Customer Reviews

Late Again

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

 

 

LATE AGAIN forms the final third of a trilogy, in my mind, with ALBUM and ALBUM 1700. These were the last three really good studio albums (PETER, PAUL & MOMMY doesn't count) that were released before the group "retired." Several years later they came back together and recorded the disastrous REUNION album, and that's when I was sure that the magic was gone for good. Of course, they fooled everyone when they not only continued as important political and social activists, but also enjoyed yet another musical rebirth in the late `80's that lasted through the `90's. However, they never again matched the sheer beauty and grace of those last few albums for Warner Brothers. LATE AGAIN is perhaps my favorite, but several of the albums from their `60's period were beyond excellent. One of the marvelous things about most of the CD reissues is that the source masters seem to have suffered very little deterioration over time, and they all sound crystal clear while retaining their warmth and luster. These are some of the best sounding reissues I've ever had the pleasure of listening to; every guitar string resonates like it's being plucked live, right in front of you (the crowning achievement in remastering is PETER PAUL & MARY IN CONCERT, which sounds amazing for an early '60's live recording, and I don't even like most live records). LATE AGAIN is a continuation of the eclecticism that marked most of Peter Paul Mary's albums after IN THE WIND. Somehow, despite what could have been an awkward mix of folk, rock'n'roll, blues and soft, romantic balladry, this album moves effortlessly between the genres, mixing them up, even, and ends up being a cohesive whole. It starts with a Paul Stookey song whose saloon piano and bass rhythm grabs the listener by the scruff of the neck with the opening line, "I would like to apologize for my friend here; he hasn't been himself for a long, long time." After that energetic opening, the unexpected pleasure of "Moments Of Soft Persuasion" does exactly what its title might suggest, and we are hooked for the remainder of the ride. Other standouts are two Bob Dylan songs, the rarely covered "Too Much Of Nothing' (I don't even recall Dylan himself doing that one; anyone remember?) and a short but sweet "I Shall Be Released." "Hymn" is an amazing, tear-producing description of what it is like to FEEL one's faith, and this comment is coming from one who has just about had it with religion (the right wingers have decimated what little respect I once had for it). Perhaps my two favorite numbers here are rich, lush sounding ballads. The first is a love song backed by a fantastic, syncopated drum arrangement, "Love City (Postcards To Duluth)" and the other a stately homage to those who are poor in a land of plenty, and how rich and poor are the same when they get to the sea; well, that's my take on it. Another reviewer on these pages has quoted one line from "Rich Man Poor Man." I'll offer up a different one: "I need the moon, but the landlord needs money..." the song still gives me goose bumps after all these years. Who would have thought that a manufactured "folk" group, put together by corporate interests at a fledgling label to compete with Vanguard and Elektra would have risen to heights of artistic loveliness such as these? Long Live P, P & M!

Interestingly enough, the first time I heard this album in 1968 I was mesmerized: the music, the power of the words, the great variety. I think it belongs right next to their first album for its enduring power to move the heart and mind. Most of the songs are consciousness-raising, yet, at the same time, speak to the heart. I don't know why it never became more popular but it has been seared in my melodic memory and I am filled with pleasure and nostalgia every time I hear the album. It's my favorite P, P, & M!

I first bought this album in 1968 and at the time it seemed like it might be the last we would hear of PP&M. The folk era was long over and while they had made some transition into the folk/rock scene, it was clear that folk groups weren't going to hang on with rock bands taking over the music scene-- it would be a few more years before acoustic would return with the likes of Crosby,Stills, Nash,& Young or singer-songwriters like James Taylor. PP&M have outlasted everyone though and it's no wonder-- their sheer talent and force of will are amazing.

This CD has a lot of power and still evokes great musical moments. "Too Much of Nothing" was the semi-hit in its time. "Moments of Soft Persuasion" is a lovely song, and I still find "Hymn" to be one of the most honest songs about spirituality and religious beliefs. Listen to the little clip available at this site. What a wonderful line, "all that I could say was I believe in you." Is there more than that?

Another good song is Love City (Postcards to Duluth).

All in all, well worth owning if you're even sort-of a PP&M fan. Good stuff.

"Late Again" is not the most popular PPM album, nor does it contain much that has made it to a "hits" or retospective collection. It does, however, contain some wonderful material. "Moments of Soft Persausion" is absolutely beutiful. Take a few minutes and listen to the sample from the album listing. "Rich Man Poor Man" is, in my opinion, one of the best songs PPM ever recorded. With the refrain of "A rich man eats when he wishes, a poor man whenever he can", I expected it to show up on "Songs of Conscience and Concern". It didn't. That means, this is the only album which has it. It, alone, is worth the purchase price of the album.

I grew up on Folk and Peter, Paul and Mary.
This album has always been a mix of styles and emotions and social issues.
I agree with other reviewers that it is an emotional ride with each song asking the listener to consider how they feel about some social issue or humanity itself.
This album every time i hear it reminds me how i have changed on how i feel about what is better and what should be. It makes me question should i try again to return to my more open altruistic beliefs.
All said the album does the things MUSIC is supposed to do enlighten, challenge, bring out emotions.
"..standing next to me in this lonely crowd...is a man who swears he's not to blame...all day long i hear his voice shouting so loud...shouting out that he was framed...i've seen my light come shining..."

I bought this album a VERY long time ago on vinyl and re-purchased it on CD about six months ago at a reasonable price (the item I got was new, not used.) Recently I tried to get it another copy for my daughter and the price had gone through the roof: $99.00. Why?

This album wasn't up to the others done by this group and I was disappointed.

I recently listened to my cd of this after several years. With the perspective of hindsight, it seems like they are groping for a way to stay relevant as musical tastes change. 40 years later, the sound is simply disappointing. I remember getting the greatest hits album in high school and wondering why "Too Much of Nothing" was on it. It seemed so out of place. Now I understand.

It is interesting to hear their version of "Reason to Believe" - a great piece of material. The two Paul Stookey tunes - "Hymn" and "Love City" are the best thing on the record. They sound true. While his solo version of Hymn on a later album was a little better, there is an introspection about this version that can't be matched.

Thank goodness for "Album 1700". That brought them back around to their classic sound. And, although it is clearly a minority opinion, I really enjoyed "Reunion", certainly much more than "Late Again"

If you are reading this review, you have probably already formed your own opinion of P P & M long ago. I am a big fan of these early, Warner Bros. P P & M albums. With this album, they continued their move away from pure folk music toward jazz-influenced vocals. It has some excellent tracks (Love City for one), but it also has a few weak tracks. I think that most of the other Warner Bros. albums from before their break-up were better, overall. Be smart, like me, and buy them all! PS: I hate it when people slam Peter, Paul and Mommy, their children's album. I love it, and had children primarily so that I could play it for them!