Customer Reviews

Burchfield Nines

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

 

 

A few months ago, a neighbor of mine introduced me to the music of Michael Franks. He played me the albums 'Barefoot On the Beach,' and 'Sleeping Gypsy,' both of which I enjoyed very much. It wasn't long before I started to pick up some of his albums for my own collection.

'Burchfield Nines' is my favorite Michael Franks album, and I also believe it is the most mellow of all his works. Plus, it has orchesteral arrangements by Deodato, so you know it will be sensual. If you're having a rough day, this is the album to reach for. It's the equivalent of walking barefoot on thick shag carpet.

Recommendation: Try listening to "Burchfield Nines' along with James Taylor's 'In the Pocket' and Joni Mitchell's 'The Hissing of Summer Lawns' -- for the ultimate relaxing experience, 1970s style!

"Burchfield Nines" was released in 1978, Michael's third album for Warner Brothers. The first two releases, "Art Of Tea" and "Sleeping Gypsy" featured jazz ensembles backing Michael; the use of electric piano was heavy on those two albums, "Sleeping Gypsy" featured heavy orchestral backing. "Burchfied Nines" finds Michael in a more rock setting utilizing fuzz guitar; but not loudly. Michael's voice seems to be a bit thinner, almost fragile on the title track. As usual, word play and brilliant poetry abound, give a listen to the sleepy but masterful "Vilvadi's Song" and the playful "In Search Of The Perfect Shampoo." The opening track "When The Cookie Jar Is Empty" is comical and "A Robinsong" is one of the more upbeat tunes. At this point in his career, Michael continues to shift toward other musical directions, he never returns to the theme of this album which makes "Burchfield Nines" stand out on it's own.

This is a fine C.D., it`s a a real departure from "Art of tea" and"Sleeping Gypsy". I own every C.D. by Micheal Franks,none are bad, this one`s a bit more mellow, but the title track is the best.. Stephen C.Burgiel

I am a rather dedicated fan of Mr. Franks' music, having been introduced to "Popsicle Toes" on a road trip through Canada in 1976, and collecting all of his music since then. I listen to him on a daily basis. His quirky lyrics, off-beat phrasing and jazzy delivery never grow old for me. Burchfield Nines does not disappoint. It is not one of his strongest recordings, but it is consistently Michael Franks and, like the rest of his catalogue, it will be listened to and enjoyed over and over.

Burchfield Nines has the jazziest feel, the sassiest touch, the funniest and most tender lyrics.
It is Michael Franks at the top of his art (and many of his albums are up there bringing us ultimate musical pleasure).
Thank you MF.

This is one of those rainy-Sunday-afternoon albums: crank up the volume and listen to it over and over. All of Michael Franks' work is superb, but this is quite possibly my favorite album. Every song is spectacular - the music is soothing but sexy and the lyrics intelligent.

On the back of the CD, Michael is standing by a "statue" (for lack of a better term) of a gigantic red number 9. He looks cold and the buildings look old, so I would guess NYC. It looks aroung 8 feet tall.

I tried to GOOG it, but came up empty (pretty rare for GOOG). I was watching Sesame Street and lo and behold one of the characters was hanging out by the #9 as well. So it must still be standing there (or at least until fairly recently).

So where is this big #9?

Oh, pretty good album as well. Not as strong as Art of Tea or Sleeping Gypsy but it has some good songs.

Michael Franks music is interwoven into my and my family's life as much as water or wind. We feel particularly honored and privileged to know his music, and each own most or all of his albums and cds. No holiday, party, road trip,or just a day at the lake could possibly be endured without him along serenading our hearts and minds with his loving, pure, organic lyrics and soul embracing jazz comps. Not to even mention the great artists he always has accompanying him. It was thru his albums "Art of Tea" and "Sleeping Gypsy" that we were first blessed to hear and know him. All ensuing albums have captured and captivated our ears and hearts. Some favorite tunz are: "Eighteen Aprils; Crayon Sun; String of Pearls; Down in Brazil; Jive; Why spring ain't here; Samba de Soho; I Love Lucy; Just like Key Largo; The Eye of the Storm; Meet me in the Deerpark; The Yellow House"...oh, hell, it would be impossible to exclude ANY song by Franks because they are all given us by a rarest of birds whose brilliance has brightened our otherwise mundane lives with an artful joy of imagination in sound and lyric. Saw him in concert in'87 (I think) with Chick Chorea at Parkers dinner club in Seattle, and again at Jazz Alley in Seattle in recent years. Whenever I burn a CD for parties or family gifts I always include a few Franks' cutz, because invariably I get asked, "who IS that??" I know we've sold a few albums for Michael in my day, as it should be. I just can't believe my lucky ears every time I hear him, and feel so very sorry for those who have never and may never be among the fortunate who are always and forever his devoted fans.

if you are just gettin into franks get this albumn, then get the art of tea, and then get one bad habit and you're stoked. awsome musician whose music is as sexy as music gets.