Customer Reviews

American Jukebox Fables

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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)

This Album is one of my favorites of 2005. On first listen the production catches your attention . . . then the album REALLY GROWS on you. Strong songwriting with beautiful and (in the case of Kiss the Sun) timely lyrics.
I highly recommend this album and artist. This was my first exposure to his work and have since seen him live - EVEN BETTER -- studio production leaves his voice a little reedy and flattens Paul's dramatic dynamic range which pulls the audience into each song.

This is the 3rd Ellis Paul release in my collection after "Stories" & "Say Something." It's nice to get back in touch because "American Jukebox Fables" is an excellent disc. Two of the tracks in particular pop off the speakers. The opener "Blacktop Train" has a propulsive beat & a churning electric guitar, "Motels, oilwells, truckstop, marines going to California with their pin-up dreams, roll down your window, brother, shout out my name, You're on route 66 on a blacktop train." This is great stuff! "Bad, Bad Blood" also rocks with an incredibly catchy tune, "Flash, flash, it's a CNN news flash, Nevada we're live on the air, A spree, a spree, an incredible crime spree by a couple in a pink Corvair." Lyrically, Paul is brilliant; melodically, he is inventive. The arrangements add more variety such as on the delightful "Alice's Champagne Palace." Enjoy!

Philo and Rounder Records present the latest contemporary folk album "American Jukebox Fables", featuring Boston's own Ellis Paul on Guild D-100 high string and a Santa Cruz 6 string acoustic...along with Ellis we have Flynn who brought up the rear on everything under the sun, plus Rachael Davis vocals on background and various parts and Keith Reid sitting in on a strident piano on two tracks.

All songs composed by Ellis Paul and in alphabetical order:

ALICE'S CHAMPAGNE PALACE
BAD, BAD BLOOD
BLACKTOP TRAIN
CLARITY
GOODBYE HOLLYWOOD
HOME
JUKEBOX ON MY GRAVE
KISS THE SUN (A SONG FOR PAT TILLMAN)
MARC CHACALL
MYSTIFIED
SHE WAS
TAKE ALL THE SKY YOU NEED
TIME

Paul's stories told through his lyrics are sometimes overpowering...his signature is folk with blends of rock arrangements...creative settings utilize both his way with acoustic and background sentimentality...entire album is amazing, instantly grabs you...very beautiful and haunting can't get enough of "JUKEBOX ON MY GRAVE", with lyrics like "my friends when they drop by can drop a quarter down, as flood of memories come wave by wave"...and the rest is "you can hear Hank Williams, George Jones, Beatles song, Dylan, Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye and Johnny Cash singing "Ring of Fire" upon my grave", the point is well taken, fits the times and events that have gone on decades before.

Many highlights on this album, but listen to "ALICE'S CHAMPAGNE PALACE", "I guess sometimes you gotta go to the end of the earth just to turn yourself around"...Ellis poetry is brilliant as you become completely engulfed in his melodies with heartfelt lyrics...open the jewel case, put on the CD and sit back in your car or at home, forget about what else is happening around you...just relax you can feel the music and are transported into another world...just the way it should be!

Total Time: 55:00 on 13 Tracks ~ Philo/Pgd 711246 ~ (4/05/2005)

Ellis Paul has grown by leaps and bounds since his open mic days, but never let go of the passionate freshness of a hungry singer songwriter.
Some of the studio work (produced by Flynn, an Irish musician) misses, but only because it is stepping out of a comfortable circle.
Jukebox is his most polished disc, but still holds onto the intimacy of Ellis Paul's live work.
Live is a different animal from a recording, but Ellis keeps a strand of authenticity between the two.
I own most of his albums and I would rate this as the best introduction to his work for someone coming from a popular music sensibility.
Folkies might be better served by Speed of Trees first and then Jukebox.

This album has Ellis Paul's usual collection of poetic lyrics and solid tunes. His songs are always melodic yet hard to sing with the music off. This album has fewer catchy melodies, with the striking exception of the title track. This album, like most, also contains a song about hitting the road: Alice's Champagne Palace. "We'll raise a glass
lift a chalice
Welcome to Alice's Champagne Palace
The finest bar on the strip in Homer, Alaska
If you're from New York, LA, Dallas,
you'll find a home at the Champagne Palace
Alice will pour you a cold one
Just go ahead and ask her,
if you're running away to Alaska"

I recently stumbled on this album and really love it. Ellis Paul has produced 14 albums so it's really hard to have a favorite, but right now this is mine. This CD has some really great songs - "She Was", "Home", and "Jukebox on My Grave" are some of the best.

Paul's voice is compelling, authentic and draws you into an emotional experience every time.

I could care less if you like my review! This is my favorite Paul album (Yes Paul is his first name!).
Love
Dave from belfast