Customer Reviews

A Great Long While

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's like we say in the Strangefolk scene... "You either get it or you don't". The CDs are a great introduction to Strangefolk's sound, but unless you've seen them live on stage... you're falling short of being able to truly appreciate the entire spectrum of talent that these boys have to offer.

I would recommend A Great Long While to anyone who's heard the name but hasn't seen them live yet. Keep in mind that what you're hearing on the album is just one side of what this band can do. The studio is where they can experiment, add effects and put a nice little polish on road-tested and approved favorites, but they'll sound different live. Regardless of how the songs change as they move from one arena to the next though, the talent is unmistakeable. Beautiful lyrics, goosebump-inducing harmonies and soaring guitar all perfectly blended together give you the signature sound that is Strangefolk. The songs on this album are a testament to the quality craftsmanship that goes into everything they write, and while the music is just as incredible in the studio setting... you HAVE to hear them live to really understand what they're all about.

These boys can tear it UP!! If you think Chasing Away and Pawn sound killer on the album, wait until you're there in person and they launch into a jam. You're gonna be groovin' so hard that you didn't think your body could do what it's doing! Their sound is infectious, it grabs hold of your soul and doesn't let go. Having been to well over 100 shows since I first saw them play in 1996, I speak from experience. Buy this album and then see them in person (check www.strangefolk.com for dates). You won't regret it =).

This is a beautifully polished piece of work. Chasing Away is hair-raising and powerful, Pawn will bring anyone to their feet, Sinner will stay in your head all day and night, I Tell Myself brings you that country side of the folk, Blue and Grey shows their more serious side, and the version of an old classic, Cabin John will bring tears to your eyes. This album strikes a perfect balance between Strangefolk's musical diversity and stylistic differnces.

It's definitely been a great long while since we've had new music to listen to from Burlington, Vermont's own, Strangefolk. But, as of Seprember 12th we can finally say "they're back!" "A Great Long While," the eagerly anticipated follow-up to their 3rd album "Weightless In Water," is definitely their most diverse sounding disc. It leads off with 2 songs that get you back into the Strangefolk mood, by ressurecting their signature sound. The 3rd track and first single off the disc, "Chasing Away," brings you into their new sounding stuff. With sounds resonating from that of the later era of the Beatles, Strangefolk has done it again. They've created an array of tunes ranging from their classic jam rock style to psychedelic 70's rock to alt-county. By far the best song on the album is "What Say You." This song will be bouncing around inside your head for days after hearing only once. It's infectious guitars and cunning lyrics will be stuck in your brain until you become sick of it (which unfortunately won't happen because you can never get sick of Strangefolk). You can listen to the album from start to finish and you will still crave more. Unfortunately, this disc culminates an era for Strangefolk. It marked the departure of Strangefolk from Mammoth Records and the departure of founding member and vocalist/guitar-slinger Reid Genauer. Strangefolk will go on, however, by continuing to create an even funkier style of jamming. Who knows what lies in the future for these guys? Only they do. Let's just hope they pump out more of their crazy tunes soon!

I think I'm one of the only Strangefolk fans outside of New England... I've made the track from Chicago to Vermont the last two Labor Days to see these guys and they are worth all the gas, flat tires, Tim Horton's Coffee (I decided the Canadian Route is faster!) and everything else I went through... :)

I have never played any Strangefolk cds for someone who didn't enjoy them and immediately want to hear more... Definitely pick up this disc (and their others)...

I picked up my copy at their "release party" concert in New Haven, VT. Note: included in the CD are 6 MP3's of songs that would not fit on the CD.Mud Spring Draw 1 + 2, See too, Sweet L, Stepin 1 and 2. Download with a PC computer.(This is not mentioned on the packaging) Great Band and CD. A couple of songs are a little different sounding studio, than live; added a little enhancement to the voices, added horn and keyboard. Recomend you buy it. Only thing I do not understand is the "title track great long while" did not make the CD or MP3. I hope it is released as a B side.

where are the folk at? ah my cd player...I popped in this disc...after hearing most of these songs live..and was certainly impressed... my favorite off the album has to be the richly figured cabin john..such a masterpiece...I also dig the horns on pawn...its kind of a saturday night live feel... definitely check out this album

While I have not listened to the album as a whole. I have listened six of these songs live long befor the album came out. Sinner- has a reggae feel, a sort of new style by strangefolk. What Say You- Great Lyrics great sing along song. Cabin John- I have heard better strangefolk songs.It is still a good song though. Pawn- I like this song a lot great guitar on this song. Stouthearted- This is a great song which sort of tells a story much like other STrangefolk songs. This for now is the last album with Reid Genauer as the lead singer nad rhythm guitar. If you have not heard already Reid has decided to leave the band. Reid will be greatly missed! Oh ya and goto a Folk concert!

A great addition to my Strangefolk Library. Unbelievable guitar work! Highly Recommend