Customer Reviews

Ghosts Upon the Road

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I first heard some of the material on this album when Eric Andersen appeared at the now defunct Folkways Coffee House in Peterborough, New Hampshire on Thanksgiving eve in 1992. Andersen is the real thing, a super talent who writes, composes, and performs mostly his own material. That night his rendition of a number of the songs here, including "Belgian Bar" "Spanish Steps", and "Irish Lace" brought oohs and ahs from the crowd. Yet his confessional retrospective by way of the truly magical "Ghosts Upon The Road' blew us all away, bringing chills, cheers, and a standing ovation from the hundred or so members of the audience, who were moved by his graphic, emotional, and deeply personal evopcations of life early on in the folk years at the beginning of the 1960s.

Andersen has long been a personal favorite of mine, and is even better in person than on CD, which is no mean feat. Herein, from the opening bars of "Carry Me Away" to Six Senses of Darkness", he gives new credence to the idea that real talent can continue to grow and mature litteraly over decades and decades. Like James Taylor or Van Morrison, Andersen's music is based on timeless melodies and lyrics, but unlike these other superstars, he imbues his songs with a gritty edge that reveal his insight into the nature of things. Most of the songs in this CD are written by Andersen, and the range of his writing and composition talent is apparent. His voice is at once sweet, mellow, and smoky, and his ability and arrangements based around his sparkling acoustic guitar work is marvelous to listen to again. Buy this album, listen to it, and be prepared to be entertained and amazed.

This is one of the most rare albums of Eric Andersen and, at the same time, a "must" for any fans. This is true poetry immersed in wonderful melodies. The second half of the eighties witnessed
the great return of this very talented artist. All these songs are worthy to be listened to both for the lyrics and for the music. If you have the opportunity, I suggest you to attend one of Eric concerts; I personally think that this is an amazing experience and if you are lucky you may hear him playing some of the songs from this album.

This album--sorry, showing my age--cd release is simply excellent. Andersen's lyrics and music are in top form. There's songs of his that may be better known from the folk days, but this 1988 collection is Andersen in complete control of his muse. His European connections, Boston and New York experiences, and a memorable cast of characters (and references) make for an autobiographical and literate collection. At over ten minutes, the sustained narrative of the title track "Ghosts Upon the Road" would be a classic on any cd, but the rest of the material like the lovely "Irish Lace" (about two women from Andersen's past) and "Spanish Steps" (a New York reflection on events and emotions in Rome), although of more standard length, are just as strong.

This isn't background music; it demands and deserves attention. John Levanthal shares credits on two cuts, but this is Andersen at his best.

I've been waiting for this re-release for a long time.

This is a magic album. I remember the first show on the international tour to promote this album. It was at the BackStage in a large cellar in the Ballard section of Seattle Washington. I remembered Eric Andersen from his "Thirsty Boots" period in the 1960s. I remember seeing him playing with Debbie Green at meetings of the Philadelphia Folksong Society. The night in Seattle was thrilling; not only was Eric amazing but I vididly remember Ian Matthews (Matthews' Southern Comfort?) in the audience, leading against the wall up front by Eric watching his every move.

I can put on this album, close my eyes and see the club. That's what this music is all about. Eric's images are so amazingly vivid. Don't miss this one.