Customer Reviews

Hard Luck Stories

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

 

 

After being dazzled by his debut album, Salesmen and Racists, and his live shows, I look forward to every new release. And I've not been disappointed, thus far.

Ike is a master storyteller, and the Assassination is a damn tight rock and roll band.

Ike's CD's tend to have a handful of standout tracks, mixed in with really good songs that just might not resonate as strongly.

The aptly titled Hard Luck Stories is no different. A dozen or so brilliantly written songs, telling stories about people you know.
Stories about Everyman, if Everyman isn't lucky with the ladies, has eccentric friends, a working class job, and knows that this is his lot in life.

My biggest problem with this CD, and most of Ike's other work, is that I'm constantly torn between wanting to sing along at the top of my lungs as I drive down the interstate, or just listening silently to wonderfully written rock and roll short stories.

Girls in the Backroom
7 comes 11
Morning Glory
War on Terror and The Drugs
Good work

Screw it, they're all great tracks, every damn one of `em.

In my estimation, only a couple of Ike's albums have failed to top the previous one. This one succeeds for me, and is the best yet from him. Though it's only March, this will certainly be one of my top 3 albums of 2010, and right now is sitting pretty at #1.

Ike's live shows are really fun. His band is awesome and energetic. Except for Ed, who is awesome but not energetic. Ike's a really funny guy, in addition to a great songwriter and singer. That comes through in many ways on the album, not the least on his duet with the great prog pop genius Shooter Jennings.

I'm not really gonna try to tell you about the music, but if you like your rock served up with a healthy set of lyrics, Ike may have ya covered.

To my point, Hard Luck Stories is the best of Ike Reilly up till now. He keeps on with his fresh lyrics, as he did in his previous releases, really worked in comparision with what we are used to in this kind of music. Furthermore, this time he gets an easy listening album which gets you from the very first moment. Pay special attention to War on the terror (..), lights out and The ballad... themes...

Well worth shoppong

Had the good fortune of hearing about Ike on the World Cafe via David Dye a few years back. Bought Salesmen & Racist and it became one of my favorites. Was curious when this new album came out. Listened to all the pod casts on Ike's web site before buying the new CD. What a great way to get the lowdown on the CD before purchase. The pod casts are entertaining, at time hilarious, and mixed with great music. Also, I now know what a Ford Cortiva. Buy the CD. It's good work if you can get it.

Ike's a whole lot of fun. Great lyrics with a really biting satirical edge, catchy hooks, unusual voice (sounds like Freedie Johnston but much fiercer). Highly recommended.

I had the pleasure of seeing Ike live at an improv comedy show in Chicago. He was so REAL when he sang, and his voice was so genuine. He gives off an energy that makes you want to sit and let him tell you stories all night. A very cool guy, with a very cool record.

I love, love, love songs 1-6.