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We"re on a Roll Sire Records 1999 Narm Sampler
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Fast Forward Music Sampler [Ltd. Edition]
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The Eclectic Horsemen
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
The Geezinslaws Strike Again! at 2005-09-16
I have been a fan of the Geezinslaws for decades. The name alone grabs your attention. Then, after you take the time to listen, you realize the Geezinslaws are to be taken seriously!The Eclectic Horsemen allows the Gs to shine in fine form. In this CD, the good ol boys from Texas really lay-it-on-the-line ... with the help of a few old friends who just happened to be in the neighborhood.Even though the Geezinslaws are categorized as comedy, you must take note of the fact that they are also seasoned musicians. Listen to Willie Nelson join-in on Stairway To Heaven and the Roger Miller composition, Doo Wacka Do. Its topline stuff! Then, theres Thank You Miss Audrey (For Breaking Hanks Heart), a great idea, written by Bruce Robison and Monte Warden, that refers to Hank Williams Sr. and his wife, Miss Audrey. Kelly Willis, an exceptional singer, blends in with Son Allred on this one for perfect harmony. In reality, Thank You Miss Audrey is a very good ballad. It may be tongue-in-cheek, but it reflects seriousness!Kris Kristophersons Here Comes That Rainbow Again has been a personal favorite since I first heard the late Sammi Smith belt the tune back in 1993. The Geez rendition of this song, based on the movie, The Grapes Of Wrath, is a delight. Jesus Was A Capricorn, another Kristopherson gem, is also in this collection.Singer/Politician Kinky Friedman invades the party with a tune titled Marilyn and Joe ... and it works in a kinky fashion!The 23 tracks on this CD also spotlight some very funny jokes. The Bird Joke and Willies Goldfish Joke are worth the price tag!The Geezinslaws present something difficult to locate in most CDs today: originality. Its 48-minutes of pure-dee-fun!
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Kelly Willis
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
Simply outstanding at 2005-09-04
This is by far the best Kelly Willis album ever....too bad she didnt continue in the same vein. Her first album was a great debut, her second was an improvement over the first with a few of the glitches ironed out. This album (her 3rd) brought in a guitarist whose style clashed so well with Kellys voice, that it just blew me away. Personally, I thought this was the beginning of more great things, but apparently she was dumped from the label and she chose an artsy path of dull, lifeless music. But, if you want to hear what could have been, this is the album.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
What country music should be at 2005-02-18
Its unfortunate that genuinely well-crafted, original and thoughtful music such as this gets referred to as alternative country. Mainstream country, meanwhile, combines the worst of two-worlds: simple-minded retreads of odes to dumb-hick living plus the inanity of pop-music polish and over-production. No wonder country often gets a bad name; mindless pap gets promoted by record labels while the truly talented get ignored. On to the good part: I listen to rock, punk, hip-hop, heck, even classical music more often than country music, yet this is my favorite album of all. Bruce Robison, Marshall Crenshaw, (two other artists who should be much more popular than the junk on country radio) and Kelly herself contribute top-notch lyrics and melodies. From beginning to end, Kellys voice, the instruments, the melodies, the lyrics are all a joy to hear. Theres no filler on this album; its plain to notice that every song is full of heart and thought.1.Take it all out on you - lighthearted jaunt with catchy guitar hooks, probably lots of peoples favorite 10/102.Heavens just a sin away - fun, tuneful remake 8/103.One more night - decent wistful tune 7/104.Thatll be me - top-notch mostly acoustic ballad duet with another should-be-better-known artist, Kevin Welch 10/105.Whatever way the wind blows - up-tempo West Texas with some steel guitar and lots of electric guitar 8/106.Get Real - strong ballad that nicely builds and builds 8/107.I Know better now - wistful yet hopeful cryin-in-my-beer kind of song, great Kelly voice 10/108.Up All Night - strong tuneful, lots of nice hooks 9/109.World without you - oft-a-cappella Kelly, in a doo-wop sort of beat 8/1010.Shadows of Love - didnt like it as much as the others, still some ok hooks and lyrics 7/10All in all, the best country album Ive ever heard and my own favorite in all genres; wont find it new, but thankfully there are lots of auction/used CD sites to find it.
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Happy Holidays From Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison
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Easy
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
an ez classic! at 2003-02-09
Kelly Willis croons a classc set of mellow, heart-weary, soul-searching countrified gems.Five stars all the way!
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Easy Does It at 2006-03-25
Pretty woman. Pretty voice. Pretty dull. In my humble opinion, her earlier albums are a lot more interesting to listen to. Id recommend Kelly Willis as the best one. If you want a little more twang, then Bang, Bang is the way to go.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Not easy at all at 2005-09-01
When Kelly Willis first came on the scene in the early 90s, I was absolutely taken with her beautiful voice mixed with raw honky-tonk sounds; it just seemed right. Maybe shes getting older, maybe motherhood has changed her, or maybe she just doesnt care anymore. In any case, this is one lousy album that never ends. Ive often encountered slow starting albums, and those that take a dozen or so replays to grow on you, but this one is just plain boring. I cant hear any enthusiasm, and any country influence is gone? I guess if youre a middle-aged, white, run-of-the mill, affluent, soccer-mom, this album may be your sort of thing. Reminds me of something Id hear in a Boston or Hartford Coffee House with folks wearing LL Bean sitting around discussing suburban yard keeping or Martha Stewart; moreso than what Id hear in a beer joint or diner in Texas or Kentucky among the working class. To each his own, but this is not fare for the blue collar or calloused-hand folks.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
a unique and touching artist at 2005-06-24
an intensely soulful, passionate and moving work that gives one hope for the younger artists working in country. Ms Willis sound is a lovely contribution to the world of music. Its intelligent and deftly avoids the usual commercial trappings. Catching her live when she opened for The Indigo Girls was a rare treat.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Make that 5 stars, please... at 2003-08-05
Originally, I only gave this one 4 stars. A year or so and 200 listens later, I have to say it deserves 5. Its different than her earlier stuff, and it took a bit to get used to. I was wrong to give it only 4 stars. Bad Frank, BAD Frank.Having said that, Kelly has the voice of an angel and is a wonderfully talented songwriter. She shines on this CD and it is now one of my favorite CDs in my collection. As pennance for my mistake of giving it only 4 stars originally, I hereby sentence myself to a trip to Austin, TX to see Kelly live. A harsh punishment, you might say, but justice must be served : - )))
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One More Time: The MCA Recordings
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
MCA Compilation at 2006-05-15
Heres an affordable and easy way to get a sampling of early Kelly Willis. This collection consists of selected songs from her first 3 albums, and an additional fair song Little Honey. Since Kelly never really hit the charts in a big-way, its kind of hard to figure out just why MCA released these specific songs. Sure, there are a few songs here that had accompanying videos in the early-90s, but Kelly Willis also had a few better songs on albums that are not included here; if you get a chance, you really should seek out and buy a copy of her third (self-titled) album. In any event, some of her best work is included here, specifically, Sincerely and Take it All Out on You. I was glad to see that her version of the Kendalls Heavens Just a Sin Away was included, as Kelly does a great job with this piece. A solid album overall.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
As good as it gets.... at 2003-08-14
I remember when Kellys first three albums came out.Stuff like Bang Bang and Would You Settle For Love - I ask you - is this Rock? Is it Honky Tonk? Is it Americana? Its all the above and MORE. Just like every other song on this compilation.Its all powerful stuff - Kelly can rock out with the best of them on one song, and bring you to tears with a slow moving ballad on the next. A true talent, and one of the purist and brightest voices in Country Music. This one is a must-have!
Kelly Willis Album Review:
an excellent album at 2002-08-13
When I got this album I only knew one of the songs on it (Little Honey) but I am very much pleased with it. One of the reasons I like it, is that there are not all ballads nor are they naff like some country records can be. I am new in the country music world because where I live (England) country music is not big but I think this album is great and well worth it. It is probarbly the most listened to out of all my music and I love it, I definatly recomend it.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Great Compilation at 2002-03-12
Willis fans are celebrating with the release of this collection of some of her best from her trilogy of now-difficult-to-find MCA releases. Bang Bang is missing, a perky rocker from her sophomore effort, with My Hearts In Trouble Tonight from her stunning debut album (worth whatever it costs to obtain.) Some of her best is here, Steve Earles Sincerely, Too Late To Turn Back Now, River of Love, Dave Alvins Little Honey (a movie cut from Thelma and Louise) and her definitive Marshall Crenshaw-penned Whatever Way the Wind Blows, a CMT video hit. Willis touched commercial success on her 1991 sophomore effort, with super-songwriter Kostas Baby Take a Piece of My Heart climbing into the Billboard Top 60, but her stubborn preference for cutting edge, rocking material limited her chart runs. In the end, her sweet soprano, deft song choices, and slapping rhythm arrangements were probably too trendy for the docile female country scene of the early 90s, but her efforts produced a trio of CDs that need to be owned alongside this sampler.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
All of these songs could have been hits at 2001-01-07
This album is so easy to listen to. There is not a skip-over song in the bunch. In my opinion, all of this stuff is radio ready, and certainly better than most of the muck currently on the charts. I just wish they had included Up All Night, a pop song that is my favorite from her early albums. Be sure and tell your friends about this one.
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What I Deserve
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
What you deserve - this CD now! at 2005-11-18
I discovered Kelly Willis a few years back while stumbling across her performance on PBSs Austin City Limits. Her beautiful and soft voice immediately captured my attention. I can honestly say that up to this point Ive never had been a fan of country music. My impression of country was of dressed up country-fied pop stars retro-fitted with cowboy hats and shiny boots (i.e.: Shania Twain and Faith Hill). Kellys performance on Austin City Limits and this CD changed that stereotype for me.The music on this album is wonderful, down to earth, and pure. Many of the songs, such as Talk Like That are from the heart and autobiographical. Highlights of the album also include: Not Forgotten You, nicely accentuated by a Hammond organ; Fading Fast which she had previously recorded with Jay Farrar of Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt; the cover of Nick Drakes Time Has Told Me with its haunting fiddle is fantastic, albeit a little sad and somber; and Wrapped which was written by her husband, Bruce Robison. Alt-country guitarist Chuck Prophet also lends his support on the album. In fact, I dont think there is a bad song on the entire album, with the possible exception of her cover of The Replacements Theyre Blind.This is a fantastic CD that I continuously play in my rotation. In fact, my accidental discovery of Kelly has expanded my foray in alternative country and has lead me to discover and appreciate her husbands work, her brother-in-law Charlie Robison, her sister-in-laws band the Dixie Chicks, Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt/Jay Farrar, Chuck Prophet, Alison Kruass and Union Station, Nickel Creek, Chuck Prophet, Slobberbone, and Drive-by-Truckers, to name a few. Lastly, I have had the wonderful experience to see Kelly live at the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD. Kelly is one of those rare singers that sounds as beautiful live in person as she does on this CD, if not better. When she performs, the sound of her voice flows so freely that it is as if she barely has to try. Dont miss out on this CD or seeing her live! I highly recommend.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
This is a great album at 2005-05-04
First of all, for a country artist to cover both Nick Drake and The Replacements deserves kudos alone. What I Deserve is one of my all time favorite albums, one I would be happy to be stranded with on a desert island. Standouts include Talk Like That, Theyre Blind, Not Forgotten You and Time Has Told Me.Buy this album, artists like Kelly Willis, unpretentious and not bound commercially, deserve our support.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Quality country by a class act at 2005-05-25
Kelly Willis is sometimes classified as alt-country but that may simply be because she does her own thing. This album doesnt quite fit Nashvilles idea of contemporary country, nor can it be described as traditional country, but it is certainly country music (albeit with other influences) of the highest quality. Kelly has a wonderful voice that she puts to superb use on a well-chosen set of songs, most of which she wrote or co-wrote.The tempo of the album is varies between slow and mid-tempo - if youre looking for up-tempo, rocking songs, you wont find them here - but this album has plenty of variety in other ways. The regular instruments are acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass and drums but there are additional instruments on some tracks. Some tracks feature a Hammond B-3, electric lap steel guitar or percussion. Talk like that features a fiddle. Not forgotten you features a mandolin. Gotta feeling for you features a farfisa and bells a-ringing. Time has told me features a pedal steel guitar, fiddle and piano. So each track is played a little differently from the others.Many of the songs are melancholy, showing that Kelly has plenty of experience of lifes problems - however, listening to this album, one is left with the feeling that if anybody can overcome the problems, Kelly can - its not all doom and gloom. After all, Kelly recorded this album without a recording contract, then looked for a record label willing to release it. That takes courage and a certain amount of self-confidence.What Kelly deserves, on the evidence of this and other albums, is to be a major star. For whatever reason, that has not happened, but this album will provide plenty of pleasure for fans who are more interested in quality music than whats fashionable.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Fair, but not good at 2005-09-10
Released in the late 90s, this album is the beginning of Kellys mediocrity. In all honesty, I was a big Kelly Willis fan when she first hit the scene. She didnt seem to have her personal life together, she seemed to be coming apart at the seams, and she was rough around the edges; in other words, she was the perfect singer. Add a little wild and rowdy guitar (as in her 3d album), and Kelly was approaching perfection. Then, along comes What I Deserve. This is a poor country album, and barely more than a good Adult Contemporary/Easy Listening album! However, there are a few bright spots here, and shades of what was Kelly Willis. Wrapped is an outstanding piece and shouldve been pushed to the Radio Stations as a Single (maybe the only single on the album?)....it is that good. Talk Like That, while not very strong lyrically, is sung with wide-open sincerity. But, the rest of the album is either white bread bland, or just plain stinks (Ive yet to hear a good word aout Theyre Blind). If youre a diehard Kelly Willis fan, this album is worth a listen; but it will quickly fall out of your rotation. Do yourself a favor, and buy One More Time instead.....or better yet, her self-titled Third Album.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
One of the greatest female voice ever! at 2004-01-03
Like everyone else, I dont understand why Kelly doesnt get more radio play. She has such a great voice! In my opinion, this CD does not have a bad song. Theyre all terrific. Keep writing and singing, Kelly! Ill keep buying!
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Bang Bang
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
A solid album at 2006-03-31
This was Kellys 2d Album, and it was a good one; in fact, it still stands the test of time. At the time of its release, Kellys sound was considered unique, and in fact, it was. Im not sure if Id label it Alt-Country or even Americana, because it still maintained grass-roots country. Im guessing the Alt-Country label came into being since Kelly was never really successful, when compared with her peers of the time which included Garth Brooks and Clint Black. Nashville was definately pushing her sound and persona, as I recall her videos on CMT on a nonstop rotation, and even a VH1 Country Show where she was the cohost with Kevin Welch. She was indeed a media darling, but radio and records sales did not agree with the overzealous producers and publicists. But with all of that aside, this album contains Kellys best piece of work ever, a Robert Earl Keen penned song, Sincerely; Kelly knocks this one out of the park. There are a few numers that should have become country standards: Settle For Love, Standing By the River, and Baby Take A Piece of My Heart. At the same time, there are a few weak songs here as well, including: Not Afraid of the Dark and The Heart that Love Forgot. There is no comparison between the lively and soulful sound of this early Kelly Willis, and the current lifeless sound of Kelly Willis. A good album.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
a Big Bang at 2005-09-17
Kelly Willis still doesnt get the attention she deserves. An incredibly gifted vocalist, and still one of the sexiest women I have ever laid eyes on, she could have been as big as Shania Twain. Terribly, sadly overlooked. This album beat the Sophmore Slump while covering more bases than most pigeonholed Country artists are bold enough to get near. Texas Swing. ALT/POP Country. Heartbreaking Ballads. The band is tight. The vocal performances are full of nuances. It sounds great too, the production and mixing is just slick enough without sounding fake or forced. A modern country classic.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
One of THE Best Alt-Country albums ever at 2003-07-31
This album still cooks - years after I first bought it. Kelly can rock with the best of them on one song - and then she can bring you to tears with the next song. Shes got an amazing voice, shes as beautiful as a woman could get, and shes got more talent than just about anything youll ever hear come out of Nashville.Kelly, you are a true talent and this one is nothing short of perfect!
Kelly Willis Album Review:
THEY WONT LET ME GIVE THIS MORE THAN 5 STARS at 2002-10-16
YOU CAN NOT PLAY IT TOO MUCH.GREAT ENERGY, GREAT SONGS, PERFECT VOCALS BY KELLY. YOU WONT FIND A BETTER ALBUM AND THERE IS NO ONE WITH A MORE UNIQUE VOICE.
Kelly Willis Album Review:
Rollicking Second MCA Effort at 2002-03-13
Willis pulled out all the stops for her sophomore MCA effort, including a terrific Steve Earle ballad (Sincerely-Too Late To Turn Back Now,) some rockabilly gems (Bang, Bang, Ill Try Again,) and her most successful recording to date, a Kostas-penned top 60 hit single, Baby, Take A Piece of My Heart. Her studio band here is superb, and this CD moves like a rifle shot, pushing Willis strengths to the forefront: a sweet, vibrato-laced soprano perfectly suited for her rough-and-tumble uptempo song arrangements and tender ballads. Problem is, country radio in 1991 was nowhere near ready for this feisty Okies groundbreaking recordings. Later generations are discovering Willis, wholl have to settle for pioneer status in the alt-country category. Her first MCA CD, Kelly Willis, (out of print, of course) is a grab bag of rockabilly chestnuts worth obtaining-if you can find it.
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Well Travelled Love
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Kelly Willis Album Review:
The First Kelly Willis Album at 2006-04-21
I first bought this album on Cassette in 1990 (?) and I remember wearing it out to the point where the first and last songs dragged when played. Then I upgraded to CD, and I still have that one today. For a First Album, Kelly Willis did quite well....Maybe not so on the charts, but she made her mark and the album seemed to show promise for things to come. At the time, she had a completely new sound, when compared to her peers of Kathy Mattea or Pam Tillis, but after 2 more progressively better albums, she left the scene...only to return nowadays with a tired/lifeless sound. If you can still get this CD, do so. There are 3 stand-out tracks: Red Sunset, My Hearts in Trouble Tonight, and I dont Want To Love You (But I do). Theres also her cover of Drive South, which, in my opinion was a fine effort but not quite up to Suzy Boguss standards.
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