Customer Reviews

Dream City - Essential Recordings Vol 2, 1997-2006

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I am a HUGE Greg Brown fan, so anything he releases is a must-have for me. A greatest-hits collection from GB is kind of a grab bag. He has never had what you would call a big hit. Any fan has their own selection of favorites, and there are a lot to choose from. My personal favorites from this period would include Eugene from Evening Call, the title track from Milk of the Moon (if pressed I would call this my favorite GB tune), a few other songs from Honey in the Lion's Head, not so many from Slant 6 Mind and Over/Under. But who cares? It's Greg Brown!

Any greatest-hits collection worth its salt will include a few never-before-released items to reel in the skeptical buyer. In this case the bonus disc contains 4 songs. Two of them are priceless - the mandolin-flavored version of Lull It By (the album version is also included for comparison sake - both are gorgeous), and the long rambling spoken Christmas Song, which almost makes up for the omission of Eugene. The latter gives you that inimitable experience of a live GB session, where he tells a good story, rants and raves a little bit, and ultimately comes back to the music.

These days while driving I mostly put my Ipod on shuffle and run through my large, eclectic musical collection. However, there are days like today, when I just want to pop a CD in and get lost in some great music and a great performer. GB's voice isn't the best but he writes some great lyrics and his music always, always makes me feel better. Highly recommended.

I already own almost every commercial recording Greg Brown has put out but I didn't hesitate to purchase this new one. All of the songs on the first disc I already have somewhere else but the second disc is what made the purchase worth it to me. The alternate version of Lull It By is so beautiful, with the mandolin taking the part of the banjo in the previously released version and added fiddle supplied by Peter Ostrushko. I feel as though I am sitting on Greg's porch, listening to an impromptu performance by old friends. Vernona Road is I believe previously unreleased on commercial recordings, as are the other two songs on this second disc. In Gallery, Greg is reminiscing about his past loves,he shows his poet soul with memorable descriptions and phrasing, "This one broke my young heart, just as I set sail, how well she swung the hammer boy, how well I held the nail..." It's the live concert recording of Christmas Song that shows why Greg is held in such high regard by his many fans. He is a master at this talking song style, just telling a story, with Bo Ramsey weaving his magic guitar in the background, adding so much in such an understated manner. Greg's whispery, gravelly, subtle voice gets right into my soul and I could listen to him all day. Frequently I do, and this album is a great combination of his best songs. If you haven't bought any of his albums before this would be a good place to start. If you have all of them, this would still be a good addition to your collection.

Greg Brown's Dream City - Essential Recordings Vol 1 & 2 are simply that - essential recordings. If you are a Greg Brown fan, then that's all you need to know. If you are wondering who this guy is, these CD's are a great introduction to an amazing artist. My father's family was all from southeastern Iowa (Farley) and his music is like coming home. There is a familiar midwestern sensibility that comes through all of GB's lyrics. But, that's not all that keeps me coming back for more. There are also a lot of surprises in his songs; tempo, instrumentation, unexpected meter, twists, turns, and layers of meaning. Greg Brown is tough to label and that is his strength. If you are tired of tired music and syrupy radio play, then give Greg Brown a try. He is comfortable, yet unique. The man is a master real deal.