Customer Reviews

Dog Years

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These guys can do no wrong.( and still they didn't make it ) No matter which one of their CD's you listen to, this is classic BLUES / ROCK. This is as good an example of the genre as you can get. All 3 of their CD's are must haves for anyone who likes musik. The songs are intelligent, infectious and very emotional.
MALFORD MILLIGAN is an exceptional singer who can deliver deap emotions or stirring anthems with the same class and originality. The presence of DOUBLE TROUBLE ensures a tight, bouncy and highly energetic rythm section while the guitar tandem of GRISSOM and HOLT shine throughout with expert playing and very inventive musical patterns. There is variety to burn on this CD and again there is not one dud track. I would give you my favourite tracks, but they change almost after every listen. Do yourself a favour and discover this great band. It is hard to understand that they broke up after only 3 CD's. Even harder to understand is the relative obscurity that they find themselves in. These guys should have been superstars.

Storyville is a guitar band with some great guitar riffs and excellent vocals. This band has a slight R&B feel but also reminds me some of Bad Company. The CD just sort of grows on you and you will find that several hours after listening, that certain songs will still be playing in your head. Storyville was the first band for Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble. And I think had the expectations not been so great for this band, they might have lasted a little longer. However, because many thought they would be a supergroup, the pressure to sell tons of records was maybe a bit much. It is too bad because this is a very good band.

Dog Years is the sophomore effort from Storyville. The CD is produced by Steven Bruton and the sound is a little harder than the first CD. The songs are written by different members unlike the first CD which featured Grissom as the principle writer. Once again the killer song is a ballad, "Talk to Me". "If you can tell me what you are thinking, find the words for how you feel, understanding is forgiving, I can give you what you need, Darling talk to me". This is the chorus and what an adult piece of songwriting and Mulligan in his vocals really sells the song. When listening, try "Enough" (tr#1), "Who's Left Standing" (tr#4), and "Talk to Me" (tr#7).

I loved Storyville from the moment I heard their second cd, A Piece Of Your Soul. Dog Years is by far better. My fave's are Born Without You, Don't Make Me Suffer, and There's A Light, which is dedicated to Stevie Ray. This album will please those who like blues mixed with a classic rock sound. I only wish they were still a band and touring. These guys also have a cd titled "blues Eyes", which is hard to find. But being the dedicated fan I am, I called Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas, and ordered it from them.

Unfortunately I think this is their last, go get it . After loving thier first album, I did not like Dog Years much on the first listen. But it grows on you quickly. I saw these guys in Austin and they were beyond comparison. Enjoy the album because I read they played their last show together this past new years eve. In addition to both Storyville albums buy the Arc Angels disc if you do not have it. Chris and Tommy (Double Trouble) played with them prior to Storyville. Even without David Grissom and Holt you will find great dual lead vocals and tasty guitarwork on the Angels album. None of these received any radio play which makes them all the more special to me. Be thankful for Texas and all the great music that comes out of there, and for artists like these who pursued their passion.

All three of Storyville cds are excellent. The Bluest Eyes is the best blues album of all; lyrics and music alike! A sublime dream! Since one of the reviewers ask about the availability of the Bluest Eyes: you can find it at the Waterloo store in Austin (waterloo@eden.com)

Fans of great rhythm guitars and subtle leads will like this offering. Milligan's vocals compliment the overall vibe of the guitars and superb rhythm section. Some ballads, straight ahead R&R, and funky blues. New listeners might prefer "A Piece of Your Soul" - 1996 which rocks a bit more.

Storyville is the kind of band that produces music you want to listen to. One of their CD's is always in my CD changer in the house or in the car. I've downloaded them to my computer and always seem to turn to them when I want something to listen to. I was distressed when the band stopped recording, but now have Malford Milligan Band to supplement my collection. Something about his vocals touch my soul. Songs like "Talk to me" and "Who's left standing?" reach my heart while others pick me up and make me want to rock. Only Texas Bluesmen can produce this quality of music - so different from contemporary blues and so hard not to love.

In previous reviews I mentioned I tend to compare everything to the Beatles, but moving forward in time, with King's X as my favorite band, I compare everyone to them. Storyville is almosts their equal IMHO. Of course they have the chops, but their songwriting and energy is there also. This lead singer has just a terrific deep soulful voice. I am sometimes reminded of the english band, Thunder (and their excellent lead singer), sometimes of Bonnie Raitt (just the feel and flavor) and sometimes of King's X (harmony and hard rocking). if you like bluesy rock this should be at the top of your list.

A few years ago I wandered into a pawn shop,just browsing and stumbled onto a C.D. of Malford Miligan's " Storyville ", Being a huge fan of the blues and recognizing Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon from the band of the late and great "Stevie Ray Vaughn" I wasted no time in grabbing it up!
And as I suspected it was one of the Greatest C.D's I've ever heard! every since then I've searched for his music.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about. I bought my first Storyville CD in 1997 (A Piece of Your Soul), and I just got this one in 2011... (I cannot believe it took me this long to rediscover these guys). They are seriouly talented musicians, and they are ridiculously gifted songwriters too. I agree with all the other reviews - if you love/like blues/blues-rock this is premium quality, spot-on recording. Every single song on this record is terrific. I also dig Piece of your Soul - the prior album. I've ordered their first album today, and will review it accordingly (I expect it to be no-different). If you appreciate soulfull-blues-rock it won't get better than this - straight-up.
One of my 10 best records in all of my collection of 100's; and a bit better than it's predecessor. You will really love this - I wish these guys were still together. I can name only a few albums in the last decade that could match-up song-for-song to this record. I cannot believe I just now got this.