipski.. THIS IS HOW YOU SPELL IT!!!! YAY! Sorry, private thing there

The End of a Great Run through the 70's...........2004-07-04

If this album had been my introduction to the band, I doubt I would have become the Horslips FANATIC that I am. Horslips went through three distinct phases during the 70's: their initial folk/prog phase where they resembled Steeleye Span; their middle prog rock/Celtic phase in which they resembled Jethro Tull; and their final phase in which they went for a more modern, streamlined sound.

Unfortunately, their final phase was their least interesting period as there were so many other bands doing the "skinny tie" pop/punk thing so much better (like THE JAM!)

SS,TT was their final studio album, and it just lacks the character and uniqueness of their earlier recordings. Even their other "final phase" album, the previous "Man Who Built America" had some driving tunes that stood on their own without the need of much traditional Irish music imbellishment. But they just sound tired and uninspired. Yes, there's a few things to like on this record, but they won't win any new converts. Get 'em listening to Book of Invasions - that's the record that first hooked me on Horslips when I heard it on a local FM station way back when...

Short Stories
Average customer rating:

Denver must be a wonderful place!

Short Stories
Lilium
Manufacturer: Smooch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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Folklore

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Sackcloth 'n' Ashes

ASIN: B0009WPM7K
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

If They Cheered
Locked In Tight
Whitewashed
Lover
Miles Away
Sorry
Sense And Grief
Cavalcade
The Trap
Angels

Customer Reviews:

Denver must be a wonderful place!.......2005-07-31

Great CD! Kinda like a mix of Morphine and late 16 Horsepower with good reason. It's two of the members of 16HP along with guest spots from David E. Edwards and two of the members of Morphine and many more. If you're into the Denver scene this will be right up your alley. If you don't know about the Denver scene you best find out soon!

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Short Stories
Michael Jefry Stevens & Mark Whitecage
Manufacturer: Red Toucan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005L1A
Release Date: 1998-01-13

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Bittersweet
Short Story #1
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Miracle

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