Customer Reviews

Flirting With The Universe

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you can only own one Rainmakers CD, this is an excellent choice. I believe this CD shows Bob Walkenhorst at the peak of his songwriting ability, with some excellent tracks that leave you thinking. "Another Guitar" is funny, witty, and insightful. "Mystery Road" may be one of the best songs ever written about keeping intimacy in a long-term relationship. So many of the songs have lyrics that are challenging and at the same time Midwestern down-to-earth. It's not too often you'll hear names like Georgia O'Keefe and Mary Cassat in the lyrics of a rock song, and in the same album the innocent image of climbing the town water tower as a kid. There are great performances as well as great writing here. Steve Phillips absolutely burns on "Wilder Side".

Great writing, great performances, all wrapped up with humor and not taking itself too seriously. I think the band was loose and at the top of thier game when this was recorded, and Bob was past the angry young man stage, but still a blistering social observer. This album has it all, the Rainmakers at their best.

I agree with everything the other reviewers here say -- even to the NGM & Defenders references. This is a great album by a great band. I don't know why it didn't get a proper release in the US. It says bad things about record companies -- or atleast about one record company

BUY THIS ALBUM! And anything else you can find by this great band -- though most of their stuff is only available used, and most people who own it never sell it. This is heartland rock with a winning combination of optimism and cynicism -- less dire than bands like the Nebraska Guitar Militia, but less polished than, say, the Defenders of the Faith. The Rainmakers' closest spiritual ancestor is probably Creedence Clearwater Revival -- "Fortunate Son" could almost be a Bob Walkenhorst number, and there is no higher praise. Buy it. You won't be sorry.

The first time I saw the Rainmakers, they were performing as an opening act for Berlin on my campus. They blew the roof off the place, and returned the next year as headliners. The lyrics are smart and the melodies are catchy. They draw from rockabilly, folk, some country, and some straight-up rock, and meld it all into something completely unique. Bob Walkenhorst's vocals are heavy on the twang, and take some getting used to for some folks, but his style isn't an affectation, just unusual. This is my favorite of The Rainmakers albums, but if you like it, chances are good you'll like the rest of them. I just wish they were still together!

The Rainmakers have done it again. The last release with Rich Ruth as the bassist proved to be the band's best release. Steve Phillips has done it again as this album is filled with powerful riffs. "Window" and "Wilder Side", which feature Steve on lead vocals, are his best to date. Bob Walkenhorst doesn't let you down either. His songs have again made us think. "Mystery Road" and "Another Guitar" are lyrical paintbrushes that clearly paint a picture in your head of what the artist is trying to convey. Pat Tomek's sharp snare drum is evident in all the songs as he has once again proved that he is a more than capable replacement for Bob on the drums. I own all the Rainmakers CD's and this is by far my favorite!

This may be the most fun CD of all the Rainmakers CDs. I'm not at all surprised that it sold a million copies in Norway in just 2 months.

"You Remind Me of Someone" is one of the real stand out songs here. Let's face it, you're not going to hear Georgia O'Keefe's name in a lot of rock songs like you do here. This is simply one of the finest rock songs ever recorded -- lyrical, melodic, intelligent, clever, and just plain moving.

Laugh away with "Little Tiny World," one of the most entertaining songs to ever make fun of inflated rock star egos. All the tangled relationships possible come out here -- just a sheer joy to hear.

And enjoy "Another Guitar," "Greatest Night of My Life," "Mystery Road," and "View From the Tower" -- all wonderful combinations of engaging lyrics and rockin' melodies that you'll want to listen to again and again. The rest of the CD ain't bad either, but those songs cited here really stand out. It's small wonder than many consider this to be The Rainmakers' finest CD among a group of genuinely great CDs.

The Rainmakers are not for everybody -- their music tends to make you think and in this day and age we all know that is to be avoided at any cost. But if you like strong melodies and intelligent, clever, and funny lyrics, chances are good that you'll love at least half the songs on all of their CDs.

Be sure to also check out Bob Walkenhurst's (he's the lead singer and primary composer) CD, "The Beginner" -- it picks up where this CD ends.

All that I am going to say is that this is probably my favorite RM album. It is great. I heard Bob play most of these songs down at the Buzzard Beach with Gary Charlson, so these songs have a little more emotion for me than some of their others.

I have seen these guys over a dozen times over the years. the first time I saw them was when they playes at a street dance at the University of Missouri-Rolla in the early 80s they were then known as Steve , Dave and Rich ( I think) Can't wait to see u guys again

For anyone who lost track of the Rainmakers after "Good News Bad News", this cd was just like finding gold. Not only does the band sound tight but the lyrics as sung by Bob Walkenhorst create so many images that every listen of this disc will make you think about something new.

My only experience with the band live, was in Dec of 1989 at the Cabooze in Minneapolis. If you have never seen this band live, buy a ticket to Kansas City, Mo and go "Rockin at the Tea Dance".

Had the band recorded this under a major label and received the push it deserved the Rainmakers would be admired for the talent and music that has kept them going today.

I saw the Rainmakers on Top Of the Pops way back in the early 80's singing "Let my people go go". I didn't know who they were but the song was catchy and stayed in my head for ages. I consequently bought the album which to my surprise was a revelation. Great pop rock songs with great hooks and amusing lyrics. So I became a fan and have bought pretty much every album since. If you have never heard this band, take a risk and go and buy their debut album. That'll get you going down the road I took. Great inventive rock from the Mid West. Let it rain...