Customer Reviews

Batdorf & Rodney

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brilliant debut album in the vein of CSNY, Byrds, America etc. These guys should have, and would have hit the big time had their producer not been hijacked to do work with America. I got easily bored with the California folkrock scene by the early 80's, but B&R's first two albums always found a place on the platter. The production is stellar, the guitar work and harmonies devastating. Good to see them in cd format, but HDCD or SACD would have been a better choice. Given the fine production, the sonics are nevertheless awesome.

My wife got it for me as a surprise, along with 2 others......I LOVE IT!

Batdorf and Rodney take accoustic music to a new level. Their harmonies and guitar work are just as sweet as CSN and the songwriting is just as catchy and pleasing. Although they are not the commercial success that CSN are, the music is the same level of quality. If you are a fan of accoustic rock, B&R are for you.

It's been well over 30 years since this one was released. In that time thousands of records, then CDs from so many artists in all different formats have entered our lives... yet this music from these two artists still resonates deeply with me. As others have noted, the guitars are so special- they sing, individually and together. The vocals are beautiful, with lyrics that touch you and harmonies that make each song a gift. And this CD still isn't quite as fine as "Off the Shelf," in my humble opinion.

From the very first toe-tapping notes of Poor Man's Dream, these songs each deliver satisfaction with their own personality and their own experience - how many CDs can you say that about? My favorites also include Home Again, which John reintroduces with such joy on his new CD, as well as By Today and All I Need. And when you think about how long it has been since these teenagers made this music, it's amazing. I am thrilled to write this review, as I was thrilled to hear this music on a CD after wearing out my album, many years ago. We can only hope, as John and Mark have gone back on the road for a series of concerts, that the future will bring us more of their sensational music.

When I was in my mid-teens in the 1970s, I went to a live show featuring a headliner that I've long since forgotten. But what I do remember about that show was the supporting act, Batdorf and Rodney. I had never heard their material, didn't particularly like folk rock at the time, but these guys were different. After the show, I found their album in an eclectic record shop and literally played the grooves off of it. I was also a budding guitarist at the time and the concept of open chords played on an acoustic guitar sounded fresh to my young ears. Almost 40 years later - and with much more musical knowledge and experience - I recognize the combination of John Batdorf's songwriting skills, melodic hooks, and clear voice coupled with Rodney's counterpoint-style vocal harmonies and complimentary guitar arrangements brought me into their fan base. The bass playing on the album was more freestyle and the drumming more aggressive than the standard-fare "folkie" material of the day. Later, I bought this CD after my album became unplayable and was happy and surprised that the CD mastering was very good.

This is music for a lifetime. I hope everyone can enjoy it as much as I.

This is a must purchase for all Batdorf and Rodney fans.

In my opinion not as great as the Batdorf and Rodney

"Off the Shelf" Album, but many songs are great on

this Album/CD

They were truly underated during the 70's.

In my opinion the best Acoustic Guitar, Singing, Songwriting Duo.

Still today their Guitar, singing, songwriting style

is on the top of my list.

This album is one of my favorites of all time. The acoustic guitar play and harmonies are incredible.

Only one review on this exceptional group?? If you love great acoustic guitar playing, mixed with absolutely excellent harmonies, then, Batdorf and Rodney is a must. When this was in my album collection, so much playing rendered it a casualty, with all the scratches and all. Mind you, this was back in the 70's. When I found out this was available on CD,I immediately bought it. And you won't be disappointed.

The song Home Again is worth the price alone. The interplay of the acoustic guitars and harmonies are some of the best I've ever heard. Just an outstanding song!! These 2 guys can play very melodic and laid back, or really blast it.

Batdorf and Rodney fans....rejoice! They're on CD. No more scratches.

JLMankin