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In Spite of It All
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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!
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Crack in Time/Sounds from the Fourth World
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Crack in Time / Sounds From the Fourth World
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A Crack in Time/Sounds From the Fourth World
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Calvin Russell: Man in Full
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
A Man In Full at 2004-12-15
Calvin Russell is a CD I want to play over and over again. Where has he been? I like Toby Keith alot, but I LOVE Calvin Russell. I have been a C and W fan since 1969 ( yes esp. Johnny Cash). I have reviewed all of Mr. Russells work and A Man In Full is definitely the best work yet. You will not regret buying this CD!
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Rebel Radio
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
Music matches Lyrics at 2003-02-11
The lyrics are heartfelt and the music is mesmerizing. The more I listen to it, the more I like it.
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Crossroad: Unplugged Live
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
Texas is a long way from France at 2005-12-03
Before I go any further, allow me to confess that Im from Texas ... born and raised. This CD of Calvins is good but not extraordinary. For those who lament the injustice of his greater fame across the pond, I can only say come on down to Austin where MANY more musicians will blow you away with their talents on any given night. Im not trying to dis Calvins music; its raw and genuine. But the truth of the matter is, there may be a reason he chose to seek his fame in Europe. As for the claim of Mr Russell being the best of the Texas trubadors, I need only to point to Steve Fromholtz to discount this assertion. The CD is a good sampling of a Texas roadhouse warrior, the kind of act that would fit perfectly at the Starlight in Terlingua. Buy this CD, but dont stop there. This is just the tip of the iceburg for real Texas talent!
Calvin Russell Album Review:
ONE OF THE BEST AMERICANA CDS OF 2000 at 2001-12-11
Everybody that loves the music of Townes Van Zandt and Texas music lovers in general should buy this record, unfortunatelly only released in Europe. This is Americana in its best, a mix of blues, country, folk and rock, that explodes in a couple of great songs. The fact that Calvin Russell is better known in France and Germany then in Texas, is a tremendous injustice. Calvin is probably one of the best Texas troubadours alive. Buy this record!!! Its a must have to all americana fans.
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This Is My Life
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
A rare gem of an album at 2001-06-14
Calvin Russell records just up the road in Austin, but I discovered this CD totally by chance when I heard his rendition of Dylans Forever Young on the local alternative station. Calvin completely drew me into his mood by the second song, Crack in Time. This CD has great song writing and heartfelt guitar playing...I find myself playing Crossroads over and over, because everyone has felt what he sings about in this song. Folk, blues, even some rock and roll are all found on This is My Life and you have to reach back to Tim Buckley to find someone who connects with the listener like Russell does on this CD.
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Soldier
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
Excellent singer at 2001-10-26
I am from Switzerland and had the chance years ago to see this performer from Texas-USA in our country.It was wonderful.Everything he plays it is great:ballads or rock hits.And the texts are also very good.Good albums are Soldier and
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Le Voyageur Live!
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
Outstanding ... at 2006-04-06
This is simply a fantastic live cd - you can almost sense the sweat from Calvin as he almost touches the french audience ... recorded at two venues in Paris and one in Rouen you just wish you were there. Brilliant versions of One Meatball, Play With Fire, Crack in Time and the opener Livin on the End of a Gun makes this one of the best live albums ever recorded, up there with Stones Get Yer Ya-Yas Out and Neil Youngs Weld.
Calvin Russell Album Review:
Powerfull, beautiful and pure at 2005-01-24
Sensational! Strong performance! Calvin Russel is a dedicated artist. Pure and strong. I love it!!!!
Calvin Russell Album Review:
what a rock album! at 2000-03-12
I cant beleve that I am the first one to review this amazing live from calvin russel.This title sounds really real,thats a kind of album from the roots of the rockn roll.So dont loose your time to read this review, JUST GO FOR IT!
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Sounds from the Fourth World
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Calvin Russell Album Review:
Not just another pretty face! at 2004-03-05
I discovered Calvin Russell while living in Austin, Texas and I thank God as life would not be complete without his works. Not a pretty face, not a pretty sound. Calvin Russell is a gut rocking, no nonesense mix of rock, blues and country. Simple melodies, soul bearing lyrics, chain saw lead guitar and a whiskey voice. Calvin Russell is the perfect Texas ambassitor. Why not 5 stars? We all need to keep reaching and not rest on our laurels. There is always room for improvment until we die.
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