Customer Reviews

In the Dark With You

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was the first of the Red House Records catalogue to be re-released on CD, and it's evident why from the very first listen. While Greg's sophisticated, sparse yet endlessly emotive instrumentation is still years away from this album, in my opinion his vocal performance here is his best recorded one ever. Period.

On this album, he can move listeners to tears lines as simple as "We're gonna miss you" and "Who do you think you're fooling?"; he can turn "I'd like to buy you the world's biggest bathtub" into one of the greatest love lyrics of all time. Those expecting Greg's usual sharply (sometimes painfully) perceptive commentary on life will not be disappointed; even the once-rejected bonus tracks are 5-star performances.

And the music, pre-Dream Cafe though it may be, is the perfect accompaniment. With warm, friendly-sounding guitars, harmonicas, accordians, and mandolins all getting in on the action, it sounds like a group of friends getting together on someone's back porch in Iowa to kick out those folky, folky jams. (Which, apart from the back porch in Iowa part, it probably was).

I know three people who got married to tunes on this CD - isn't that enough recommendation for you?

This is quiet and dark cd, remindfull of Tom Waits in the 70's. Although not in par with "Dream Cafe" and "Poet Game" and his output in the 90's, Brown was already a great singer-songwriter in the 80's, as a matter of fact, he was already a master in his genre.

If you already have Poet Game and Dream Cafe, then you'll want this one too. If not start by them and then decide if you want more Greg Brown cd, I think you will.

Greg Brown is probably my favorite singer-songwriter. This CD is perfect for late-night snuggling with your sweetie, driving down the road, or anytime at all. This is one of his greatest masterpieces. If you ever have an opportunity to see him play live - don't miss it! He embellishes old songs with new touches and stories, and is sure to make you laugh.

Balladeer Greg Brown first came to national prominence in the mid-1980s on Garrison Keillor's A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION. The music contained on IN THE DARK WITH YOU reflects that time in Greg's life. Prudence Johnson and Dave Moore, both "PRAIRIE HOME" regulars, backed up Brown on this set.

IN THE DARK WITH YOU is a superb album. What has always set Greg Brown apart are his remarkable lyrics and melodicism. His gravelly baritone, reminiscent of an accent-free Leon Redbone, adds to the flavor. Additionally, Brown is a skilled musician with a wry sense of humor and love for life. Not exactly country, not really folk music, Greg Brown's style is unique unto himself.

Highlights here are the title track, as well as the humorous "Just A Bum," "Who Woulda Thunk It," the poignant "All The Money's Gone" and "Who Do You Think You're Fooling." The CD release includes two bonus tracks. Highest recommendation on this one.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 49:46

...the ultimate non-lovers' cd. The voice of Greg Brown is far from human and very nearly dumbfounding. If this performance does not cause your bowels to drop an inch or two, I will be greatly surprised. Greg Brown is deadly with both guitar and voice and even the most critical of listners will be impressed by the quality of his craftmanship.

This is absolutely one of my all time favorite albums - has been for nearly 20 years! It's as close to perfect as can be! My musical taste ranges from Deep Purple to Simon and Garfunkel, from Bach to Dylan, Charlie Parker to Andre 3000. Greg Brown is right up there with the best! His songs are fun, meaningful, playful, serious, unique, and original. I laugh and cry at the same time while listening to this album!

Thanks Greg!

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His best CD and among my favorite CDs for over 10 years. Considering that I bought the album and then the CD and have over 1000 CDs and hundreds of old LPs -- well, come to your own conclusion.

This is probably Greg Brown's best album. I bought it on vinyl. I bought it on CD. I lost the CD in my divorce and am buying it again on CD. What better endorsement is there than that?

Hey, we are all a little older and hopefully a little wiser. Sometimes I just want a little time to think and this CD takes me there. The combo of lyrics and voice creates a sound that is true, funny and moving. Although "Who Woulda Thunk It" is the star of the album and gets the most plays, check out the title track and "All the Money's Gone."

This piece of music is filled with wonderful melodies and words that reach right down into our souls. He seems to know what really is going on and how to put it to music. I hope you will enjoy this CD as much as I have. Who Would Have Thunk It, that he would have affected so many lifes in such a positive way.