Customer Reviews

American

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you've listened to either of Martin Sexton's previous releases, a first listen to 'The American' might just get you a little bent out of shape... Sure, "Glory Bound" and "Love Keep Us Together" are a touch over-produced, but that's what the listening public is used to, so that's what you get with a major label...but Sexton brings it back down to earth with the title track's cool and idiosyncratic vibe. Martin Sexton is an artist that cannot be pigeon-holed and 'The American' is just further testimony to that fact. From blues-inspired folk ballads like "Where it Begins" to jazzy surprises like "Diggin' Me," this album is first rate. Besides, anyone who's ever seen Martin Sexton live knows full well that there's no real way to capture the essence of this extraordinary artist. Martin Sexton is going to be a star of tremendous proportions one day...I just hope I can still get tickets.

If you EVER get a chance to see Martin on stage...DO NOT HESITATE. This artist has a skill and mastery over his vocal chords that is unparalleled. His style is eclectic and witty, with a marvelous tongue-in-cheek cynicism. Each tune is loosly based on a particular style of music, rock, folk, blues, Louis Armstrong swing, but he has added that tremendous voice (that can growl, soar, and seduce) and a slant all his own. This album becomes a part of your life, so much so that it becomes difficult to listen to anything else. I have placed it in my CD-ROM drive, and this is now the permanent home for this CD. My favourite track is the final one, it is indefinable, poignant, and touching in a timeless way. Each person I have played it for has been very eager to have it for their very own. When I see him in concert I usually buy extra CD's so that I can philanthropically lay them on other new devotees. Buy this CD, you will be amazed. This artist is destined for greatness.

I first heard Glory Bound on WFUV (Fordham University Radio in NYC) and said "I have to find this disc!!" One listen to Black Sheep and I was hooked. The emotion, musicality and simplicity of the music blew me away. Since that time I have seen Martin live in Central Park (Summer Stage with John Hiatt) and in Boston and was never disappointed. My wife (who was new to Martin) was in Boston and was amazed that one guy and his guitar (plus a drummer for maybe 20% of the songs) could keep the whole place "so into it." If you haven't seen him live, you must go when he is in your area. He played an extended version of "Gypsy Woman" in Boston that needs to be recorded, it was so killer. I was greatly anticipating the release of The Amercian and was greatly disappointed. The production simply suffocates the music. Don't get me wrong, its not bad or anything. It's just not great and believe me, these are great songs. So, I sincerely hope they loose the production for the next album (Live ???). Thanks Marty for the music.

I was introduced to Martin when a friend of mine dragged me to see him in concert. His performance there was amazing, and I ordered his Black Sheep CD the following day. Black Sheep is an amazing disc, and almost manages to capture the energy and acoustic purity when it is just Martin and his acoustic guitar on-stage.

The American, sadly, is far withdrawn from this. Martin still has a great voice, but it is lost among the needless over-production and layering displayed here. What can be heard of his voice sounds bored and emotionless. The worst part of the album is that songs that were perfectly good on Black Sheep, are redone and effectively ruined here. "Glory Bound" for example was an amazing acoustic set on Black Sheep, was turned into a weak broth of various instruments distracting from the lyrics. The same can be said for the remake of "Love Keep us Together" as well.

The CD isn't a total waste however. Some of the newer songs, like "My Maria" and the title track, show that Martin still has what it takes to write a great song. His lyrics have definitely matured, and his voice is still strong. On the next release Atlantic would be wise to spend less of their major label money of fancy producers, and more on promoting Martin as the pure musician he is.

I was turned on to M Sexton by a friend in the Caribbean. Once I began listening to the CD repeatedly, I was struck by the artists skill and vocal range. In one song sounding like a clarinet and trumpet, singing falsetto, and then yodeling! I think it is a strong CD as the style varies considerably. It is not 10 repeating and similar songs. I look forward to hearing some of his older and less produced work. It takes a strong effort to keep my attention for the length of time that 'The American' has. For the last few months it is THE ONLY CD that I listen to for the most part. Perhaps the next CD will have me riveted for another few months!

I've been hearing negative rumblings from Martin Sexton fans regarding the electric,produced sound on his new album "The American". Bob Dylan experienced similar backlash when he went "electric". No one can deny that the rawness of previous Sexton releases helped make them great, but "The American" is a fine body of work in its own right. The same great songwriting is apparant on cuts such as The American, My Maria, Station Man and Diggin' Me. The remakes, while not as raw, still sound fresh. Who could blame Martin for trying to "rock out" on tracks like Candy and Glory Bound and trying to appeal to a larger audience. The vocals, while not out in front as much are still incredible. Check out the distorted vocal solo on My Maria. His guitar playing proves to be quite tasty as well. Overall, this albums gets better with each spin. Once you get past the shock of the more produced sound, what's left are the songs and the performance. Both are very good.

Martin Sexton. Wow. This guy has a voice that will knock you over. What a virtuoso. The lyrics are tender and real. Great guitar work. After many years on the east coast street scene he has developed a rock solid sound that is captivating. You gotta have one of these.

My wife introduced me to Martin Sexton when we saw him live in Reno. Pretty good, I thought. The American also found its way to our cd rotation when we went to our first Strawberry Music Festival together. Certain songs stood out including 'Diggin Me' and 'Station Man'. But overall I thought the cd was nothing special. However, this cd is like a really cool box you find in your attic...the more you dig through it the more fun and interesting stuff you find. Many of the songs resonate with real power and Sexton's voice is simply amazing with the way it stays in flux: constantly changing and flipping around. Vocal gymnastics comes to mind. I think the more you listen to this cd the more you will like it.

To those of you who think that this album is overproduced and that you can't make out Martin Sexton's voice, I have to ask: are you kidding? This is insane. There is no way to disguise one of the greatest voices in the world. I wish that I was a singer so that I could quit singing after hearing him. As for comparison with live performance, not everyone has the time or inclination to rush out to concerts. Hell, I don't even like live music most of the time. This is a milestone recording from one of the most underrated talents in any medium. And no mere music producer can do damage to that.

Best, most consistent CD in years. Excellent songwriting/lyrics. He can do incredible things with his voice. Very expressive. A Pleasure from beginning to end that I never tire of listening to. An alltime favorite for me.