Customer Reviews

Acquired Taste

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First, I have to confess I am a BIG Delbert fan. But, this Cd shows why. Delbert performs with humor, experience, sadness in that seasoned voice.

These songs are well written; and well presented by DICK50 (Delbert's road band). Listen to "Wouldn't You Think..." and you will SEE a stood-up guy in an empty bar. "Starting a Rumor" will make you wonder if this relationship is for real. "Never Saw in Coming" reveals the simple side of most guys. "When She cries at Night" feels like a confused older guy about to lose his younger girlfriend. Delbert will make you laugh, cry and wonder why.

There is only one thing better than listening to Delbert on this CD... seeing him and the band live!! RICK

I've heard the odd song from Delbert McClinton, but this is the first time I've ever felt inclined to pick up one of his records. If this is par for the course, then I've been missing out.

Delbert slides as easily into country, blues, jazz, gospel, and folk styles as anyone I've ever heard. He does this so naturally, that you could easily miss it if you weren't paying attention. This record rewards close listening, but can also be enjoyed at a party. It will get the attention of anyone with a taste for any of the above mentioned styles, but has an appeal far beyond the average purist. Each song has its own identity, but not so much that you find yourself saying "Oh, here's the country tune." The stew has such a fine mix of ingredients that you're apt to hear a blues vocal turn within the context of a country tune or jazz piano on a blues tune. Or a little bit of all of the above. This is done rather seamlessly; it is never distracting or jarring for the listener. All is in service to the song, and his remarkable voice, which other reviewers here have described perfectly as weathered. I liken it to a perfect cup of coffee - bold and smooth, with a bit of a kick. You won't have any problem hearing or understanding the words, that's for sure.

Try it. My bet is that you'll take to it like your favorite shirt or pair of shoes.

Thought I had just gotten too old to appreciate anything new. But it turns out that if somebody writes actual songs and performs them with people playing actual instruments then something new and great can still be produced. The title must be irony, because if the samples here don't motivate you to immediately click Buy It Now then you probably need to run out and acquire some taste, stat. I did make sure to listen to the actual album before coming back to try and give this 5 stars - now I wanna give it 10. If it was 1.99 for physical copies I'd buy as many as I could afford and hand them out randomly, just to spread the gospel. As it is, this is the best 2 bucks you will ever ship over the Interslice, because in return you will get renewed faith in the power of music.

I am a HUGE Delbert fan. I thought about listening to some track samples before I bought this CD, but figured: Why bother? It's Delbert. It's got to be good! Unfortunately, it's not. It's just too talky -- way too heavy on lyrics and not nearly enough music, not enough of the band. The good old rocking Texas blues is missing. One of the songs made me feel like I was sitting in Country Bear Jamboree. There's a couple of tracks I might listen to again, but then I'd have to punch through the rest of the CD and it's just not worth it.

As a long-time Delbert and Dick50 devotee, I awaited this one with happy anticipation and a bit of fear that it couldn't possibly measure up to all the Delbert classics of the past. Two listens later, smiles, laughs, chills and tears, I'm glad to know I was wrong. It's all here; it's all Delbert: the voice that ages like the best wine, the humor (lots of that Delbert-talk we female fans love); the sadness and straight-to-the-heart lyrics in numbers like "Wouldn't You Know" and "Out of My Mind." And it wouldn't be a Delbert record without those great story songs we love. "Willie" and "Cherry Street" fit right in. We hear the hand of Gary Nicholson in this writing.

And Dick50: Now the secret is out that all of us Delbert folks have known for a long time. These guys are the best, the most talented, tightest band you'll ever hear: Kevin McKendree (keys, lead guitar on "Cherry Street" and co-writer on several of the songs), Rob McNelley (guitar), Lynn Williams (drums), and Steve Mackey (bass). They'll spoil you for any other music; it's a fact.

I don't mean to insinuate this is "same old, same old." Far from it. The new version of "Do It" puts an end to that notion, and there are layers of jazzy sophistication here that are new.

Endless praise here for the creative Don Was production and turning that piano UP! He knows where the good stuff is, and the piano intros and solos sprinkled throughout this work are a piano-lover's dream.

How can any album recorded by the man who taught John Lennon how to play the harmonica be anything less then wonderful? I just downloaded it and am giving it my full attention. If you ever have a chance to see Delbert live...run! Until then, listen to one of his many fine albums including this one.

Long time Delbert fan, but not an automatic lover of everything he does. First time or two thru this disc,I agreed with the 2 star people but now am a total convert. Those that say this lacks punch, were looking for rocking songs like "Old Weakness," "Everytime I roll the Dice," "Givin it up for your Love," and there aren't any on this disc. It has much more of a jazz feel to me and would work great performed in a jazz club. Its not as much rock as his 90-2000 period, but it is GREAT. "Starting a Rumor," "People Just love to Talk," "Until Then," and the incredible "Wouldn't you Think" make this a classic.

If you are new to Delbert, check out Never Been Rocked Enough, or One of the Fortunate Few, then graduate to his classic, Nothing Personal, but be sure to check out this Acquired Taste. It may take a few tastes---I mean spins, but it is a fine wine indeed.

From the first note, this CD has you hopping and happy. Delbert is certainly unique! I heard about him from the Imus show. Imus picks great musicians to tout. I love Delbert's music! Will definitely buy more

Old & New fans of Delbert are sure to enjoy! A little more of a "country" twang than most of Delbert's other CD's.. But still a great Album!

I first heard Delbert McClinton in a duet with Bonnie Raitt (Good Woman,Good Man on the CD "Luck of the Draw")and was hooked. What a voice... what an attitude! Acquired Taste is an outstanding effort, with a wide range of styles presented. Listen carefully and you'll hear perfectly executed chops from the band and a voice telling a story that will make you feel like you've been there. My favorites are "Starting a Rumor", "Do It", "Never Saw It Comin'" "Until Then", "Wouldn't You Think", "Cherry Street", and "Out of My Mind". "Can't Nobody Say I Didn't Try" feels like a timeless country classic and "I Need To Know" is some classic blues. "People Just Love To Talk" was a surprise... sassy & preachy all at the same time. Those who say it is bland either aren't being fair or may not like the style of the song... either way listen for yourself and make up your own mind. My recommendation: purchase, listen, soak it in, repeat often. You will not be disappointed.