Live Songs & Stories

David Wilcox | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 9, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: What Are Records
• ASIN: B0000633J3
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,488 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For David's personal friends, old lovers, and relatives..., May 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Live Songs & Stories (Audio CD)

David Wilcox is the kind of performer who consistently delivers inspiration and wisdom to audiences who view themselves as personal friends, old lovers, and relatives. His fans don't want new and improved--we want David to climb on stage in his bowling shoes and wrinkled t-shirt and for one night move our hearts and make us laugh and imagine what might be.

Yes, the CD contains the same jokes and stories that he tells at every concert. But why would he change these night after night when they are the reason the songs were written in the first place? I sense his well-choreographed delivery causes some listeners to feel tricked, as though the (sometimes) verbatim repetition indicates the feeling and meaning of the story is artificial. Not true. Enjoy his ability to sound new, fresh, and personal despite retelling these stories weekly to hundreds of strangers.

Some have recently begun to complain about David becoming "preachy". This sentiment seems to be rising from the fact that he is including more of his beliefs about God (who he previously referred to innocuously as Big Love) and the Reason For Life in his music. But not once during a concert does he shove his beliefs down your throat. He proffers broad ideas involving love and kindness in answer to hard questions and painful experiences. However, he leaves the listener to come to their own conclusions, as every good artist should. He takes a position in his songwriting that allows for your own, as well. His faith is a journey, not a dead end street where he backs you into a corner. I can't help but laugh at these fans that no doubt snickered condescendingly when (on East Asheville Hardware) David poked fun at those (probably Christians) who objected to his song "After Your Orgasm." To quote him: "I mean, they like it when I sing songs about what I BELIEVE...I just believe that sex is pretty nice!" Those who now object to his preachiness should consider a slight twist: "I mean, they like it when I sing songs about what I BELIEVE...I just believe that Jesus was telling the Truth!"

This CD puts the listener front and center at an intimate and heartfelt concert. You hear the rustling of the audience behind you, the cackle of David's laugh as he responds to a joke, and beautiful chords delivered impeccably by his gifted hands.

Is David perfect? Nah...but this CD is pretty damn close.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real, Authentic Music, August 20, 2002

By 

Chad Davies "Downhill" (Barnesville, GA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live Songs & Stories (Audio CD)

I can't say enough about this album. For those who are familiar with Dave's work this album will be very familiar. For those who are interested in getting aquainted with him, this may be the best way to invite him into your home. The recordings are warm and alive and consist of both songs and stories.

The thing that strikes me most about the album is how real it is. No pomp or glamour here. No boy bands or synthesizers or dance moves or nasty lyrics or the like are to be found on this album. Just a warm voice, beautiful, simple guitar and lyrics that will have you wondering just how did Dave know that about you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta check out that Jake Armerding, July 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Live Songs & Stories (Audio CD)

I discovered David Wilcox a few years ago, right around the time I discovered Jake Armerding (who plays backup fiddle, mandolin, and does backup vocals on this cd). Both of these guys are solid musicians in a league of their own, and both deserve a much bigger spotlight than they've been given. Combining Jake's musical gift's with David's lyrical finesse was a great choice. If you like this one, check out Jake's "Caged Bird".