Customer Reviews

Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboy

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I never owned this particular album, but had all of his others. I ordered it on the strength of the other reviews and my belief that one can never go wrong with JE. I have been searching for years to find all his works on CD, so had to have this one. This one is a gem! JE is unique in his sound and the versatility of his talent. From the mournful ballads to the rollicking honky-tonk sound, this is an artist who truly loves his craft. I find that over the years many of his songs are still my favorites and even the memory of them brings about a longing to give a listen. Thank goodness Atlantic records released this wonderful album. I hope they will continue by reissuing "Have Yourself a Good Time For Me", "Rocking Chair", and "Sailboat." This particular album, however, is truly a delight to listen to. Any JE fan will not be disappointed with this one!

Jonathan Edwards is a fine musician (wonderful ability on guitar,mandolin and harmonica), a fine songwriter and a fine performer, as will be obvious to anyone who listens to this CD. His enjoyment of his craft is so completely honest that the listener cannot fail to perceive this, thus increasing one's appreciation all the more. Every song in this collection is undeniably appealing, whether it's a ballad, bluegrass "toe-tapper" or something really fun and novel like Mr. Edwards' interpretation of the old Mills Brothers standard, "Paper Doll." I first heard "Longest Ride" 30 years ago on a "progressive rock" radio station of all places, absolutely loved the melody and freewheeling style of it, and never forgot it. I'm very happy to have caught up with this song again, along with these other songs I had not heard performed by Mr. Edwards before, but will surely enjoy often--the sound is superb on this remastered recording! Bill Keith on banjo is another reason to own this recording. Wonderful stuff!

My mother had the original vinyl of this album when I was a child and I used to love pulling it out of her collection and look at it. It got destroyed due to me handling it to death..as I did with all her other records. I replaced all of my mothers LPs in my late teens except for this one. It came as a total shock to be browsing through my favorite CD outlet in Downey when I came across the newly released CD of it! I bought it immediately.

"Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboy" is one of the best albums of the singer/songwriter era you're ever going to hear. Released in 1972 it got no promotion due to the fact that it had no single like "Sunshine" to give it some backup. This album is even better than his debut and a perfect accompaniment for a trip in your car. The songs mold together so perfectly you'd think you were listening to a "concept" album...and it is in it's own way. All the tracks are beautiful and Edwards is a total virtuoso on the mouth harp...the harmonica. Check out his playing on "Morning Train" and "Sugar Babe." "That's What Our Life Is" closes the album perfectly and will bring tears to your eyes. For any fan of early '70s folk this album is an unexpected gem!

I bought this album on vinyl, back in 1971. It has always been one of my top 5 L.P.s of all times. Every where I would go, if I'd find a used copy, in fair shape, I would buy it. I could not understand why this, his best album, was never released on C.D.. Today I was surfing the internet and came across it, on C.D., to my surprise. Needless to say I ordered it immediately. I would recommend it to people who like, country, folk, rock etc. It is just a great album with great songs. You will not be disappointed!

Honestly - I just went out and bought a turntable so that I could listen to this album, come to find out weeks later it came out on CD. It's just WONDERFUL. Why, oh why, did it take 30 years to come out in digital form? <g>

I will try to keep this short. I've loved this album ever since I heard it for the first time when it came out. This is JE's second album, coming out a year after "Jonathan Edwards". While there were no Top 40 hits from this collection (to my knowledge), I found the songs to be just as strong, if not stronger than his previous effort. This album has more Country stylings than "JE" does, (a trend that continued on his 3rd album, "Have A Good Time For Me"). Perhaps that is why it wasn't as commercially successful back then. That said, this album shows off bittersweet ballads ("That's What Our Life Is"), fun up-tempo Country/Bluegrass romps ("Ballad of Upsy Daisy") and Rock influences ("Stop And Start It All Again"). And you've never heard the old Mills Brothers chestnut "Paper Doll" done quite this way before as it appears here. All in all, I am thrilled that this will soon be available on CD so that I can replace my well-worn vinyl version. This is a fine collection. It always puts me in a great mood when I hear it. If you like his first album, you should like this one as well.

The title of my review describes this album to a T. In the mid 1970's, I was "learning" to play the guitar. The simplistic styling and rhythm of Jonathan Edwards' work allowed me the opportunity to "play along", and pick-up a straight forward, soft style of guitar playing. I had not heard this recording for quite sometime, but it still sounds as fresh to me in the 21st century as it did in the 70's. Not sure what ol' JE is doing these day, but, for me, he helped to contributed to my love of playing the guitar, as well as his work. At least, that's what I call it when my wife asks me about the noise I'm making...

I have this album & love it, so I had to have it on CD. It brings back so many great memories & I still remember most of the words....Rock On

This is one of Jonathan Edwards best efforts. He was very underated, being a wonderful songwriter and singer. This and his first album entitled just Jonathan Edwards are gems to say the least. Even his live album Lucky Day is great listening. All three have great songs as well as singing and playing. These are records you will listen to over and over and never get tired of. He may have had only one big hit (Sunshine) but he deserves much more recognition. Great!

That first recording was right above Stardust on the listing, I don't know how I missed it. Simple "Jonathan Edwards"... I don't know where I got "Capricorn" from, as written on my old tape, but maybe that was the label? Anyway, fantastic! I can get my old faves.