Customer Reviews

Last Train to Mashville, Vol. 2

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

 

 

"Last Train to Mashville Vol.2, or "Last Train to Mashville" as it has been retitled for American audiences, proves Alabama 3 doesn't need a synthasiser or a booming base line to sound good. This is, essentially, a greatest hits album without all the electronic bells and whistles, and it sounds better than most anything played on current radio. Some of the best tracks include a pure country rendition of John Prine's "Speed of the Sound of Lonliness", accoustic versions of "Bulletproof", "Woke Up This Morning", "Too Sick to Pray", and of course "You Don't Dance to Techno Anymore". I'd also like to add that if you enjoy this album, to head over to Alabama 3's official website and order "The Last Train to Mashville Vol.1". It's sold only on their site, and it is a companion piece to this album.

I bought this CD to listen to the Soprano's theme, but loved the whole album. I have since bought every other of their CD's and they are an awesome band.

I own all four of A3's studio albums and I just purchased this album, which features mostly acoustic versions of songs from their first three albums.

The quality of A3's works have declined sharply since their first great album, "Exile On Coldharbour Lane." Their latest release, "Outlaw," is almost unlistenable.

But "Mashville" is a great album, and the best song on here is the closer, "Peace In The Valley." This band is very unique and they produced two solid albums to begin their careers, with the beautiful sound of "country acid house music." "Power In The Blood," their third album, contained the excellent "Bullet Proof." It is a hard driving and rocking song. The treatment given to that song on this volume is a complete 180 degree turn musically. It is almost funny if you hear the original version first, but stands up on its own after further listening.

The piano, harmonica playing, and acoustic guitars sound lovely, and Larry Love's vocals are emotional, gritty and sincere. This is country rock at its absolute finest, and is a form I wish A3 would stick with.

Unfortunately, they seem more bent on catering to the ravers and nightclubs. While "Outlaw" was not as bad in this respect as "Power," they just cannot seem to write any good tunes anymore. Their creative candle burned out way too soon.

Having said all of that, if you loved the first album then this album is a must have.

Having heard "Le Peste" I was needless to say quite impressed. I am a recording engineer and producer by trade so it is a very rare occasion when I am caught very off guard by a piece of music.

On "Le Peste" I found blues, gospel, soul, with deep, dark, beautifully ugly and graphic lyrics that inspired thought and emotion... all wrapped up in this nifty and somewhat accessible "electronica" package.

With "Last Train to Mashville Vol. 2" [where's Vol. 1? I'd really like to hear it!!] whoever this person or persons is stripped it down to THE SONGS. Some are "covers" [or at least "covers" that I recognized from "Le Peste" which beautifully illustrate the depth of writing and understanding that MUSIC IS EMOTION... not a commodity for temporary consumption and dismissal [see Britney Spears and/or The New Backstreet Boys On The Block for details].

I have turned more than a few artists with whom I have worked onto A3, and will probably continue to do so throughout the balance of my career. Some have found it inspirational and have grown a deeper understanding of what I mean when I tell them "you don't have a song here" and have improved the depth of their writing.

I consider both "Le Peste" as well as "Mashville" mandatory listening for anyone who would like to gain a deeper appreciation for the crafting of a song and how to transcend genre with the presentation of a great song.

I don't know who these people are... but damn I love the work!!!

The jury is still out on this one. The versions are missing that gruff kick that attracted me to A3 in the first place. I like it - but it is not one of my favorites.

I really like A3 and have several of their CDs. This, however, isn't their best effort. Very middle of the road.