American Jukebox Fables

Ellis Paul | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philo / Umgd
• ASIN: B0007VZ9E4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,515 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Folk Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 5-APR-2005

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ellis continues with his great music, July 23, 2005

By 

Music Fan (Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Jukebox Fables (Audio CD)

This may be my favorite Ellis Paul CD and I find he continues to develop and hone his style. "Home" is a particular favorite of mine. I gave it 4 of 5 because, as most artists know, there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect.
This is a great CD and I had the pleasure of hearing him play some of the new tunes live, which is always a treat. His years of touring and playing are paying off. Hats off, Ellis!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GrownUpMusic.com recommended!, July 23, 2005

By 

Larry Harris "GrownUpMusic.com" (Los Angeles, Nirvana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Jukebox Fables (Audio CD)

Ellis Paul writes like Dylan, plays like James Taylor and sings a little like Rod Stewart (sans the leather pants). He ought to be a household name. But like many folk troubadors, he's a secret weapon of song. This CD - maybe his best - is like a favorite pair of jeans. American made with a perfect fit that never goes out of style. He sings "When I'm gone, on my judgment day, please put a jukebox upon my grave." It just makes sense, doesn't it? If you're a fan of smart lyrics and bright, guitar-driven melodies (and who isn't?), Ellis Paul is worth the risk.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imagination and skill results in a polished & fanciful album, April 19, 2005

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Jukebox Fables (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 55:06 -- From the stock of Maine potato farmers, Ellis Paul moved to Boston, studied music, connected with the roots of the folk genre, then proceeded to develop a signature singer/songwriter sound that now incorporates pop, rock and contemporary sensibilities. Ellis Paul's wise perceptiveness and charisma have built him a strong fan base. He's also a hardworking, resilient touring artist who has garnered numerous awards for ten album releases and music, some of which has been featured in soundtracks for the films, Shallow Hal and Me, Myself, & Irene.

"American Jukebox Fables" is Ellis' first solo CD since 2002's "The Speed of Trees." I immediately noticed that his voice has much character, and his songs understand the bond between land, life, heart and soul. The CD begins on an up-tempo note, but Ellis can also create an intimate and familiar feeling with songs like "Time" and "Goodbye Hollywood." Keyboards and percussion provide the primary instrumental excitement that serve to increase the emotional impact of his material. I did feel, however, that some selections could have included more vocal harmony. Produced in Boston by Flynn (see flynnmusic.com), "American Jukebox Fables" also had the able support of Rachael Davis.

Ellis possesses all the fundamental elements for success as a singer/songwriter. His messages are profound, and they make us think. "Bad, Bad Blood" is a hard-hitting tale about a life of being addicted to money and love. "Home" is a lover's tribute with Ellis singing "this house is just an address, you're my home." "Jukebox on my Grave" leaves us with his simple wish to mark the music man's ultimate resting place. His jukebox songs also reference some of his influences - Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Rolling Stones, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, and others. It takes a lot of imagination and skill to be both polished and fanciful all in one. Ellis Paul shows us how to do it in a distinctive, erudite and masterful fashion. (Joe Ross)