Customer Reviews

Austin Sessions

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've enjoyed Kris Kristofferson since the mid 70's and I have to say this one ranks as one of the very best. Even though I have all these songs on various other albums, cassettes and CD's such as "The Best of Kristofferson" "The Silver Tongued Devil and I" and "Jesus Was A Capricorn" the way that Kris and the other artists perform them is outstanding. I hesitate at buying CD's that contain the word "session" in them because I'm always afraid it will be nothing more than a jam session but The Austin Sessions has me craving for more. This is basic Kristofferson at his best with songs like Sunday Morning Coming Down, Why Me, For the Good Times, The Silver Tongued Devil and many more of the best songs he ever wrote. Add to this the harmony of such greats as Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and others and you end up with one superb CD.I only hope more will follow.

I've been a fan of Kris for 20 years. I've loved every recording he's ever done. His style is unlike anyone else I've known. He doesn't try to imitate anyone, or any style. He is his own style. Kris has had political, comical, sad, and love songs. Every one imparting a message from his heart.As his life changed, it seemed to reflect in his songs, and this albumn is a perfect example of that. It shows a more mature, mellow Kris kristopherson. I love the way his voice has softened, and gotten that "raspy" quality to it. The back-up is gentler, and fuller, and compliments him perfectly, and the added touch of Matraca Berg in "For The Good Times" is wonderful! I am struck by his statement that "Time and the road have whittled the fat away 'til there is nothing but bone and sinew." What more could be said of this albumn? It is pure Kris Kristopherson..true to who he is, in love with his music, and willing to share this most inner-part of himself with all who will open their hearts and truly hear.Thanks Kris, from one who does hear.

Maybe it's easier for me to judge this album, because I haven't heard original versions of Kristofferson's songs. For me "The Austin Sessions" represent the very spirit of country music. The arrangements, the lyrics, the tunes - everything is perfect. Country music isn't very popular in Russia, but I'm sure, after listening to this album, people would understand, why there are so many fans of all over the world. You don't need to be a Caruso to sing country songs - Kris prooves it with every track. You need to have something inside you - a spirit of old good times, when everything seemed so simple and plain...

It's great to hear Kris sing his hits again. His words, and vocals return me to the days of my youth, when his honesty, emotion, and hard hitting words captured my heart, soul, and mind. He continues to be the real item, a man with heart and soul, and the courage to show his sensitivity. No smoke, no mirrors, no tricks; just an under rated American legend who goes his own way, in his own time, and always with his own rhyme. 5 stars and a million memories. A must for lovers of American music.

Genius. That's the only way to describe Kris' songwriting. No, he isn't George Jones - but he doesn't need to be. No one can sing his songs better than he can, and every song on this CD resonates with the emotion and meaning he wrote into them. A brilliant work by an often-overlooked singer. The guests are wonderful - but Kris is front and center on this collection of his greatest songs, as he should be. It's pure, amazing Genius.

When I first heard Kristofferson I was a VH1 junkie when they were showing a lot of retro shows. He performed Me and Bobby McGee on The Isle of Wight film. I was caught by the rough yet robust texture of his voice. That was seven years ago. Since then my musical tastes have expanded to include folks like Bob Dylan and Warren Zevon. Reeling from the recent deaths of Zevon and Cash, I pulled The Austin Sessions out for a listen. The comfort provided in knowing that Kristofferson is still out there pluggin' is inspiring. The songs contained in this album are essential for fans of real American music. The tunes are tough and rough but betray a sensitivity and a quality of inteligence not found in the modern day elite of Nashville. Kristofferson should be listened to by any aspiring songwriters along with Dylan, Zevon, Cash, and Lightfoot. These recordings are what American song should be about. With the state of American music in serious disrepair, the Austin Sessions and Kristofferson remind us that there was a time when the music mattered. There was a time when good poetry and tasteful chording made sense to the people. If you want to escape a world where other people try to dictate what sort of music you like, take this CD and a pair of headphones and push the money oriented world aside for 40 minutes and let the art take over.
Enjoy.

This album is definitely one of my favorites. Kris Kristofferson is a man who has been graced with many talents: singing, songwriting, and acting, just to name a few. To listen to this CD is to be amazed by one of the best country performers ever.

The songs on this album are timeless. My personal favorite is "Help Me Make It Through the Night," which is also one of my favorite country songs of all times. The desperation evident in its lyrics is moving; the same goes for "Sunday Morning Coming Down," a song you should be familiar with (Johnny Cash's version was pretty damn good, but no one sings it like the songwriter).

The haunting "To Beat the Devil" is another highlite--the only bad thing about it is that it might be true. "Who's to Bless and Who's to Blame" is a bit of a critical satire at how humanity catagorizes itself. "The Pilgrim: Chapter 33" has been given an edgier feel, while retaining the bitter struggle of a man on the edge of life. "Why Me?" is still as moving as the original; "Nobody Wins" is still as heartbreaking.

I left out some songs; I also didn't go into much detail with those I did talk about. I could go on and on raving about these songs; but the truth is, you simply need to hear them to believe them. Kris Kristofferson was given a gift: he writes what he knows, what he lives. You can hear it in his voice as he sings his memorable lyrics.

A multi-talented man who, in my opinion, hasn't aged a bit, Kristofferson is still the best singer/songwriter ever to grace country music. "The Austin Sessions" just might be one of the best country albums of all time.

Great stuff as ever from Kris Kristofferson. Some people complain that the voice is gruffer and more abrasive than the early days. This 'new' tone is just the voice of experience and wisdom speaking. For me anyway, the humanity and charm of the man still come shining through. Kris Kristofferson is one of the best singer/songwriters at work in the world today. Maybe even the best.

Listen and enjoy.....for the good times.

Thank you, NPR for reviewing this recording with Kris. Many recordings I purchase are are given one listen and filed with rare additional reviews. This is an exception. A session with Mahler Sym. #7 followed by this recording left me alsost equally moved. I'm probably about the same age as Kris, but until fairly recently was not aware of much of his work. I can't imagine any other artist doing equal justice to these compositions. A true poet in the rough.

Back in '74 or'75? I saw Kris at the newly restored Fox Theater in Atlanta. He was appearing with his lady love Rita Cooledge . He cringed on stage at the limelight, perhaps uncomfortable under the glare of the klieg lights and probably his fame. I drank in in a lot of living along with his lyrics in the 70's. Now 20 years later the lyrics hold up even better, just like another outsider artist , Hank Williams, aging well like a fine wine. Kris captures the struggle of the prodigal child, and the artist in a world of sensible people. All who have fled the clutches of the apron strings and the shackles of the nest in an angry search of our souls will find in Kris' lyrics the story of a fellow traveler. Stumbling and backsliding up a lonely road to our shadow side. Thank you Kris for stealing the devils' song and telling it like it is. I'm so glad you're still around, many of the artist on your level don't make it past their mid 30s.