Customer Reviews

Flag

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Those who know James Taylor's impressive body of work knows that he is a great singer, a fine songwriter, and a wonderful guitarist. All three really shine on "Flag", his underrated 1979 release, which is better than any of his albums of the 80s!The opening track ("Company Man") is a terrific way to start the album. The harmonies are terrific. "Johnny Come Back" is typical James Taylor filler, and "Day Tripper" is a rather lame Beatles cover.BUT...."I Will Not Lie For You" makes up for the last two tracks! This should have been released as a single. It's a terrific song. OK, moving on..."Brother Trucker" is a not-bad tune and "Is That the Way You Look?" is his novelty tune of the album, something that he did on all of his albums before (songs like "Chili Dog", "Gorilla", "Traffic Jam", etc)."BSUR" is a terrific tune, and "Rainy Day Man" is a reworked version of a song he had done a decade earlier. "Millworker" is an underlooked gem, and of course his "Up on the Roof" is a classic on the MOR radio stations. "Chanson Francaise" has gotten negative reviews, but I think it's very pleasant easy-listening. Finally, the last track: "Sleep Come Free Me" is a really haunting track. The sound effects immediately following the music really are powerful.Anyway, I hope this review helped you understand the essence of James Taylor and his music.

Flag is a release by James Taylor that is not readily available elsewhere.Songs include "I Will Not Lie for You, Company Man, and others. I was able to purchase this item, brand new still in the wrapper. Extremely pleased and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of James Taylor.

Flag is one of those JT albums that no one ever mentions much anymore. With the core of his great old band (Kunkel, Sklar, Kootch), it has some wonderful tunes that FM radio played way back when. My favorites: Sleep Come Free Me, Millworker, and Company Man (featuring a terrific harmony with Graham Nash).

The real tragedy about this album isn't that it never got its due. Those who love JT know this album and probably have it in their collections. Rather, the concert video that came out shortly afterwards and featured the tour to promote the album is no longer available. The Flag tour was one of the last that featured the "core" of JT's old band (including Waddy Wachtel and David Sanborn for this particular tour).

For fans of James Taylor, this is an odd looking album. The cover art is bright, the pictures inside are less than flattering, and the general look of it seems at odds with the warm, country roads type feel of J.T.'s music. Even the music is a little more electric than usual. But don't dismiss this album so quickly. Even the songs that don't seem right on the first listen will grow on you.

It's got the sweet, mellow tunes we've all come to know and love (Millworker, Chanson Francaise), some great mid-tempo stuff (B.S.U.R., a re-working of Rainy Day Man), classic covers (Carole King's 'Up On The Roof' and an interesting version of the Beatles 'Day Tripper'), and some originals that rock a little more than usual (Company Man, I Will Not Lie For You).

This is definitely a different kind of J.T. album, but it still has some great stuff on it. I recommend it highly.

I had this album on vinyl when it first came out. I thought it was great then, and now that I have finally gotten it again on CD, I confirm that opinion. Taylor is in fine form with a great selection of tunes and styles, both originals and covers. I really appreciate Taylor's complete body of recordings, but have to admit that many of them rehash the same formula of laid back vocals and acoustic backing (which don't get me wrong - I love). But one reason I get into Flag is because he rocks out a bit more - and does it quite well. For those JT affectionadios who want to see a slightly different side to the man - this is the CD. I give it 5 stars!

I listened to this album on 8 track commuting back and forth to college in 80-82. I loved hearing it on dvd quality sound; brought back lots of memories AND I knew all the words!

Loved this album when I was in my late teens. I've been searching for it for the past several years in CD, and finally found it on Amazon.com! Pleased as punch at the price as well!

I listen to this a good bit, it has a few duds that I've erased from my mp3 player but I still recommend it.

I love this CD. James Taylor is wonderful, and his songs continue to inspire me. I'm enjoying this particular CD very much.

As always, this is classic early JT. One of my favorites of his; I've gone through 2 CD's of it with excessive listening!