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Happy Holidays From Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison
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Eleven Stories
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
Yet another stellar album by this masterful singer/songwriter at 2006-04-08
Bruce Robison has a knack. Im not quite sure what it is, but it exists. Whatever it is, it allows him to tap into raw emotion, brutal honesty--to grab your heart with a lyric and smooth vocals, wrench it out of your chest, give it a lecture on heartbreak, and then put it back safe and sound. A rather gruesome analogy, perhaps, but thats how I feel after I listen to a Bruce Robison album--whether its one Im listening to for the first time, such as ELEVEN STORIES, or one Ive owned for years.The songs on this album are, indeed, stories. Stories about love and loss, about moving through life and doing what you have to. His own originals continue the melancholy, this-is-the-way-it-is theme of his previous effort, COUNTRY SUNSHINE, and are just as good as the tunes on that marvelous album. Theres the desperate Days Go By (dont you dare confuse this with the Keith Urban song; if you do, there is no reason why you should be reading this review, or even purchasing this album), the whimsical You Really Let Yourself Go, the whistful Every Once in A While. His choice of covers--Tennessee Jed, More and More, and Bandera Waltz--come off sounding just as good as his own tunes. The overall effect is yet another masterpiece by one of todays best singer/songwriters. Combining traditional and cutting edge folk with raw, unbridled country music, Robison continues to craft music that skirts the edges of Nashville mainstream, but proves itself just as good--even better, in most instances--than the music of his mainstream peers. If youre not already a fan of Robisons music, ELEVEN STORIES is a fine place to start. If you ARE a fan of his music...then why are you reading this? You already know youre getting a great album. Buy it already!!!
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Finely crafted songs from terrific Texas tunesmith at 2006-04-26
Robisons career as a songwriter (Dixie Chicks Travellin Soldier, Tim McGraws Angry All the Time, etc.) has always overshadowed his own recorded work in commercial circles. This latest collection of eleven tunes (eight of which are originals), played and sung in his typically laid-back manner, isnt likely to reverse that equation. Robisons a pleasing singer, but he doesnt have the head-turning voice of his wife (Kelly Willis, who provides additional vocals here) or the magnetic star-quality of his brother (Charlie), and though his trio of bands (neatly annotated as to which appears on each track) provide strong support, the home-spun productions occasionally sound more like demos than finished mixes.That said, Robisons fans buy his albums for the songs, and hes certainly delivered another strong set, including well-picked covers of The Grateful Dead (Tennessee Jed, sporting a Jerry Garcia styled vocal), Webb Pierce (More and More, as a duet with Willis that is a vocal highlight), and the hometown swing chestnut Bandera Waltz. Robisons originals are beautifully crafted observations of life, including the dark first-person voice of homelessness, Days Go By, and the weary end-of-romance All Over But the Cryin. The latter is a perfect example of Robisons craft, at home in this indie skin, but itching for a more polished chart-bound Nashville production.Robison can crank up the Texas honky-tonk, as on the two-stepping You Really Let Yourself Go, but his heart is clearly that of a folky, with Every Once in A While playing warm reminiscences against the cold realities of lost love, I Never Fly sung low and intimate, and Kitchen Blues turned inward and contemplative. All in all, a compelling set of songs, many of which match Robisons low-key performances, and several of which await more highly produced reinterpretations. [?2006 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com]
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Country Sunshine
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
Yet another masterpiece from a master singer/songwriter. at 2002-11-18
Here is the power of Bruce Robison: He can take eleven songs, all low-key, most rather mournful, and turn it into a brilliant work of art. If any other artist had recorded a CD like this, they would be criticized, downsized, and shut out. But Bruce Robison, by some twist of fate, was born with a talent for tellign stories, and a voice to tell them with.Country Sunshine is full of personal, intimate ballads. Cant Get There From Here, Blame It On Me, and Anyone But Me tell the stories of men who know their love life is ruined, and who accept the fact. On the flip side, the heartwrenching First Thing About Mary shows us a man who is grasping at straws, not sure whether or not to believe his beloved is returning.Friendless Marriage features wife Kelly Willis, whose voice blends well with Robisons in this tale of a couple stayign together out of habit. Devil May Care and What Would Willie Do (and theres only one Willie, people) are the only two songs on here that offer something obpimistic...and they are the only two that dont deal with love. Valentine, Sixteen, and Tonight offer glimpses at loves past, compared to loves present, and are given with a remorsful and personal air (for example, Valentine mentions Did you hear about big brother/Hes the next big thing, a possible reference to big-brother Charlie?). Even Bed of Ashes, a flat-out, traditional heartbreaker, captured my immediate attention.There is no doubt that Bruce Robison is the best singer/songwriter working today. His albums may not be best-sellers...but then, if you look at what DOES sell, and compare it to what DOESNT, you will see that sometimes the best albums are those that the public doesnt readily eat up. This is one of them. If you want radio friendly, airy, all heads-in-the-clouds-balloony songs, go somewhere else. If you want honest, real music, music that speaks to the heart, the soul, and every other part of your body, then buy Bruce Robisons Country Sunshine.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Low-key return to songwriter?s indie roots has subtle charm at 2001-09-23
Having been one of the first to sign to Sonys Lucky Dog imprint, Robison now becomes the first to voluntarily return to indie releases. While his brother (Charlie) and others (Jack Ingram, BR549) contemplate Lucky Dogs gentle nudge towards a more commercially viable presentation, Robisons taken his leave to concentrate on songwriting and to follow a musical muse whos unfettered by starmaking machinations. The success with which his songs have been recorded by the likes of Lee Ann Womack (Lonely Too) and Tim McGraw (Angry All the Time), has afforded him the freedom and direction.His latest collection of tunes continues the thoughtful, songwriterly work of his three previous LPs. The production, however, takes an even more decided turn to a homegrown, understated sound that gently underlines Robisons vocals. Its not as whispery as Bill Anderson, but it has the same quiet strength that causes a listener to lean in. Drummer Kenny Malone provides the same sort of easy groove he laid down for Don Gibson and others.Standout titles include a new duet with Kelly Willis, Friendless Marriage (sure to be appearing on a Tim McGraw or Faith Hill album near you), and the tongue-not-completely-in-cheek tribute to Willie Nelson, What Would Willie Do. Bed of Ashes (co-written with Sean Michaels) sets tight, traditional harmony singing against fiddle, steel, and Ian McLagans Hammond organ. Co-writes with Allison Moore and Marty Siedel further complement Robisons solo works.Like Robisons earlier albums, this one has a few standout performances, and a host of songs waiting to be magnified by others. The high quality of Robisons songwriting can outstrip his understated, highly-personal presentations. But with such potent songs, the songwriters subtle singing charms are a good place to begin ones appreciation of his words.
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Unleashed Live
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
Yowsa! at 2001-01-04
Throw in a little Springsteen, a little Mellencamp a little Lucinda Williams and a whole lot of Texas and this is what you get. Absolutely one of the best CDs Ive heard in a long, long time.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
But, Itd be a solid 5without Charlies cursing. at 2003-08-05
Hey, I drove a tractor trailer for a living for 15 years and I can curse with the best of them. So, Im no prude.But...Charlies unneccessary cursing in Sunset Boulevard wrecks an otherwise awesome song and an awesome Cd.Having said that, it is an EXCELLENT CD overall, and it really makes me want to pack up and move to Gruene, Texas!
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Marginal Live Frat-Country CD at 2001-10-13
I received an advance copy of this CD, and its a good thing. I wouldnt pay for it. The best performances here are those of Charlie Robisons Sunset Boulevard and Brother Bruce Robison/Kelly Willis collaborations, particularly Angry All The Time. Ingram has not reached the songwriting competency level of the other performers, so his material is not as listenable as the rest. This music simply is not as important or as good as the music of fellow Texas songwriting alumni Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, or Guy Clark. Indeed, of almost greater importance is the ambience of Gruehn Hall, which can render almost any performance memorable.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
A good sampler, Buy CDs from all 3 instead at 2001-09-22
A live sampler of four songs each from brothers Charlie and Bruce Robison and fellow Sony/Lucky Dog labelmate Jack Ingram, this release provides a good introduction to all three artists. With the exception of Travis County by Ingram these songs are all available in studio versions. Diehard fans will want to have the CD to capture the feel of seeing these performers live. Someone not familiar with the artists may be inclined to purchase this CD to sample all three performers for the price of a single CD. If you like one, its extremely unlikely you wont like all three, buy CDs from each instead.The highlight of this release is Angry All the Time performed by Bruce Robison with harmony vocals by Kelly Willis that put the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill cover version to shame. The remaining tracks are all solid performances and a good cross section of songs from each artist.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Toe Tappin Good Music! at 2001-04-19
How can you hate this album? True Texan style honky tonk. The performances are great for a live album. Bruce cranks out a great set that sets the stage for the rest of the album, starting with a splendid version of The Good Life. Charlie kicks it in gear with a terrific version of Sunset Blvd and cleverly works in the name Lewinsky (you just gotta hear it!). Loving County still gives me chills, hearing it live gives you an idea that his potential has not even been tapped yet. Jack Ingram, who I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about before this album, won a new fan with his awesome music. From Mustang Burn to Barbie Doll, this guy gives you everything hes got. The Texas attitude may be more than some folks can stomach. But if you want a taste of talented musicians that put heart and soul into the music, do yourself a favor and buy this album. I spent lots of time in Texas honky tonks, and these guys give you a real sample of quality music. You dont have to be from Texas to love this album. If you understand real country music, you will quickly find this to be one of your favorite albums in your collection.
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Long Way Home from Anywhere
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
Great Texas songwriter finds his performing voice at 2006-05-26
The brilliance of Bruce Robisons talent as a songwriter isnt always matched by his low-key delivery. He delivers his visions as keenly drawn four-minute musical novellas, but often undersells the intricate pictures with folk-styled recordings that leave larger stars to bring the songs to wider acclaim. No such problem this time out, as Robison steps up to a more electric sound without losing his singer-songwriter soul.In Travelin Soldier he renders youth-shattering loss with heartbreaking imagery and a haunting chorus that culminates on a seamless blend of classical strings, pedal steel, and harmony vocals from wife Kelly Willis. As fine as The Dixie Chicks cover may be, it cant match this version for storytelling. Robisons songs of marriage capture the exultation of loves bond (Just Married - performed at brother Charlies marriage to Dixie Chick Emily Erwin) as well as the thornier realities of weddings (Emotionally Gone). He ranges from introspective ballads (What Did You Think) to Texas-flavored honky-tonk (The Good Life, Red Letter Day) to electrified country road songs, and shifts effortlessly from the folky style of James Taylor to the rockier sounds of Steve Earle all while retaining a distinct lyrical voice.Though Robisons catalog is chock-full of great songs, this release is easily my favorite of his performances. [©2006 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com]
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Bruce Robison knows how to deliver! at 2002-08-06
In all honesty, Bruce Robison is probably the BEST country singer/songwriter living today. His music winds its way through your ears and into your heart...every song on this album is unforgettable and unbelievable, but I must restrict myself to just a few right now. The rest shall be an enticing mystery...Drivin All Night Long kicks the album off, a mournful tune of trying desperately to reunite with a loved one. Just Married tells of a marriage going down the drain, and Red Letter Day is a country-rockin song of the blues (Its a red letter day for the blues). Travelin Soldier is much better here than the Dixie Chicks and Ty Englands versions. It is probably the standout track, of a soldier going to war and those back home who love him. What Did You Think is typical Bruce Robison, a ballad of love and frustration. And the final song, the title track, is a good road song; a man who just doesnt belong in Nashville...or anywhere else.His brother sings, his sister-in-law sings, but Bruce Robison stands alone. His talent is matched by few in the alternative country style, and his voice and lyrics are classic. Bruce Robison knows how to deliver a good CD...and Long Way Home From Anywhere is one of the best of them.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
too bad everybody is stealing his songs at 2001-10-02
this is a very good album from an honest ,sincere singer/songwriter........i love every song,especially trouble......bruce reminds me kinda of james taylor.....it is hard to beleive that he and charlie are brothers
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Great disc for ANY music lover. at 2001-05-07
This is Bruce Robisons third cd, if you dont count the first release of wrapped, which contained 2 tracks not available on the one available at amazon.com. This is great stuff, a true must have no matter what kind of music you prefer. If this is too mellow for you try his brother Charlie.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Great CD! at 2001-02-26
One of my favorite albums I have bought in a long time.
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Wrapped
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
If you like Willis Alan Ramsy youll love Bruce. at 2001-02-23
Bruce is one of the best song writer in country music today. Wrapped is not the Formula Pretty Boy music that is being played today on 99% of so called country radio --- its just real good Texas music. If you try it and like it, than I would also recommend his CD titled Long way home from anywhere. Happy trails.......
Bruce Robison Album Review:
amazing at 2001-05-07
this is an amazing disc. Try to find the original release of this album, by the same title, that has 2 tracks not included on this version. Still a great addition to any music collection.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
amazing at 2001-05-07
this is an amazing disc. Try to find the original release of this album, by the same title, that has 2 tracks not included on this version. Still a great addition to any music collection.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Alternative country...Texas style! at 2002-04-27
Bruce Robison is probably one of the best singer/songwriters out there. He stands alone from his brother Charlie and his sister-in-law Emily (Dixie Chicks). He has proven his songwriting abilities through numerous songs recorded by other arists (including Tim McGraws Angry All The Time, included on this CD).Bruce starts the album off with Rayne, Louisiana, a duet with his brother about leaving the small town for the city. Wrapped is a catchy love-song, basically about love at first sight, time and time again. Angry All The Time is much better than McGraws version, and When I Loved You, a duet with his wife Kelly Willis, is about ignorance of love until after the fact.My Brother and Me, probably the highlight of the album, is sang like an autobiography--and for all I know, it is! Desperately as a haunting melody, but 12 Bar Blues comes out swinging honkey-tonk style. Go To Your Heart stands out on the album, for it is a slow ballad of love. I Dream Too is uplifting, but End Like That brings you back to Earth, for it asks why couldnt a relationship end in a better way? The final two tracks, Dont You ever Call My Name and See You Around are bluegrass songs, and make a nice ending.I know that was long and probably boring, but I had to explain the CD song-for-song so you could know the range of moods and themes it carries. Bruce Robison is like no other, able to place words exactly where they are needed, then use his voice to reach out and grab your heart for dear life. Buy this CD. Theres no way in Heaven or Hell that you wont be moved by it.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Superb at 2005-09-10
Bruce Robison is quickly becoming one of my favorite country artist and this album is one reason why. My Brother and Me is my favorite track on this album, but is by no means the only one youll want to listen to over and over. Excellent for anyone who enjoys good music. Also, check out Charlie Robison, Bruces brother, if you like this album.
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Bruce Robison
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Bruce Robison Album Review:
Great Example of Austin Music at 2000-01-17
Owning all three of Bruces major releases, I can honestly say that his first album is by far his best. His ability to write songs that connect with the listener is perhaps is best talent. This album is a perfect example of a great Austin songwriter at his best.
Bruce Robison Album Review:
This CD is just the beginning! at 1999-10-26
I bought this CD on a whim at a local record store and quickly fell under its spell. From the first time I heard the songs Angry all the time, and Travellin Soldier I knew I was listening to a master songwriter. Ive since bought copies of all of his CDs and I continue to be impressed.This CD can be hard to find so what are you waiting for? Snatch it up!
Bruce Robison Album Review:
Bruce Robison is the master of the singer/songwriters! at 2003-05-15
This CD blew me away. Im glad--because Ive searched for it for a coupla years. I have become a Bruce Robison fan, and I wanted this CD; after a three-state search (dont ask), I finally ordered it off Amazon.com ....On this CD, Robison takes you through a lyrical and styllistic wonderland. The upbeat and traditional opener, Take It All Out On You, kicks things off, but Torn and Tangled brings it back down to a mellow tone--the theme of a one-night stand gone a little too far. House of Man is along the same themes, more or less (its a reoccuring element on this album). Youve heard Angry All the Time, whether Robisons version or Tim McGraws (Robisons version here is the best Ive heard; the same goes for Travellin Soldier). Not Forgotten You is about those that leave us, and the memories they leave behind...Its Gonna Be Easy, the one song on here Robison didnt pen, has a somewhat bluesy feel to it, and his voice will wrap you up and carry you away. Red Letter Day features some great sax work, and Lonely Too hollows you out at the core--a guy realizing his ex probably didnt love him at all. But it is the last track, Match Made in Heaven, that carries away the prize--a ballad of one night stands, and a man just searching for some hope in this world.Bruce Robison can twist a song into a beautiful masterpiece; this album just conveys what a wonder he is. His voice was designed to sing his songs; and he writes about life, about love, and about the every day things we take for granted. What is Bruce Robison about? Hes about country, thats what. Buy this CD, and experience the thrill that Bruce Robison, musics best singer/songwriter, can bring you.
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