Inches and Miles

Dave Mallett | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 29, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B000000MFA
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,161 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Singer-Songwriters
  • #20 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > Singer Songwriters
  • #61 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST SONGS FROM HIS EARLY RECORDINGS, September 30, 2001

By 

Larry L. Looney (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inches and Miles (Audio CD)

I first came upon the work of singer-songwriter Dave Mallett through Austin's own Rich Brotherton -- he's been performing Dave's 'Ballad of the St. Anne's reel' for many years. I had also heard his 'I knew this place' done by Bok, Muir & Trickett. Both of these songs are here, as are his widely-known 'Garden song' (which is sung so much that many people consider it to be traditional) and many other fine examples of his songwriting skills.

These recordings, all produced originally by Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and issued on Neworld Records in Maine, are collected here by Flying Fish for us to enjoy in the cd format. Every single song on this collection is excellent. Mallett is a prolific, gifted writer -- over the years he's produced an amazing array of great, memorable tunes. Accompanied here by his acoustic guitar, with help from a great supporting cast of musicians, the songs are given a respectful treatment -- none of them are over-produced, allowing the strength and poetry of these compositions to shine through.

Besides the songs I mentioned above, other standouts (for me) include the opening track 'Fire', a chilling recount of a true story; 'Arthur', a poignant tune which looks at our own times and mourns the lack of a hero like Arthur to set a standard of chivalry and courage; 'Moon upon the left', one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard; 'Midnight on the water', with its breathtaking imagery; and 'Phil Brown', one of my favorite Mallett compositions, about a reclusive painter, misjudged and misunderstood by his neighbors.

The original albums were issued between 1977-1980 -- the recordings might not have the clarity of those done in recent years, but there's no denying the artist's craft at work here. Dave Mallett has continued to produce fine recordings in the ensuing years, and his songwriting today is as creative and vital as ever. This collection offers a look at his beginnings, preserving some of the best writing contemporary folk music has to offer.

Dave Mallett still tours regularly -- hear him if you have the chance. You won't regret it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely great folk music!!!, July 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Inches and Miles (Audio CD)

I came to know Dave Mallett by pure accident, but since then I can't get enough of his music. This CD is a collection of songs from his first three albums. It's the kind of music you can listen to over and over again. His songs are in a way very poetic. It's really worth to listen to the words of the songs! They're just as great as the music! My special favourite is "Arthur", a hauntingly beautiful song about the legend of King Arthur... you can't forget that song anymore!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this CD!!, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Inches and Miles (Audio CD)

For those of you who enjoy folk music, this CD is a must for your collection. I listen to it over and over and never get tired of it.