Customer Reviews

Heretics & Privateers

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had the opportunity to listen to "Heretics and Privateers" several times now. Although I enjoyed the entire cd, "Ain't That a Shame", "Sleep With One Eye Open" and "Endless Commercial" are my favorite cuts by far. Musically, I believe that this is John's finest solo effort by far, and I was a huge fan of "Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes." In some ways it seems so odd that John and Steppenwolf became icons for the "Born to be Wild" generation, which casts images of tatoos, motorcycles and open roads, when JK's musical influence was so obviously the blues. While the world saw John as a sunglassed, leather-clad, metal-studded, politically defiant rock icon, through "Herettics and Privateers" John casts a different image of himself. As the cd played I envisioned John in a smoke-filled jazz club, playing before a small, but appreciative crowd, their eyes closed and heads swaying.

One had only to listen to "Hoochie Koochie Man" or "Tighten Up Your Wig" from the early Steppenwolf efforts to know where JK's personal mucials loves lied, and if you were a fan like me that craved more material like that, this cd provides the perfect scratch for that itch.

I had always enjoyed Steppenwolf's acoustic efforts in the late 60's and early 70's. I remember first buying a cassette deck some 30 years ago and the very first home-made tape I made, was of Steppenwolf's mellow tunes. I listened to "Corrina, Corrina," "Snowblind Friend," "Tenderness," and "It's Never Too Late," about a billion times before my tape deck mercifully ate the tape. I had to buy two copies of "Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes." Even an expensive Stanton 681EEE phono cartridge could not save the first album from serious wear.

"Heretics and Privateers" offers a variety of looks into the world as seen by John Kay. He gives you a glimpse of the ups and downs and pains and pleasures he has enjoyed. It appears to be an album made by John for John and those who have followed him most closely over the years. Those people who only knew Steppenwolf as the group the played "Born to be Wild" would likely not appreciate this effort, but then again, I don't think those folks were John Kay's target audience.

It was terrific to see Steppenwolf's early guitar player, Larry Byrom, playing on a track. Of all of Steppenwolf's albums, I believe Steppenwolf 7 may have been my favorite. I thought the songwriting team of John Kay and Larry Byrom, that so dominated that album, was one of tremendous chemistry. And the fact that former Blues Brothers and Booker T and the MG's guitarist, Steve Cropper, played on a track of the cd did not escape me. For those of you Steppenwolf fans who have not gone out and picked up this little gem, you should do so. If you want some Steppenwolf flavor, you'll find some of that. Play "Endless Commercial" and tell me there isn't a great deal of "Tighten Up Your Wig" in that tune. But this album seems to come from John Kay's heart. It is a cd that perhaps expresses what the long-time Steppenwolf front man would like you to know about his personal music tastes. If I had a complaint at all, I am not sure I would have included this version of "To Be Alive." Not that it isn't enjoyable - it is. But I do believe I enjoyed the original more. Each time I listen to the cd, I pick up some new nuance, some special musical significance, that I had missed the time before. And that makes me want to listen to the cd again. I am sure "Heretics and Privateers" has secured a spot in my 6-disc car cd changer for another month or two. If you go out to buy the cd thinking you may get a new Steppenwolf album, you'll probably be disappointed. But, if you're like me, and have liked the blues, and simply enjoy hearing the unique, mellowed grizzle of John Kay's unmistakeable voice, then "Heretics and Privateers" will be a great cd for your collection.

John proves to all his fans that this album has been well worth the wait. It covers all his musical styles of folk, rock, and heavy on the blues. The song writing is outstanding; why he is not held in the regard of Dylan and Simon is beyond me. He really lets you in to his heart and soul when you hear his story come out in songs like The Women In My Life and Don't Waste My Time. You may have heard some of thees songs prior to release; he has performed She's Got The Goods and Endless Commercial on tour with the Wolf. Other stand out tracks include The Backpage and the Title Track Heretics and Privateers which speak of people trying to do the right things and listen to their heart in a society that does'nt always wish you to do so. I should also mention the sond Sleep With One Eye Open which does a beautiful job of capturing and evil presance of what the writer sees as a sometimes troubled society. If you love writers of great lyrics this album must be in your collection

I have been a fan of John Kay and the rock group Steppenwolf since first hearing them in the mid to late 1960s. And it has always been a combination of hard-driving music, with thoughtful lyrics. John has never been afraid to take a stand ---for peace, tolerance and first amendment rights. This is especially meaningful since he and his family escaped from Communist East Germany when he was a boy. Songs like "Monster" and "Draft Resister" helped many of us get through the wild and frustrating 1960s.

Now as Steppenwolf nears its 35th anniversary, John Kay is once again trying a solo album, and he does very well. Aided by some very capable musicians, including Steve Cropper and also members of the present Steppenwolf on some cuts. And this is more blues oriented than the typical Steppenwolf efforts. It is easy to tell that John enjoyed going back to his roots and working on this project. Some of the songs really move, including "Ain't That a Shame," while virtually all of them make a person think---about our society and what is right, and what is wrong or wasteful. Titles like "The Endless Commercial" and "Don't Waste My Time" speak for themselves.

So get the CD and enjoy it, especially if you have a player in your car, and can play it on a solitary drive through a scenic, wild area. Or at least somewhere you won't be disturbed or distracted. And don't pass up a chance to see John Kay in person, be it sitting on a porch somewhere playing the blues, or fronting past and present members of Steppenwolf and "Get Your Motor Running.....Heading Down the Highway....." Enjoy. Earl Finkler

Predominantly electric & acoustic blues but also influenced by a variety of other musical styles. Excellent vocal performance from John who is backed by a cast of quality musicians. Meaningful lyrics including the very personal 'For The Women In My Life'... one of his best ever songs. If you liked any of John Kay's earlier albums you should like this. This album has been a long time coming... but then quality cannot be rushed!

Excellent solo outing from the chairman of Steppenwolf. John Kay has always been a rock and roll social conscious for the American ideal and he serves us up a great selection of thought provoking tunes on this effort. "Sleep with one eye open" will make you revist the past couple of years headlines and cause you consternation at the very least. It ranks up their with "Monster" in making us take a look at ourselves. Only this time, this song and the rest take a domestic and humanistic approach rather than the harsh look at US foreign policy. Overall this is an excellent CD that has a blues feel to it, and with the subject matter of John's lyrics it is a perfect match.

This is a brilliant CD with John Kay's social commentary and a traditional blues style. He has always been one of my favorite artists but I think this is the best work he's done yet.

...I've had the opportunity to listen to "Heretics and Privateers" several times now. Although I enjoyed the entire cd, "Ain't That a Shame", "Sleep With One Eye Open" and "Endless Commercial" are my favorite cuts by far. Musically, I believe that this is John's finest solo effort by far, and I was a huge fan of "Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes...While the world saw John as a sunglassed, leather-clad, metal-studded, politically defiant rock icon, through "Herettics and Privateers" John casts a different image of himself. As the cd played I envisioned John in a smoke-filled jazz club, playing before a small, but appreciative crowd, their eyes closed and heads swaying.

One had only to listen to "Hoochie Koochie Man" or "Tighten Up Your Wig" from the early Steppenwolf efforts to know where JK's personal mucials loves lied, and if you were a fan like me that craved more material like that, this cd provides the perfect scratch for that itch.

"Heretics and Privateers" offers a variety of looks into the world as seen by John Kay. He gives you a glimpse of the ups and downs and pains and pleasures he has enjoyed. It appears to be an album made by John for John and those who have followed him most closely over the years...For those of you Steppenwolf fans who have not gone out and picked up this little gem, you should do so. If you want some Steppenwolf flavor, you'll find some of that. Play "Endless Commercial" and tell me there isn't a great deal of "Tighten Up Your Wig" in that tune. But this album seems to come from John Kay's heart. It is a cd that perhaps expresses what the long-time Steppenwolf front man would like you to know about his personal music tastes. If I had a complaint at all, I am not sure I would have included this version of "To Be Alive." Not that it isn't enjoyable - it is. But I do believe I enjoyed the original more. Each time I listen to the cd, I pick up some new nuance, some special musical significance, that I had missed the time before. And that makes me want to listen to the cd again. I am sure "Heretics and Privateers" has secured a spot in my 6-disc car cd changer for another month or two. If you go out to buy the cd thinking you may get a new Steppenwolf album, you'll probably be disappointed. But, if you're like me, and have liked the blues, and simply enjoy hearing the unique, mellowed grizzle of John Kay's unmistakeable voice, then "Heretics and Privateers" will be a great cd for your collection.

Anything less that 5 stars would simply be inappropriate. The brilliance of the writing skill here breaks new ground. The maturity of Johns' subject matters such as the women in his life and comercialism as well as the stresses of the age we live in are absolutely unparalelled. This album can bring out your appreciation for family as well as rock your bluesy world with cuts like She's got the goods. Everything is here and John Kay has enriched the music scene with this greatest of great albums. Get it. Buy it. Share it with your friends, then get them to buy it too. It's that good. In fact, it's even better than that.

I am a long time fan of John Kay - the first album I ever bought was "Steppenwolf Live".

But, that's not why this CD rated 5 stars. Even though most of the songs are literally electric (there are a few "acoustic versions"), the overall feel is one of Steppenwolf Unplugged. These songs are sometimes politial, sometimes personal. The style is closer to the blues than folk, but it is definitely in the vein of the early folk movement (Pete Seger, Woody Guthrie, et al).

One of my favorite blues rock renditions. Kays voice is still raspy & bluesy - which makes this CD so good. Make sure when you key in for this CD you type in the album name. Few people know this CD is available with 4 extra killer acoustic versions at a cheaper price. Dions Bronx blues is also on an equal level with this excellent CD.