|
Austin Live Music >
Austin Bands >C >Calvin Russell
In Spite of It All
|
Calvin Russell Album Review:
Disappointing release from Calvin Russell at 2006-02-26
On this release the laid back country rootsy blues of his previous excellent releases is gone replaced with a too loud upfront production that comes across sounding like an average 80s bar band. The only exception to this is In spite of it all which is truer to his previous releases. For me it was a disappointment and does not contain any memorable tracks and is marred by a weak set of songs. I am a fan of Calvin Russells work and hope his next release is bck to his previous high quality.
Calvin Russell Album Review:
A little disappointed at 2005-06-08
Like the previous reviewer, I came to appreciate Calvin Russell only recently, but have in a short time acquired everything of his I could get my hands on. I was excited to see this new CD, but have to say that unlike the others, I wasnt instantly in love with it. But I keep listening and am gradually coming to like it more. My favorite cuts are Just Like L.A. and the title cut In Spite of It All. But, for me, nothing on this CD approaches anything as good as Nothing Can Change Me, Still Lookin For You, I Never Cared for You, and many, many others. Starved for information about this little-known (in the U.S.) talent, I am continually frustrated because if anythings written about him its in Europe, and usually in languages I cant read well enough to understand. This is also the case for another of my favorite singers, Willy DeVille. Dont know why their countries of birth dont appreciate them like Europeans do, but theyll both have a fan in Hawaii. Aloha with love!
Calvin Russell Album Review:
This raucous, rockin, bluesy outlaw will blow you away! at 2005-04-11
I must admit that I only recently discovered the incredible musical ability of Calvin Russell through a couple of generously donated promotional copies. But I am incredibly grateful to have this music filling my home. In Spite Of It All now has a permanent place in my 5-slot CD player!The first track, Oval Room, opens with rocking guitars and Calvins rich, defiant voice providing the social/political commentary that is so appropriate to our times. We get a hint of insight into Russells life in My Moneys On You, where Calvin sings, Theres a bad part of town in every town... and ...if theres a chance one of us will make it, my moneys on you....The SPV website lists the third track as Voodoo River, though my promo copy had But I Got You, another rocking tune where Calvin says he was born with nothing and humorously adds, I still got most of that!. We sense Russell has had a hard life, but has learned to heal and grow through his expressive music that makes everything better somehow. We move on to my favourite track, When You Smile, which I also dont see on the SPV website track listing. This song is easily chart-topping material that reaches out to a diverse audience, so I hope it makes an appearance on a future domestic version of the CD if it isnt on the import. This song runs deep with a beautiful combination of guitars, keyboards, drums, and Russells soulful voice.All I Need will wake you up and perhaps elicit a chuckle as Calvin croons, Some people want to be normal, some people want to be weird...all I want is to live until I die. Just Like L.A. will have people shaking it as Calvin tells how he dreamed he died and went to hell, only to discover it was just like L.A.! I can see this one becoming an easy hit for dance deejays everywhere, as it will definitely get people out of their seats. In Spite Of It All, the title track, brings us back to Russells sad-but-hopeful social commentary. The moving lyrics and lilting guitars will have you playing this song again and again. Too Much Room picks up the pace with its lanky guitars and Calvins upbeat admonition that, if you aint livin on the edge, youre taking up too much room. Cans is easily one of his best songs as Russell puts forth the social statements our conspicuous consumption, SUV society should hear. Hard to categorize musically, I would describe it as a bluesy, folk-rock, hobo lament! We experience the life of a homeless person with lines like, the cops on horseback, stay on my back; say dont care where you go, just dont stay here...a metal miser, a dumpster diver, you dont never know what youll find there. I think this album will appeal to a wide array of listeners and you wont go wrong owning a copy. Enjoy!
Calvin Russell Album Editorial:
A Musically Storyteller who Turns Sounds Into Pictures and Lyrics Into Emotions.
|
Crack in Time/Sounds from the Fourth World
|
|
Crack in Time / Sounds From the Fourth World
|
|
A Crack in Time/Sounds From the Fourth World
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
