Customer Reviews

Behind the Levee

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This has been my daughter's favorite band for years, and I've had 2 of their Cd's, which I've always enjoyed. Last night I got to see them live for the first time. I live near Eureka, Ca. The audience was pretty small; I don't think these extremely talented gentlemen get the exposure they deserve, and the show was barely advertised around here. But that made for a very intimate concert, and everyone there absolutely loved it. It was very easy to meet them after the show, and what a fantastic bunch of guys. They played most of the tracts from Behind the Levee, their newest. There is just so much feeling and joy in their music. I bought 2 of the Cd's, and tonight got to listen to it in entirety. Every track is wonderful, so I don't have a favorite. There is so much variety in this CD.I especially loved the funky soul sounds. I just know it makes me smile and cry and dance. So I'm ordering another now. Love is a beautiful thing! Peace!

I saw them last night here in Milwaukee, in support of this CD. I believe they played every song from "Behind the Levee". Usually it's difficult seeing a band push its new songs, because you (well, I, anyway) want to hear the old favorites. But these songs were so catchy and interesting that I never once found myself thinking "C'mon, let's hear something we know". As another reviewer points out, they've resisted making one singer the star and the others the supporting cast, so there's a lot of interesting harmony and that wonderful trading off of vocal lines between Tommy and John.

If you're having a bad day and in a funk, put this record on. If you're not feeling markedly better half way through it...you need a doctor! To me, that's the sign of "the real stuff"!!!
The melody, the soul, the funk, the harmony, the rhythem, the fun, and the emotion....make Behind the Levee the best money you've spent in a long time.
I regret that a 5 star rating is the best I can give it.

The Subdudes deliver with perhaps their most soulful album yet. Producer Keb' Mo' brings a light touch to the album, giving the album a very laid-back, in-the-pocket vibe with the bursts of funkiness and blues that 'dudes fans have come to expect. There's not a throwaway track in the bunch and several of the songs on "Levee" rank with the Subdudes' all time greats. "Papa Dukie and the Mud People," the first single, is alone worth the price of admission, and the rest of the album is just as good.

I love this band, so I am not very objective. Having said that, I do my have ny favorites, and my lesser favorites. At first four listens this comes across a very mellow album, and not a lot of new ground is broken. It maintains those trademark harmonies, and exquisite musicianship, strong vocals."Papa Dukie" is the single on the album but I feel that "One Word" could share that same distinction, as well as "Lets Play" . I have a feeling that this album will age very well, it is deeper tha the first listenings would suggest. You can get lost and drift away in the serenity of the only unoriginal song " Time For the Sun to Rise" and yet there are some many wonderful new melodies that have you humming along. The best thing I can say about this band ( I plan to see them in Wash. and Long island and San Juan Cap over the next few months) is that they make me feel nostalgic for songs I've only heard once. Does anyone else experience that? There will be lot of debate over where "Behind The Levee" ranks with the rest of their work, but one thing cant be disputed, The Subdudes are the most original and talented band working today. To go to a concert is to experience pure joy and love flowing off the stage. Pure love of music and performing that rivals any concert that I've seen. So enjoy this work, it is superb. They are in a class by themselves, and this would be a landmark album for any band, but for the "dudes" it is the level we have selfishly come to expect.In my opinion, they meet all expectations..

This is the type of CD you put on when you're having the kind of day that makes you want to go back to bed. "Papa Dukie and the Mud People" is a great opener, but you get hope, humor, and happiness clear through the CD. "Time for the Sun to Rise" is a call to wake up and listen to the birds sing. "Prayer of Love" which closes the CD just leaves you feeing inspired. Anyone who disputes the medicinal powers of music should listen to this CD just once. No further empirical evidence needed.

I'm new to the "Subdudes" I heard them for the first time 2 years ago and instantly ordered "Primitive Streak" These guys are amazing. I can't figure out why they are not more famous. I am a singer songwriter - My Cd "Ben Green" is available on Amazon and I've had a bit of commercial success. This is certainly not a qualifier but I must say there is a magical quality to the songwriting and Malone has the one of the greatest voices in Rock & Roll. Their new Cd is one of the best. Buy it!!

The Subdudes never cease to amaze me. Every album they release is as good as the last. I love how they really go back to their folk/hippie roots in this album. Right off the bat, with their opening track, they get right into the groove. The whole album boasts their unique style of music and I was not disappointed. My favorite track happens to be "Let's Play," but that may also be because I have a new daughter and the song refers to all the child games we play growing up. :)

The subdudes have come up with another winner. Keb' Mo' did a great job keeping this a tight and focused disc. (I heard he made them use a click track for the first time). I heard several of the songs in New Orleans last year and they have all come through excellently on this CD. Tommy Malone is about the only white guy (with the possible exceptions of Stevie Winwood and Van Morrison) who can remind you of Al Green, such is the soulfulness of his vocals. He is outstanding on this release.

Highly recommended, as is each and every subdudes CD. And go see them live! They are a KILLER live act.

Mark from NOLA

Behind the Levee is a compelling and resilient offering; the next logical step on a musical path traveled by a group of wiser and well-seasoned musicians who give all to their craft and their fans. With each new record and show, the subdudes give new meaning to "well-oiled machine." Of the songs on the album, subdude Steve Amedée says that it's a "more artistic approach" for the band. "There are lots of different feelings that you've never heard on a subdudes record before."

Make no mistake about it. The subdudes are here to stay.