Customer Reviews

From Hell to Paradise

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

 

 

First of all, whoever heard of a country band from Miami? At least that's what I thought when I first read about The Mavericks, but after listening to this, their debut album, I quickly forgot about that transgression. Mixing a pop sensibility with the twang of classic country, The Mavericks unfortunately found themselves categorized as "new country," and as a result, found themselves fighting for attention with dreck like Garth Brooks, The Judds, and Faith Hill. What they ultimately bring to the table, however, is the bravado and attitude of a rock and roll band, as evidenced by "Mr. Jones," the title track, and their cover of "Hey Good Lookin'". And Raul Malo's voice? Don't get me started. A keeper...

I've called this the best country album for non-country listeners for various reasons. First, Raul Malo - the unlikely Cuban-country-songwriter channels Roy Orbison in a way that often surpasses the great late Roy with a pure voice that must be keeping the angels company in heaven. Second, there are familiar songs here like "Hey, Good Lookin'" which the Mavericks deliver beautifully, with new added resonance and spirit. And finally, the originals - from the title track to the last song "Children" (an eerie paean to lost innocence that easily ranks as one of the best story songs of our time) - are wriiten with a sure, steady hand, and delivered with incomparable feeling. It's no wonder this talented group has won multiple Grammy Awards, and this album, along with "What Crying Shame" and several others, proves their standing at the top of their game. A spirited, wonderous journey that stands heads and tails above myriad other "country" acts. This is a definitive collection from Malo and company.

The Mavericks stretches the artistic boundaries of country. The tunes have a daring uniqueness combined with catchy melodies. The song "The Children" is a classic gig that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

The Mavericks recorded some material that they circulated to record companies when they were looking for a deal (and those recordings were eventually released as an album) but this album marks the official start to their career. On its own merits, this is an impressive debut although their subsequent albums (What a crying shame, Music for all occasions, Trampoline) are even more impressive.

The set opens with a very sad song (Mr Jones) about a man returning to a former home after many years, only to find it in a state of semi-dereliction. An even sadder song (Children) closes the set. In between, there are some other sad songs (This broken heart, The end of the line, Forever blue) as well as a Buck Owens cover (Excuse me I think I've got a heartache) but its not all doom and gloom.

The title track is about a Cuban man who finally makes it to America I got you is about a man who puts up with a lot of things, knowing that his partner makes it all worthwhile. A better way is about a man scorning a former partner who cheated on him, having found a new and better partner. Most upbeat of all is the second and last cover here (Hey good looking, the old Hank Williams classic).

If you enjoy listening to the Mavericks and you've already got some of their other albums, you should give this one a listen.

Wow, I saw the Mavericks in concert in 1995 and purchased all their albums the next day. When I listened to From Hell to Paradise it sent me spinning. Listen to This Broken Heart, If you have ever had your heart broken you will weep. Not only can the band rock like in Hey, Good Looking, but Raul has one of the riches most poinant voices I have ever heard. They also have a social conscience as evidenced in Children, they beg us to look out for the little ones who need our love and protection. The best song on this album rings through my mind often, paricularly during the Elian Gonzalez affair. This is Raul's lament for Cuba, From Hell to Paradise, "No pleasantries, no luxuries and no little childrens milk, while ministers wives spend all their lives in china's finest silk, my back has been broken many times but my spirit lingers on..." . Buy this album, listen to it and let it touch your soul. Thank you, David, Paul, Robert and most of all Raul for this gift, you touched my heart and soul, you are truly artists.

The Mavericks debut album shows promise of what was to come. Some good catchy songs, 8 of them written by Raul Malo and 2 classics "Hey Good Lookin'" and "Excuse me (I think I've got a heartache), this is a good album but not a touch on their later efforts. Not quite as polished. But still a good album to have for Mavericks fans. Booklet contains the lyrics and opens out into a mini poster of the group.

Having only heard this Group once before, I was particularly pleased with their performance especially the track Children. Hope to hear more of the Group.