Ghost Town Parade

Les Dudek | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wounded Bird Records
• ASIN: B00081917Y
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,175 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this one!!!!!!!, December 18, 2005

By 

Jeff Daniel Grundmann "venustwins" (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ghost Town Parade (Audio CD)

Be it "Ghost Town" the other initial Dudek albums "Les Dudek" or "Say No More" you will have a great addition to your collection.

My L.P. collection had (and still has) copies of each and they have been WELL played.

Les' guitar playing is robust and intense - a great example of a style that was prevelant in the Bay area during the 70's. While I agree that there is some influence of the annoyance of the late 70's - disco - I do not feel that it in any way detracts from the music or total feel of the disc.

I have been turning people on to Les for many many many years now and this album was always a sure fire introduction to one of the great guitar players to survive the 70's.

Buy ... Listen... Be Happy

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The third of the three essential Les Dudek releases, June 17, 2005

By 

T. Messer (BLACKBURN, VICTORIA Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ghost Town Parade (Audio CD)

I first became aware of Les Dudek from his appearance on the Allman Brothers' "Brothers & Sisters". When Boz Scaggs' "Silk Degrees" was at the height of its popularity here in Australia, I chanced upon "Say No More" in a record store. I asked the store owner to play the album for me. For some reason, the owner played side two for me. I was instantly hooked. "Old Judge Jones", "What's It Gonna Be" and "Zorro Rides Again" were (and remain) wonderful songs.

Having purchased "Say No More" and, later, the eponymous debut album, I had no hesitation in buying "Ghost Town Parade" upon its release. It is different from the earlier albums. The influence of the disco era can be heard (there are syn drums on some tracks which sound terribly dated today) and, if I recall correctly, Les used a Strat rather than a Les Paul on a number of tunes. Having said all that, it is a killer album with wonderful guitar playing throughout. Having recently purchased the CD, I agree with other reviewers that it stands the test of time remarkably well.

This was the last great album released by Les, in my view. The trio of "Les Dudek", "Say No More" and "Ghost Town Parade" represents a memorable synthesis of West Coast pop and Southern rock guitar stylings. Each of these albums is highly recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An electric-guitar fan's dream, August 18, 2006

By 

Abstract Expression (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ghost Town Parade (Audio CD)

I first heard this album late one night through headphones when my college radio station played it in its entirety at the time of its release. Mesmerized, I purchased it the next day. I have always sought out great guitar work and consider this one of my favorite examples. Whereas some 70's guitarists' solos become over-extended and tedious, Dudek's solos have purpose, and he knows how to integrate them seamlessly and perfectly into the structure of his songs. The songs on this collection flow smoothly from one to the next, and it feels complete with a definite beginning, middle, and end.

Highlights for me on the album include the opening "Central Park," and prepare to be overwhelmed by the searing guitar work at the end of "Friend of Mine." "Does Anybody Care," with a reggae-inspired beat, has a nice message that is still relevant today. "Falling Out" achieves a great rock groove and demonstrates impeccable timing. The album ends masterfully with the title track.

I also own "Dudek" and "Say No More." Both certainly have their highlights, but I recommend this one, "Ghost Town Parade," as Dudek's most fully realized masterpiece.