Customer Reviews

Between Us

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album generates the most controversy from Jules listeners. Some hate it, others love it for the elusive gem I think it is. It's one of those that you have to listen to about five times to really appreciate how different all the songs are, and how poignant. Sure, some of the songs are depressing, but there's plenty of room for sad songs in my life as well as the Bangles.

Honestly, I still cry every time I hear Windows and Walls. It is absolutely haunting. Who's Dreaming Who was tailor made for George Jones and Tammy Wynette (too late now).

It's a genius album, if you give it a chance.

Each of these songs is crafted as a duet with close harmonies and subtle chord changes. These conditions create difficult challenges: Do both singers sing exactly on key, or off in the same way, and anticipate each others' timing (no-not enough time with these songs, even for Jules)? Do the basic nature and timbres of their voices complement each other (typically, no-Jules has a rough, dusty, sometimes gravelly voice that is hard to match.

Patty Griffin (tr 5), Suzy Roche (tr 6), Carole King (tr 10), Rob Shear (tr 11), Mary Ramsey (tr 13), Margo Timmine (re 14) match Jules well. Amy Rigby (tr 15) is close. Tasty duet with Rob Wasserman (tr 8) is instrumental. Weak to bad: Paula Cole (tr 1), Susan Cowsill (tr 4), Angie Hart (tr 7), Freedy Johnston (tr 9), Curtis Stigers (tr 12). Also on the CD: Roseanne Cash, Ron Sexsmith.

The songs are quintessential Jules; no one else would use these chord changes or such precise but slightly bent wordplay on these topics. Best to think of these songs as folk settings à la Harry Smith. Then they create warm intimate settings for striking songs. Careful, spare accompaniment supports this approach. The very raggedness of these songs seems to give them unusual depth and warmth that is surprising for the ever-clever Jules. Much more than the consummate popster. Still, the dissonances don't go away with repeated listening. I want to like this more than I actually like it. [61:37]

This is a wonderful collection of acoustic music. Duets between Jules Shear, and various guests, including Paula Cole, Roseanne Cash and Ron Sexmsith. The 14 songs were all penned by Shear, who you may know as the author of Cyndi Lauper's "All Through The Night" and the Bangles "If She Knew What She Wants." These are achingly beautiful songs, about love, heartbreak and loss, and redemption. Highest Recommendation!

I like all kinds of music and own almost 2,000 CD's, but if I had to pick just a few of my favorites, this Jules Shear CD would certainly be one of the top five. Beautiful lyrics, lovely melody, great duet vocals,...simply one of the best easy-listening CD's of the last 15 or even 20 years! Sure he looks funny on the cover, but don't let that fool you!

I keep coming back to this album. Would somebody please tell me why "How Many Times" isn't considered one of the best country songs ever written?

As a long time Jules Shear fan, I've seen his many changes in musical style. However, he remains consistant in his lyrical & melodic quality. When I received this C.D., I knew I would be in for a treat, but from the first cut to the last, I remained inthralled by his beautiful & sad songs. I appreciate his selection of singing partnerships that complimented his voice. I will definately listen to this C.D. many, many times. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite cut, they are all very well done.

The "Last in Love" is just one of the meaningful songs on this day-dreamy album. You could imagine yourself sitting out on a huge lawn listening to a concert in the late afternoon. There is a comfort in the harmony that comes close to intimacy. It could be that the songs are duets and the acoustic guitar draws you into an inner circle.

"Who's Dreaming Who" talks about a dream of love, and "It's All over But the Smoke" follows in an appropriate fashion.

"Windows and Walls" is powerful and perhaps my favorite song due to the sheer depth and truth in the thoughts. "The silence will not comfort you... The breaking of a spell... you can't keep a love in with windows and walls."

I also loved the lyrics in "How Many Times."

"Don't ask me if its right
or if we put out the light
Just when it started to shine,
ask me how many times.
It isn't right
It isn't fair
Love takes you everyplace
But we're still standing here"
~How Many Times

Did someone say this recording has only depressing songs? "On These Wheels Again" is downright funny complete with howling dogs. I also liked the lyrics later about the dog running through the wet cement.

"Sealed Up Hollow" speaks of the wounds making you what you are and is one of the most beautiful songs in this collection.

Some of the lyrics might be about melancholy moments, but overall, I felt the songs brought a peaceful resolve to my day. These songs are really thoughtful Meditations on Relationships with a focus on "Shear" Honesty.

Dedicated to a wise friend who has taught me so many lessons and is showing me a whole new world of music. Happy Birthday.

~The Rebecca Review

if you are an artist or fan who loves the sweet delivery of beautiful words molded into clever infectious good feeling music.. this cd will fulfill that yearning.

THIS IS A GREAT CD BUT IM PARTIAL BECAUSE HAVE BEEN A JULES FAN FOREVER.ITS A MUST HAVE FOR ME.

I put this on in the car today and almost missed my exit because I had drifted off. Not because of the music's beauty, but because of its monotony. Every song is sluggish and depressing. I love acoustic music, but there's no life here. Ron Sexsmith, who is on this album also does lots of acoustic songs, but he mixes it up a little. I bought this based on Shear's good track record as a writer and on his choice of duet partners. But there's no tune here that sticks with me. To top things off, Jules' singing is poor--his pinched voice is really irritating on this album. I have a couple other Jules Shear albums that I can recommend--especially his best of on Razor and Tie, but I think you should avoid this one.