Customer Reviews

First Million Miles

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

 

 

For those of us who grew up in the Boston folk music "scene" in the 70s and 80s, we will be transported back to those days when artists like Bill Staines were moving through the coffeehouse and folk concert curcuit. If you weren't there then, this collection will take you there and see why they really were good old times. The songs from this anthology reflect the diversity and clarity of Bill's style. Highly recommended.

Let me make it clear from the start that I am very fond of Bill Staines. That is why I find this album so disappointing. Most of the cuts on this album are inferior to other performances by Staines of the same pieces. Staines' music is best with minimal accompaniment. Unfortunately, many of these cuts are overdone. The drumming on Ballad of the Maples is not only overly loud but it does nothing to support what may be the best example of a style of yodeling popularized by Elton Britt fifty years ago. (If you have never heard Britt's recording of "Chime Bells", you are missing a gem.)

When Staines sings with just his guitar, he can extend his performance as he does on other versions of Maples. The backup group here severely hamper his musicality, forcing him into a style which is all wrong for him. The earlier cut of Maples would alone be worth the price of a CD. If only it were available.

It is hard not to like many of the songs here. All God's Critters has become a staple for singing around campfires. Again, what is wrong here is that these are not the best performances. If you are new to Bill Staines, select a different album. All are better than this one. In fact, buy two or more. When Staines is good, it is hard to get enough of his music. Unlike many singers, his music wears well and two or three straight CD's leave you wanting more. That is, when the cuts are the good ones.

These recordings are drawn from about ten years' worth of Bill Staines's LPs and CDs. He sings of the open road, the stark landscapes of the American West, and of life and relationships, and he writes perfectly-crafted songs about them all. The recordings also feature great accompaniments by Staines himself and by the likes of Guy Van Duser. Every track on this CD is a winner.

Bill's music is full of a love for this country and its people.
There is no such thing as a bad Staines CD. Perhaps his best is
"Bridges" which I believe was recorded in Minneapolis in the early 1980's. One review said Staines is at his best when he is with accompaniment. I agree, but this recording is still wonderful, from "Yellowstone Winds" to other beautiful heartfelt melodies, this is another winner for a great songwriter. I look forward to buying the Million Miles part two.

I've seen Staines once in Fond du Lac and before that in Barron, Wisconsin. A live show will prove to you that all of his recordings have great value!

This is a collection of some great songs. Some are touching, some upbeat, and some just want to make you move out to the range. Great compilation.

After nearing Bill Staines on the internet radio, I purchased this CD and have been very happy. Jonn-Denver type work but with a better voice. I plan to continue adding to my library with more Bill Staines recordings.

I heard Bill Staines perform a few years ago in a church in Salt Lake City. At the end of the enchanted evening, I told him I had enough money to only buy one CD, and asked which would be the best of the ones he had on his table. He immediately handed me the First Million Miles. I remember feeling this was "produced" when I put it in the player the first time. Today I enjoy Bill's music from a variety of CD's, but there is nothing wrong with this one. If someone wants to get a feel for Bill, this is a good start.

This album includes some of Staines' best, like "Wild, Wild Heart" and "Yellowstone Range", but I always seem to find myself tuning out in the middle for Eyes to Eys and Old Silver, and again later from "Bridges" on -- though of course I'm back on board for the incomparable "River".

Bill Staines has a deep sense of mood in parts of the US from California to Yellowstone to Texas to New England. He is the songwriter who comes closest to doing for the United States what Stan Rogers did for Canada, or John Williamson for Australia -- captured the range of the country and its quirks, and put them in song.

I am a big fan of Bill, but this CD just doesn't have IT. They are too laden with background instruments and most of the song selections are dissapointments. Where's Missouri Road Song? Jubilee? Red Clay Country Blues? My goodness, Sweet Wyoming Home isn't even there, and thats one of his more famous songs. I highly recommend "Whistle of the Jay" or "Just Play..." This CD isn't horrible by any stretch of the imagination...but it just doesn't have that Bill Staines feel...and you'd be better off starting elsewhere if you are new to him.