Customer Reviews

Covering the Bases

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I had a feeling there would be some low ratings here, most likely from Yankee fans, or Sox fans that 'disapprove' of Bronson moonlighting with music. Silly.

I first heard Bronson sing last year, and was blown away at the voice that comes out of this skinny guy. Bronson is one of the quiet players, almost shy, so I was surprised to hear that he sings, and was then shocked by how good he is. He has a very deep, rich voice, that lends itself perfectly to this music. There's a lot of good music on this CD, SLIDE, FRESHMEN, and unlike another poster, my favorite was actually the fun rendition of DIRTY WATER, the song that is played whenever the Sox win at home.

I look forward to another CD with original songs.

I heard Bronson sing last year when they played some of his footage from Hot Stove on NESN and I couldn't believe how great his voice was. I am a die hard Sox fan, and a fan of his so I was happy when he released a cd. Yes, it is all covers but he sings them very well. My personal favorites are Freshman and Shimmer, but really the whole album is awesome. I was at his concert last Wednesday and he was amazing live as well. He is a talented guy, I can't wait to see what he comes up with for his next cd!

Lorin, Boston MA

Bronson delivers some fine lyrics on some very fine tunes on this album. His voice is sharp, crisp, and at times haunting. Highly recommended!

This Cd is really awesome. I am from Cincinnati, OH and we just got Bronson from Boston, and ever since then he has been singing everywhere with the songs from this CD. This is a very cool CD, I listen to it over and over again.

Bronson Arroyo will always and forever be a hero in Boston. He was one of the stars of the 2004 World Champs (eat your hearts out forever Evil Empire fans) and he proves on this CD that he is a real musician as well as an excellent pitcher (and, it seems, a good hitter too, judging by his opening games with the Reds). "Slide" starts out the CD in fine style and, my personal favorite, "Grey Sky Morning," is beautifully sung and arranged. This is a guy who clearly loves music - and he sings with a passion that more noted singers could take some lessons from. "Dirty Water," which closes the CD, is just a lot of fun, hearing some of the great voices, especially Johnny Damon's, from the 2004 Champs. Believe me, Bronson, you're missed in Boston, because you loved playing for the Red Sox and the fans will never forget your contributions. This fine CD is a great addition to any music lover's collection. Sure, the range of songs is somewhat limited, as one poster writes, but, for those who don't know these songs or bands, Bronson's CD is a terrific introduction and the liner notes, which describe his feelings about each song, add to a VERY impressive CD debut. I find myself playing several cuts of this A LOT. You will too. Bronson is a cool guy, great pitcher, hitter, and a champion! Here's hoping we get him back to the Red Sox soon.

Just before the 2006 baseball season started, Cincinnati and the Red Sox made a megatrade, in which Bronson Arroyo became a Red. I'm sure that Arroyo thought "whoaa?? Cincinnati?", which, let's be real, cannot compete with Boston, be it as a city or as a baseball team. But then a funny thing happened: Arroyo played well, as did the Reds, unexpectedly staying in contention until late into the season.

"Covering All The Bases"(12 tracks, 53 min.) was recorded after the Red Sox won the World Series in Fall, 2004, and was released in July, 2005. On it, Arroyo brings covers, 12 of his favorite songs, such as "Slide" (Goo Goo Dolls), "Everlong" (Foo Fighters), "Black" (Pearl Jam), "Something's ALways Wrong" (Toad the Wet Sprocket), etc. Mostly songs from the 90s grunge era, which I also happen to like quite a lot. If you don't like that genre, this album is not for you. Arroyo acquits himself quite nicely on the album, in fact much better than what one could've expected.

Bronson Arroyo has become one of the most popular players on the Reds team. Over the last six months, Arroyo has played in a variety of venues all over the city, such as the Southgate House and the Madison Theatre, and his shows were markedly well attended. Or perhaps not so surprising, as there was a clear majority of female fans attending the shows. Arroyo played most of the songs on this album, and quite well, with a nice stage confidence. On future pressings of this album, though, Arroyo may want to change the last of the liner notes, which currently reads: "4 words: Boston You're My Home"...

I don't feel like I wasted money on this album because Arroyo demonstrates a certain level of vocal ability and it's a fun thing to own from a novelty standpoint, but it certainly didn't blow me away. He should have included original compositions in the recording (unless, of course, those aren't any good). I also disagree with his chosen title- I don't think he really covers the proverbial bases here musically, since he selected pieces from a limited genre and time period. He does sound remarkably like the artists whose songs he covered - I think he fields his position pretty well... Perhaps "A Striking Resemblance" would have been the more appropriate title.

I was very happy to hear that a member of my favorite 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox came out with a cd but I was even happier after hearing it. I love the songs that Bronson Arroyo covers. The songs are really well sung. I like "Dirty Water" the best because of hearing a few members of the Sox singing along. You will like this cd!

I'm a huge Boston Red Sox fan, but that doesn't biase my review (although I don't own any CD's performed by current or former Yankees). If you liked the 90's grunge sound, then you should love 'Covering the Bases.' Bronson Arroyo's deep and gutteral voice lends itself perfectly to the grunge sound. If imitation is the best form of compliment, then his cover for each song is a tribute to the original. All songs are sung with the deep emotion they were intended. And to end the album with the very upbeat and quirky 'Dirty Water' is just pure brilliance. I love the added bonus of the background vocals by Sox teammates Johnny Damon, Lenny DiNardo, and Kevin Youkilis. I can't help but smile when I hear their silly tributes to Boston.

Bronson can SING! As a Red Sox fan I knew he could pitch, but this is a great surprise. I love the songs he put on the CD. His version of Everlong is amazing; the guitars WICKED!

The whole CD is great; I do not skip ONE song.

The addition of Stephen King and some of the Sox players makes it even more interesting for Boston fans, but anyone who loves good rock will enjoy this CD.