Customer Reviews

The Beginner

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

 

 

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!!

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.

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.

Bob Walkenhorst is a wonderfully talented singer/songwriter/musician. The songs on this album tend to be personal, introspectively looking at the self rather than looking outward and commenting on the world. Musically, it's somewhat reminicent of the Beatles. A great album, and a worthy addition to the music collection of anyone who appreciates a good singer/songwriters.

I've always told people unfamiliar with this man that if you looked up "Rock and Roll" in the dictionary, it would read, "See Rainmakers."

Bob strips it down on "The Beginner" with songs you'll just have to hear.

He might be 60 before receiving the respect and appreciation he deserves, but we can wait.

Go buy it.

I saw Bob play two hours one evening in the bookstore coffeeshop and fell in love with him and his music all over again. This is music you can listen to all night long, over and over - not one song misses. Look a little deeper past the music to the lyrics and you hear the story of a haunted man ... this music is destined to become classic. Bob, I don't think it will take until 2300.

Walkenhorst has the best introspective, witty, and enjoyable lyrics in the last 15 years. Forget Dylan, Springsteen, Joel--the ex-frontman for the underrated Rainmakers plays trump card after trump card, carrying the narrative with his unique voice and style. Very easy to recommend "The Beginner". The songs are fun, thoughtful, and rhythmic.

Although I would much prefer that the predecessor groups Steve Bob & Rich and the Rainmakers were still together making their great music, this is a great solo album from Bob Walkenhorst. What he can do with his voice is unbelieveable and I would recommend this little know effort from the Missour native.

I hadn't realized that Bob Walkenhorst had recorded a solo album. I found a copy of this one in a thrift store of all places. From the opening bars of "life Can Turn" I was hooked. Age has not softened Walkenhorst's edgy outlook. His voice has matured but still retains the energy from earlier releases. A great selection of music. Try playing Jan Vermeer really loud!

It's a great CD.

This solo is actually pretty good. Definitely sounds like the Rainmakers (Bob having been
their lead). I guess I had expected more from it having bought each and every Rainmaker
CD.