Customer Reviews

City That Care Forgot

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Dr. John is to New Orleans is what Willie Nelson is to Austin, TX and heartland causes. Anytime someone's in need these two guys are putting themselves out there singing their hearts out for the causes they believe in. Of course, Willie's on this CD, so's Slowhand, Ani DiFranco, and Terence Simien.

"City that Care Forgot" isn't just a statement, though. You can tell when you're listening to this that the folks performing had a good time putting heart and soul into these songs.

I usually have a favorite song or two. Hands down, for me, it's "You Might Be Surprised." The lyrics really spoke to me:

"Life is a near death experience
Hell is right here on this great big Earth
It could be a little taste of heaven
If we only knew our worth
All we got to do is want it bad enough
To push ourself through
We always underestimate ourselves
We do every day we can always do better
In each and every way
If we don't believe in ourselves
Nobody's gonna do it
If we don't push ourselves
We'll never make it through it..."

If you can listen to "Dream Warrior" without tears in your eyes, you've got a 'heart of iron' as Homer says. Dr. John tells it like it is regarding the 'second battle for New Orleans.' It's the harshest hurricane protest song I've heard, be prepared.

"Black Gold" is a double entendre about oil and military recruitment and it's another political statement that people of conscience should be listening to.

"Promises, Promises" features Willie Nelson singing with the good Doctor. I am surprised at how good these two very distinctive voices sound together.

"Stripped Away" features Clapton backing. This song's more rocked out than most, gorgeous sound for a painful message.

"The City That Care Forgot" is one of the best collaborative efforts I have heard in a long time. The message is strong, the playing is gorgeous. It also supports a worthy cause.

Rebecca Kyle, July 2008

Gosh, what a tour de force! From the opening "bop" of "Keep on Going" right through all 13 tracks the good Doctor is on form, on song, on rhythm & on message here. There's cool jazz, funk, swamp blues & great contributions from the guest artists, in particular Eric Clapton & Terence Blanchard.
You know, a lot of "protest" albums suffer from the angst getting in the way of the artistry but not here. For example I was REALLY worried about the combo with Willie Nelson on "Promises, Promises" but by gum it works & makes the words truly resonate - "Promises, promises, empty words, empty words; the road to the White House, paved with lies.....fought in your wars, paid with our lives.....the truth will set you free". Yet the really great thing is how the tracks without the guests see the Doctor really getting down & nasty with great, driving, funky beats - just listen to "Dream Warrior" for proof positive.
Other highlights of an album of consistently high quality are "Land Grab" (great trumpet from Blanchard) & the title track (some of Clapton's "bluesiest" guitar in ages). Very rarely do I download every single track from an album into my iPod/iTunes but I did with this album. HIGHLY recommended

Not only will this please long-time fans of the Doctor, it's also a good place to start for those who don't know his work. This is an album of integrity, drive, commitment and purpose. It sounds great on the first listen and only gets better.

The band is hot and tight-- you get a sense that a lot of the performances emerged from jams. Some may feel Dr. John's recent albums have steered too close to MOR territory. But the swamp funk of 'Gumbo' has finally returned, in a deeper and darker form. And the Doctor even revives some of the ol' voodoo magic on a couple of tracks.

Don't be scared off by the fear that the guest stars will dominate the album (always a danger). In truth, the guests emblazoned across the cover play s co-operative, understated role. Clapton guitar speaks with austere reverence, and Willie Nelson's contribution is barely audible.

Like a lot of peers who first achieved international fame forty years ago, the good Doctor has hit a purple patch. Not only is this his greatest album, it's also one of the best albums of the decade. The Doctor is IN!

City That Care Forgot is easily a career high for DR JOHN. Expressing his concerns over the Government's inempt reaction to Hurricane Katrina, DR JOHN brings us home to the NEW ORLEANS VOODOO BLUES scene. With friends, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, and Ani DiFranco, this CD is a memorable must have!!

I was so thrilled upon listening this record. The good Dr., with his amazing line up of guests, has made a great record, with a great statement. City that Care Forgot is a hauntingly beautiful song and I can't get it out of my head. And that's a good thing.

Just back from Nawlins helpin my wifes sister die, and had some time to ride around a little, mainly ninth and irish canal area. Our government fell down on everyone. My bride was back down last year for the Gras and stayed w her sister on St Charles and the main bright spot was the Dr. at house o blues. Heard a bit of this album riding around w me and was moved to tears.

I Didn't expect Dr. John to release such a great album at this point of his career. The man is 67 years old. This Just might be his best album of all original songs he ever released.

City That Care Forgot portrays very well how Dr. John feels about the aftermath of Katrina. Though this album is a little off the beaten path for Dr. John because his anger, it is still another excellent disc. I live in New Orleans and have seen Dr. John perform at Voodoo Festival in 2007. He echoes much of my city's sentiments and its music superbly.

Dr John is and has always been one of my favorite Blues Rock artists. He is definitely the Leon Russell of New Orleans. Great music from the master of all the New Orleans artists.

Dr. John/Mac Rebennack is not keeping his passionate feelings about what has happened in New Orleans and the Gulf region a secret. I have always enjoyed listing to his music. Listening to The City that Care Forgot takes our relationship to another level passed enjoyment to relishing and letting it remold my perception. The betrayal and tragedy are there, but the beauty of the songs and how they are performed are rich medicine. After you listen to this wonderful CD; make sure you get Tribal. Care forgot, but Hope is working harder after listening to an American master who only gets better and better at driving the truth into our hearts and minds and try harder for a better world.