The Clarence Greenwood Recordings

Citizen Cope

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 2004)
• Original Release Date: September 14, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B0002IRXMI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,862 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Anyone whose CD collection is expansive enough to contain both Mos Def and Jack Johnson will easily find room somewhere between for the sophomore album from Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope. The singer-songwriter, who got his start playing DJ in the exquisitely laidback Washington D.C. hip-hop outfit Basehead, works hard to smudge the lines that separate genres, throwing together blues, beats and books in socially-conscious jams like "Bullet and a Target" and "D'Artagan's Theme." Meshell Ndegeocello helps out on the low-lit love song "Sideways," while Carlos Santana brings his usual fretboard fireworks to "Son's Gonna Rise." -- Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious funk-rock. Don't miss this one!, March 8, 2005

By	Christian Hunter "Christian hunter" (Austin, TX and Santa Barbara, CA,) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm not big into rock, but I love "quality anything". When I first heard "bullet and a target" from his debut CD, I stopped everything I was doing, took down his name, and did some investigating.

I bought his first and second CD's, which are fantastic both, but The Clarence Greenwood Recordings are, in my opinion, superior. By his own admission, this CD was one that he was much more "himself" on. You can tell too. There's and interesting dichotomy in his music; it's passionate, but seemingly disinterested. Almost like someone snuck up on him with a recorder while he was playing for himself. I don't know if that makes sense, but for me, that non-deliberate aura marks a refreshing change in modern over-produced music.

The entire CD is fantastic, but Sideways, Son's Gonna Rise, and Hurricane Waters are my absolute favorite. I've probably listened to HW over 200 times...MUST STOP!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Christian Hunter
Santa Barbara, California

86 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing entirely "new", but a masterpiece in itself!, October 28, 2004

By	M. Kulis "Winter Gets Me" (Stamford, Connecticut - United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I popped this thing into my computer (Mine does play in the computer, don't know why since I've read a few complaints about that...), I just intended to play it as background music. See, I'm part of a website for listeners that gives away free CDs in exchange for an honest opinion of them. Not all of the CDs have been great and I wasn't expecting this one to be!

Anyways, it did take a few plays for it to "hit" me. I initially started repeating the even # songs - 2, 4, 6... Even though #2 is really silly lyrically (it's cool at first until you hear the last line), I think it's powerful.

This CD isn't an entirely "new" sound. I don't know why everyone expects CDs to be so unique, I definitely think there's a bit of mastery involved before you can move on. He's definitely mastered his style. It's moving, honest. (And oddly enough, I love how he sometimes sounds like he's singing with a mouthful of marbles.)

I'm giving it 4 stars because the CD is good enough to share with friends, without having to worry about hearing it on ClearChannel stations 90 times a day! I can't wait to hear him live.

If you like my review, please vote for it! If you want details on the Free CD site (I'm all about sharing) or have other questions about this album, AIM ME ~WinterGetsMe~ Thanks!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you liked the album, you'll love the concert!, March 24, 2005

By	Sun Rizing (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

I'm very fortunate to live in the NYC - Philly - D.C. corridor, and therefore Citizen Cope's music is played extensively on the alternative music stations, such as the University of Pennsylvania's WXPN and other area radio stations.

When I first heard Citizen Cope's music, I was immediately aware that I was listening to something different: this was someone with that "certain something" that sets him apart from the rest of the crowd. Citizen Cope, also known as Clarence Greenwood, has something to say, and he says it with a unique and compelling style. His gritty persona is real, to which I can attest after seeing him live in Baltimore last Saturday night.

Clarence has very devoted fans who know his song lyrics by heart, and sang along with him almost the entire concert, so much so that at a few points during the concert, he could actually take a break from singing! And talk about energy, everyone was moving along with the flow of the music and dancing all night long.

I have seen many great bands and artists over many years' time. Most of us seem to know when we are in the presence of a great talent when we see one, and Clarence is no exception. I can honestly say that this guy reminds me of a young Bob Dylan, but with a much better voice. His band was very talented as well - a very diverse and tight ensemble of rock/blues/R&B style musicians.

I feel fortunate to have seen Clarence live at such an early stage of his career, and I was only five rows of people away from the stage (yes, it was standing room only in that packed concert hall). This will change in time, as he becomes better well-known...I'll never be that close again.

Not only do I recommend this album to everyone reading this review, I also urge you to see Citizen Cope live. Just as we in the crowd were caught up in the emotionally compelling energy of this truly talented artist, so will you enjoy the feeling of experiencing one of the most enjoyable bands you will ever see.

Do yourself a favor and buy this album.