Customer Reviews

Great Big World

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

 

 

First off I don't think any album deserves a 5-star rating unless it is defined as a classic. A classic to me is a Cd that defines the decade. Pierce Pettis's "Chase The Buffalo" is probably the best CD that I have ever owned which is why it is a shame it is now out of print. I met Pierce about 3 years ago and he told me, "Hey-burn as many copies of it as you want to". If anyone is interested in one-email me back.
"Great Big World" took a while to grow on me but it didn't take me long to realize that this is an exceptional recording. Pierce has never recorded a bad album. I own every one of his Cd's (including the 1984 Moments) and this man never ceases to amaze me. The album opens with the Mark Heard tune, "Another Day In Limbo" which to me is the best Heard cover he has recorded since "Nod Over Coffee" from "Buffalo". The album then flows beautifully from great track to great track. Some highlights include the wonderful "Rodeo Around the World" which includes a killer banjo. "Great Big World" is dripping with sentimentality. This title track is co-written with David Wilcox and it is about Wilcox's son Nathan. Songs like "Black Sheep Boy" remind me of "Little Man" from "Tinseltown". I think that both songs are written about Pettis's son George. Pettis is never afraid to write about his personal life and it shows on this beautiful song. Check out the amazing bridge in this song. "Shady Grove" is a hauntingly beautiful song. "You're Gonna Need This Memory" is classic Pettis and one of the best lyrics on the album. "Song of Songs" written about his wife closes out this wonderful album.
My 2 personal favorites are "Alabama 1959" and "Cracker Jack Ring". I am stunned by these songs. Alabama includes some of the most revealing and real-life lyrics that I have ever heard. You can almost picture yourself in the real setting during this song. Cracker Jack Ring is unlike anything Pettis has ever written before and it ROCKS!
"Love will find you again", "Anybody's Girl" and "Leonardo" don't really stand out on the album to me but everything else is simply remarkable. Do not let this album go out of print either...snatch it up quick. 4 STARS!!!

I've followed singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis's career since his third album, and rush to get every new release. I've never been disappointed, and certainly am not with this newest CD. Pettis's tunes are elegant and catchy, and his lyrics simple and heartfelt. He expresses the emotions of romantic and familial love with a poet's voice in "Song of Songs," "Great Big World," and "Black Sheep Boy," but also can explore the darker aspects of love, as in "Anybody's Girl." "Alabama 1959" is another highlight, with its sense of affectionate yet guarded nostalgia. Pettis's voice is the perfect vehicle for his lyrics, and his guitar work provides exquisite counterpoint throughout. The other musicians involved are equally sympathetic, making for an organic and cohesive collection of songs. A treat not to be missed.

Having looked at the other reviews, I thought most were very complementry, however one was not. Having bought a couple of previous albums by Pierce, I didn't think it could be that bad.
When I played this CD for the first time, I was dissapointed.
This CD takes time, just keep playing it, I have grown to love it. For anyone who loves an accoustic bass played by Danny Thompson, will want this. This is just good to hear, just hear what the man is saying, I don't think you will be disappointed.

This album shows exceptional balance throughout. Aside from " Black Sheep Boy", for which I bought the CD, there are an additional half dozen or more tracks which are worth every penny. "Alabama 1959" is especially noteworthy. It does much to portray a southern town at a critical time historically without apologetics or condemnation. It rings much like Randy Newman's "Lousina 1927" which was critical without damning the south. Clearly a song from someone who was raised during that era. Very personal, which characterizes the whole album. It is difficult not to love this CD.

Pierce is one of the best song writers/performers today. All of his cd's are great...this is one of his best.

My brother introduced me to Pierce Pettis through a song on a compilation cd. I was so moved by the acoustic guitar playing, and that deeply resonant, pleasing voice singing "Black Sheep Boy," that I wanted more! So, I purchased "Great Big World." I wasn't disappointed. "Great Big World" is a nice slice of American life, a collection of good short stories about ordinary people: only these are stories you listen to instead of read. In these uncertain times, this is a comforting cd.

It is such a shame that artists like Pierce are so overlooked. He is so good, so thoughtful, creative, talented...rare. This cd continues his string of superb releases (since Making Light of It.) I am not yet ready to say that this one tops Everything Matters, but after a few more listens, perhaps I will be. The lyrics are thoughtful and well-crafted, the musicians who play with him are excellent, and the arrangements are beautiful. You really cannot do better than Pierce Pettis in this genre. I especially love his songs about his children and about parenthood. He is able to touch the ecstasies and agonies that parents feel everyday, and to capture those priceless moments that you wish wouldn't go away without be sappy or overly sentimental.

Forrest- i read your review of pierce's new CD.

i do want a copy. you said to email you- but i can't find your email address.

email me @ jhmanifold@yahoo.com

thanks