Customer Reviews

Frisco Mabel Joy Revisited: For Mickey Newbury

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

 

 

Interesting to see such a negative perspective of this record. I wonder if perhaps it is seen in a different light from the European audience, as a magazine over here recently named it one of the Top 100 albums released in 2000. It is certainly true that the album doesn't do justice to Newbury's original work; but for one thing, nothing ever really could (the original Frisco Mabel Joy is an unparalleled classic); and secondly, it seems clear that the intent was largely to interpret the work through the eyes of the artists who took part, rather than to simply rehash Newbury's version.

Whether or not it worked is, obviously, a matter of personal taste -- but I, for one, was pretty fascinated by Midnight Choir's dark reading of "An American Trilogy" (by a Norwegian band, no less); enjoyed Dave Alvin's roadhouse take on "Mobile Blue"; thought the hootenanny-style arrangement of "How I Love Them Old Songs" captured that song's spirit perfectly; and was amazed at the instrumental touches that Bill Frisell provided for the "interludes" and segues from the original album.

One other publication I recently ran across (this one from England) stated that this album "must now be considered the template for these enterprises." I haven't heard enough tribute albums to know whether I'd agree with that or not, but it's probably the most adventurous and rewarding one I've heard so far.

Mickey Newbury was a genius singer-songwriter always underappreciated and obscure by the general public. His original version of this album was highly acclaimed by critics and fellow artists and my all time favorite. I get excited any time I hear someone is doing a Newbury song and was anxious to hear this tribute. I congradulate the effort but for the most part disappointed, no one can really do Newbury like Newbury. David Halleys version of Swiss Cottage Place was the best and kudos to Kristofferson, Dave Alvin, and Bill Frisell. Support the Newbury family and check out their website.

An ambitious and effective, delightful if somewhat dour tribute to songwriter Mickey Newbury, whose original versions of these songs had an aridity of their own... For the most part, these covers -- from the likes of Dave Alvin, Gary Heffern, Meredith Miller and Chuck Prophet, with guitar interludes by Bill Frisell -- capture the whistfulness and whimsy, as well as the utter self-importance of Newbury's work, and add something new as well... Nice record!

I have been a fan of Mickey Newbury since 1960,this cd does no justice to Mickey newbury sad songs as willie nelson would say.I had purchased two of these cds and gave them out for christmas gifts to other newbury fans..they mailed them back to me and one advised to use it to scare the cats away the other one had no comment...again, a poor rendition of the Great Newbury Frisco Mabel Joy...

I'm so sick of these tribute albums. Now that it's back in print, get the real thing. What's the point?