Customer Reviews

Just Before the Bullets Fly

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

JUST BEFORE THE BULLETS FLY, Gregg Allman's second solo album for Epic, is just as good as I'M NO ANGEL, his first for the label, and even though neither album is quite up to the standards of the Allman Brothers Band albums of the 70s, Allman's 1973 solo effort LAID BACK, or the reunion efforts, but they're worthy efforts in their own right. It's hard to say which of the two is better, as both have their own charms, which are easily appreciated if you don't come expecting "Wasted Words" or "Southbound."

This, the second of The Gregg Allman Band's albums is by far the best one. If you're an Allman Brothers fan, of course this will be a good addition to your collection. On the other hand, if you're not a Brothers fan, this is still an excellent album to have. What's the difference, you may ask. Well, first of all; the producer, Rodney Mills. The sound on this album is far clearer than most Brothers albums. Secondly, and no offence to Dickie Betts; Dan Toler (once a Brothers member) is doing such a terrific job of his guitar playing. All through the album, in fact. The music? Typical Gregg Allman blues with hints of funk (Thorn And A Wild Rose, Island), and it works perfectly! Not a dull moment on this album. A feast for the ears! Take my word for it. (I've never been the biggest Allman Brothers fan either) Enjoy hours and hours of listening!

This album was recorded just prior to the great Allman Brothers Band reunion that started in 1989, which has produced 5 suprisingly wonderful ABB albums. Gregg's solo albums have always been hit or miss, most of them weighed down by slick studio production (1973's Laid Back & 1997's Searchin for Simplicity being the exceptions).

Although this album has some great songs on it, the majority of the music is overproduced - including synthesizers taking the place of real backup horns. Some of these songs he still plays with his current solo band (Slip Away, Before the Bullets Fly) and they have an honest, roots-type R&B sound to them when performed in concert nearly 10 years later. Too bad he didn't record these songs that way.

For a truely great Gregg Allman solo album, I would jump foward to his recent Searchin for Simplicity. It is a much more Old School type Muscle Shoals album, with a refreshing back-to-basics R&B flavor throughout.

If you are just venturing beyond the 70s Allman Brothers Band albums, I would also try Mycology, An Anthology, which is a best-of the Allman Brothers recordings from the 90s. Mycology contains some of the ABB's most classic tunes ever including Seven Turns, End of the Line and No One To Run With, although none are huge radio hits.

This has got to be Gregg's best solo effort yet!Very well concieved.Every song seems to get your attenion one way or another.Gregg's powerful vocals and keyboards are in rare form and is backed by a solid and talented group of musicians.Well worth time and money!

This is one of those CD's I can play during a road trip and not skip a track. I absolutely love every song that is on this release. They are all put together in perfect order as if to tell a long running story, from running from a jealous husband to a single Mom that can't keep from having more children. You can't help but wonder if Gregg lived some of the tall tales told in this collection. It is truly an amazing slice of southern rock/blues that deserves it's place in the spotlight. If you are looking for one of those virtually unknown gems in the used CD dustbin, this one is IT!!!

IMHO Gregg's best recording and true High Fidelity. In the 70's I used to trudge around The Last Record Album to audition speakers for bass response (the days before subs were invented). 2 minutes of One Love Stand would tell my ears all they needed to know. Night Games on this CD will do the trick. If Dan Toler don't get you air guitarin', you got nothin'. Highly recommended.

For the Allman Bros fan, casual or hardcore, this is a great CD. Along w-"I'm No Angel", two of my favorites! Greg's solo work has always been more on the soul or R&B side as opposed to pure rock. Theres a little bit of everything here along w/that distictive voice! The song "Oceans Awash With Guns Wail" is one of my all time favorite songs. The guitar solo totally nails the classic AB style. A great cd for grillin & chillin on the porch. Still sounds fresh all these years later!

I haven't gotten it yet, but had it on cassette a long time ago. Know it's VERY good. Am very eager to receive it.

This is definitely a guitar players album. There's not a single song that doesn't have an outstanding guitar part. "Demons" is the first cut and Dan Toler's guitar just rocks all the way through till "Every Hungry Woman", the last cut which is a great remake from the Allman's first album. The guitar playing is so awesome that it's easy to tell that Gregg really appreciated his guitar players talents too and just decided that he was going to step aside and let him do his thing. Dan Toler, probably highly under-rated, is no doubt one of the best in the business. If you really like to rock, you're going to really love this album...if you're a guitar player, you're going to be totally blown away!

Before this CD was released I wore out 4 vinyl copies of this record.

I saw Gregg Allman in a little room at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis when he was touring in support of "Before The Bullets Fly." There were probably less than 1500 people there and we were treated to the best live performance I have ever seen by Gregg Allman.

Perhaps over-produced but what act wasn't in the late 80s? This is clearly the best selection of songs Gregg Allman has released. There is not a weak song on this CD. Everything from discussing his "Demons," to pining for lost love on "Island," this overlooked record is a must for Allman fans.

Gregg surrounded himself with the very best rock and roll musicians found anywhere for this project, and it shows on this record.