I Stand Alone [Import]

Al Kooper | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 11, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004SI0V
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #662,213 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Overture

2. I Stand Alone

3. Camille

4. One

5. Coloured Rain

6. Soft Landing On The Moon

7. I Can Love A Woman

8. Blue Moon Of Kentucky

9. Toe Hold

10. Right Now For You

11. Hey Western Union Man

12. Song And Dance For The Unborn Frightened Child

Editorial Reviews

Limited quantities available on this Japanese pressing of his first effort following his split from Blood, Sweat & Tears. Originally released in 1969. Import only!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Genius, April 24, 2003

By 

jeff hirshberg (New york) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Stand Alone (Audio CD)

This is one very unique album which I was fortunate to be exposed to by an older sister who knew more about artists and music than your average Joe on the street. This is not an album with technical finesse, but more of an experiment with sound; It is comparable to an early picasso, or other artists looking for a sound or image no one has reached for as yet. If no one ever reached for it, then the new boundaries of creativity would never be found.

If I were more closely associated with Al Kooper when he produced this album, I would understand what he was trying to do, and why he created it. From a listeners point of view, and my experience in music over the past 50 years, I see an artist playing with his medium; specifically, the use of stereo sound, and an array of sound effects blending one song with another.

But most important, is the quality of song writing from this true pioneer of rock and roll. One song after another shows his true genius. "I can love a woman," "Toe Hold," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "One," "Camile," and "Western Union Man" all show a style quite different from his contemporaries. It is ironic that he probably did not think much of this album, but in producing it, created something totally unique and relatively successful from an artistic point of view. Al Kooper is one artist few listeners recognize, but like other innovators, he is well respected by his peers for his influence and creativity in music. Where would music be without such innovators?

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Over 30 years and it's still good, September 24, 2004

By 

podavis (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Stand Alone (Audio CD)

I first bought this album at ShopRight around 1970. About a 15 years ago I found another copy that was in somewhat better condition then the first by then beat-up copy. Last year, after a careful washing and a high pressure blow dry I converted the second copy to a .wav file and cleaned up the pops and ticks with Pyro. When it comes to the top of my stack of digitized vinyl there is no hesitation to pick it again. I will never get tired of this record. It's not amazing, or over-whelming, or soul stirring. What makes it great is that it's mostly just plain fun to listen to.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius at work, June 23, 2002

By 

Dennis E. Tamburello (Loudonville, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Stand Alone (Audio CD)

I remember reading somewhere that Al Kooper doesn't particularly like this album -- something about it being too diffuse, or trying to do too much.
Well, this is precisely why I DO like it. There is so much going on here, and granted, not all of it works ("Soft Landing on the Moon" doesn't do it for me), but I am amazed at the breadth of musical styles that Mr. Kooper handles on this album, and the quality of the arrangements, especially the horns and backup vocals. All of this and good melodies too!
It is great finally to have it on CD.