The Beginner [Enhanced]

Bob Walkenhorst | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 2003)
• Original Release Date: June 10, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: BAT Records
• ASIN: B0000DBK01
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,272 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best songwriters in America, October 17, 2003

By 

Downstream "downstream" (Oconomowoc, WI United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Beginner (Audio CD)

This CD is a gem for anyone who appreciates a good melody and top notch songwriting. In the spirit of the best roots rock (the Blasters, Flatlanders, Wilco, Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, etc.), Bob Walkenhorst has returned with a set of songs that will etch themselves in your mind with a subtle ease. It's like a record full of vintage hit singles that you've heard before but aren't quite sure where. He was the leader of one of the best bands of the 80's and 90's - The Rainmakers. Almost 20 years since their debut, they still stand as one of the most powerful and moving ensembles to record in the past few decades. Their music defined kinetic electrical energy. Pick up as many copies of this CD as you can get your hands on. He is one of the last remaining poets in the music world. Along with Jeff Tweedy, Gary Louris, Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, Paul Westerberg and a few others. There aren't many left and none of them ever seem to get any airplay. Only buying their music will change the trends which are dragging down popular music and turning it into a generic wasteland. Don't pass up the opportunity. Long live great music!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable, October 22, 2003

By 

G. Hack "ghack21" (Lenexa, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beginner (Audio CD)

One of America's best songwriters, the head of the late great Rainmakers, makes the shift from rock 'n' roll band leader to solo artist. The best songs here -- "Life Can Turn," "Broken Down" and "Jan Vermeer" -- more than justify the price of the whole CD. The other songs all have something going for them, too. Besides that, you get videos of two songs on the CD and of a third, "Primitivo Garcia," that bears special mention. It started as a volunteer project to teach songwriting to fourth-graders at his daughter's school. It turned into a moving ballad about Primitivo Garcia, the brave young hero for whom the school is named. An MP3 of the song is available free at bobwalkenhorst.com. Be sure to check it out, and then pick up the CD to see the video. Also check out the message board at the Rainmakers Web site. Bob currently performs regularly with two other Kansas City musicians, and the shows are often videotaped and made available on the Web -- a tribute to Bob's substantial talents, an indication of the passion he inspires in his fans, and a fascinating demonstration of what modern technology can make available.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tunes and Lyrics - A Joy to Listen To, March 5, 2004

By 

Dan Lauber "Dan" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner (Audio CD)

It doesn't seem to matter whether he records with the Rainmakers or solo, Walkenhorst continues to make some of the most intelligent and enjoyable rock around. "Just Leaving" is the real album highlight -- one of those great tuneful anthems with savvy lyrics. The only problem with the song is that it's only two minutes long. But it's one of those tunes you love immediately, kind of like Joe Grushecky's "Chain Smoking" on his amazing "American Babylon" CD. As rave up as "Just Leaving" is, "The Day We Hung Up The Flag" is one of the most touching (and tuneful) patriotic songs for peace in recent years. Every song on the CD is excellent in terms of artisty. Whether or not you'll like a particular song depends on your individual taste. But I defy anybody not to like those two songs.