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Post by Tim on Dec 20, 2018 11:33:40 GMT
I'll give this a go shortly Chris, just listening to the new Caleb Caudle at the moment (recent discovery).
My best mate is a huge McNabb fan and gives me CDs as presents every now and then to try and convert me, as I have a blind spot. He even persuaded me to go and see him in London a few years back, shocking show as he was completely rat arsed, which didn't help alleviate my opinion of him. Twas a good night though, as we thought well if he's pissed, we might as well be too!
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Post by Tim on Dec 20, 2018 16:17:33 GMT
I tried to be totally objective here and listened to this as perhaps a reviewer might, leaving my personal feelings aside and as such I’d say it’s a very good album for what it is. There’s some solid song-writing and the West Coast sound of Crazy Horse really adds to the overall quality of the songs, musicianship and overall presentation. I think due to the band it kind of loses a bit of it’s identity as an Ian McNabb album, sounding more like a cross between Crazy Horse and Springsteen, but that’s no bad thing. A little too sugary in places (especially ‘Still Got the Fever’ and ‘Sad Strange Solitary Catholic Mystic’) and I felt it could do with more grit and edge. Worthy of it’s Mercury Prize nomination mind you, but not worthy of winning (neither was M People for that matter, I'd have given it to Paul Weller for Wild Wood). It does however do what it does very well and I can see why people like it, so based purely on it’s musical content and song-writing I gave it 4/5.
Personally and more subjectively I didn’t really enjoy it and doubt it’ll ever get another airing, as I still don’t like his voice and it’s just too jaunty and happy for my tastes. I also didn’t like the overblown backing vocals and slightly rich production style. When in the mood for something like this I think I would choose some Crazy Horse or Springsteen. Without my reviewers head on, I’d give it 2/5 as the only bit I did enjoy was the last 2 minutes of ‘This Time Is Forever’ (when it changes tempo) and ‘May You Always’ until he starts singing, so there’s about 3 minutes of good stuff here for me (I only played Disc 1).
I did enjoy the challenge though Chris, always good to revisit artists that don’t work for you, to see if they’ll eventually click. I’m still not ready for Mr. McNabb though, as I just can’t get on with his voice, especially his younger voice and I can’t shake that shockingly bad gig (2.12.2009 - The Luminaire, London) from my head.
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Post by John on Dec 20, 2018 18:06:53 GMT
A 4 for me. Good solid rock that easy to get into
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 20, 2018 19:02:22 GMT
Thanks for giving it such a thoughtful appraisal Tim.
...and for your outstanding perseverance!
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 20, 2018 19:36:54 GMT
Thanks too, to everyone else who listened and gave their thoughts on this album.
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Post by Tim on Dec 20, 2018 21:00:57 GMT
Thanks for giving it such a thoughtful appraisal Tim. ...and for your outstanding perseverance! I do like to persevere with some artists, especially if people who have similar taste to me rate them. Doesn't always work, but going back to music has often paid dividends.
I do have a McNabb album that I like, Eclectic Warrior with Cold Shoulder as the backing band. I love the guitar work on this album, more edgy. Spotify has it listed from 2018, but it’s actually from 2013 – I think ‘Smirtin’ is a great song, as is ‘Woman Killed by Falling Tree’.
So if anyone likes this album and isn’t that familiar with Ian’s work, maybe give Eclectic Warrior a go as well?
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 20, 2018 21:14:31 GMT
Yes, I played that the other day and enjoyed it.
You should try to find a way to hear the North West Coast disc Tim - I think you'd lie that. Not a boring moment with Crazy Horse live!
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Post by Tim on Dec 20, 2018 21:21:03 GMT
I'll seek it out as I do like a bit of Crazy Horse as you probably know  |
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 20, 2018 21:38:52 GMT
Yes indeedy.
The version of 'I Don't Wanna Talk About It' on there is for me, the best one around except for the original on the Crazy Horse debut album.
With one BIG caveat.
Just watch out for the verse sung by Ralph Molina (I think), which may just be the most untuneful singing committed in a recording ever in the history of recording!
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Post by Barrington on Dec 21, 2018 17:22:29 GMT
I do have a McNabb album that I like, Eclectic Warrior with Cold Shoulder as the backing band. I love the guitar work on this album, more edgy. Spotify has it listed from 2018, but it’s actually from 2013 – I think ‘Smirtin’ is a great song, as is ‘Woman Killed by Falling Tree’.
Yes I have it , I mentioned it on page 1 , Woman Killed........... is a great track . |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 19, 2019 14:55:22 GMT
Neil Young without his vocals !
Love the Crazy Horse sound. Not keen on the vocals
3/5 from me
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