Customer Reviews

Ice Water

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the self-deprecating liner notes to the extraordinary guitar work to the unique gravelly vocals, this album, and the cassette I bought for my car, became a near-obsession as my intro to Leo Kottke back in '74 and remains so today on CD. With all his great work since, this still stands, I think, as his best example of guitar and vocals together. A must-have for anyone with an interest in this national treasure... There's no one like Leo Kottke, and this surely stands as proof, providing insight into not only his talent but his somewhat quirky personality. Fantastic.

This album was my introduction to Leo Kottke,well over twenty years ago. He amazed me with his playing back then,and he amazes me still,after seeing him numerous times over the years. This album will always be special to me,not only be- cause of its excellence but also because of the wonderful memories that it brings me. The very first song,Morning is a Long Way Home,is a power- ful piece of guitar work and makes the most of Leo's weak singing voice. (It's a voice that Leo fans have learned to love,the way people feel about singers like Neil Young and Bob Dylan.)Leo's version of Pamela Brown is very sweet,and he is justifiably famous for it. The rest of the album is solid quality,the kind of stuff we have come to expect from this terrific musician. This is a fine album,and anyone who enjoys masterful guitar work and excellent songs should buy right away!

I think this is Leo Kottke's best studio album. [His evanescent set/s caught on MY FEET ARE SMILING is/are my favorite overall.] Unlike others who carp at his voice [including the artist himself, who once memorably described it as sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day"], I have to hand it to a guy who can play like this and warble a perfectly credible vibrato too--kind of like Karen Carpenter drumming *while* singing! [I'm joking, of course.] But it all comes down to the music, don't it? "Pamela Brown" is so sweet and true as a song that it breaks your heart, and Leo's voice absolutely puts it over, my friend; the "story" of the Tom T. Hall tune can be interpreted several different ways, Leo's version is a slate over which you can insert any personal history you choose--plus there's this wonderfully lyrical slide work as well. "Why Ask Why," vocals and all, lingers like a ghost after it's over. The instrumental break on "Morning is a Long Way Home" [offered sans vocals on his 70s-era collection CAN YOU HEAR ME?--and why isn't that on CD?] is some of the most powerful stuff he's ever laid down. Then there is "Tilt Billings and the Student Prince": The Leo Kottke Experience! Hey, I'm tired of writing about this set, I want to go back and listen again. Second side's not quite as hot as the first, but you can use some cooling off by then. Buy it.

I saw him live several years ago it was hard to believe that one man sitting on a stool all by him self could make that much music. He is the best acoustic player I have ever heard.

Hard to believe one person can make so much noise, but he does. And harmonious noise it is. Twelve string artiste at his best when covering Tom T. Hall's PAMELA BROWN: "...she dug him 'cause he drove a pick-up truck...".

Leo Kottke is amazing--and especially when you see him perform all that sound with a single guitar. I loved him when i was a 70's chick and i love his music today--true talent is timeless. I like his voice and it reminds me of Johnny Cash now that I hear him as an adult--and he couldnt'sing that perfect either! Thisis my favorite CD i guess because it's the one I listened to when I was in college and when I saw him in person in Oklahoma. One cut on a movie soundtrack today and he'd be out in front.

This is the first Leo Kottke album I ever purchased when I discovered him in 1974. I was amazed at his ability and have amassed a collection of just about everything he's ever produced. He comes to my town every other year or so and I never fail to see him. "Ice Water" is one of my favorites, simply because it's such a mix, fantastic instrumentals and quirky vocals, especially Tom T. Hall's "Pamela Brown". No one can do this song quite like Leo with his "geese farting" voice. Leo is a treasure. His music is superb and his stories have no equal.

This is one disc that I did not pack when I moved to Houston. I had it on tape but a brother of mine loved it and you know that story. I don't understand why no one pushed the student prince cut as this is a great song and playing that only Leo can do.

Personally I think Leo's at his best when playing straight acoustic 6 or 12 string guitar, which is by far the lesser part of this album. The guitar work is there on this album but it's diluted by a lot of heavy-handed production, excessive studio musicians, Leo's bad singing and often trite lyrics to top it off.

I suppose if you're a real Leo Kottke fan you'll put up with his singing but for me it's a detraction here. I also hate it when Garrison Keillor sings on his radio show so maybe that's indicative of something. The guitar playing would stand on its own just fine though.

Not to say that Mr Kottke should never sing - apparently at one point he had to cut the guitar dynamics for awhile because it hurt his hands, and some of his later work has much better lyrics and more of a personal touch, albeit with less guitar stuntwork. "That's What" as well as "Peculiaroso" are good examples of such. The music is quirky, funny and creative there.

Anyhow I think a lot of the other reviews of this album are written by forgiving Kottkeholics, which I'm really not one of. The more typical listener looking for a good intro to Kottke would probably be a lot happier with a classic like "Six & Twelve String Guitar" instead.