Lone Justice [Import]

Lone Justice, Lone | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Geffen Records
• ASIN: B000000OXU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,764 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars .The Apex of Maria McKee's Recordings, July 29, 2005

By 

James Cantrell (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lone Justice (Audio CD)

I was on the east coast and so had no direct access to the early-mid 1980s 'cowpunk' wave that provided real music worth hearing to Southern California club audiences. At the time, both commercially backed Country and rock 'n' roll were going downhill at an alarming speed. But prospects for a brighter future were on the horizon.

I first heard Lone Justice on one of the then few surviving 1970s-style FM stations: the ones that focused all energy on discovering great music, whether newly recorded or overlooked from the past. Maria's voice knocked me over; it struck me then as like a cross between Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette that was then revved up to the fastest rockabilly speed and energy level. When I finally got to see Lone Justice in concert, I was not disappointed: Maria was all in person that she seemed to be on record.

The self-titled Lone Justice debut is a classic of Country Rock. Not a single song is a throw away. Perhaps the best way to understand how great the album is, and how powerfully evocative Maria's voice is, is to listen to 'Don't Toss Us Away' (which was written by Maria's half-brother Bryan MacLean). When I first heard it, I declared that it should be a #1 Country hit, and later it was for Patty Loveless. I like Patty Loveless a great deal, but I have no hesitance in asserting that the Lone Justice version of 'Don't Toss Us Away' is superior to the Country hit. That a slip of a young girl pulled it off is simply amazing.

Perhaps my favorite song on the album is 'After the Flood,' which Maria wrote. It is a California version of agrarianism in song, one that rocks. 'Soap, Soup, and Salvation' shows Maria as writer to have a keen sense of humor and eye for detail. On bassist Marvin Etzioni's 'Working Late,' Maria also shows her comic chops as a frustrated young wife who sounds as if she is about to hunt bear when he does get home from the alleged working late. 'Sweet, Sweet Baby,'which Maria co-wrote with Heartbreaker Benmont Tench (who plays keyboards on the album) and E Street Band member Little Steven VanZandt, shows her ability to belt blue-eyed soul in the mold of a Linda Ronstadt. Etzioni's 'You Are the Light' is an ideal album closer.

This album should be owned by anyone with anything more than a passing interest in Country rock or rockabilly or the 1980s Country revival, which featured Maria's friend Dwight Yoakam (she sings on his debut album) and Steve Earle. The dirt-cheap price means you can purchase several copies to give as gifts.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lone Justice, April 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lone Justice (Audio CD)

I was 18 in 1985 when I first came across this album on vinyl. I now own it on CD also. Whether you enjoy music with a country flavor or not, you will be taken back by Maria McKee's vocals. Rolling Stone Magazine's critic's poll voted her Best Female Vocalist for their 1985 review and I have to concur. From the twists and turns of East of Eden which leave you breathless to the sentimental After the Flood, this album is just one rare gem after the next. I highly recommend it.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rugged as Wild Turkey, March 9, 2000

By 

dev1 (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lone Justice (Audio CD)

This intense debut is as novel today as it was when first released 15 years ago. Maria McKee is an electric hillbilly fronting the Patti Smith Group. Produced by Jimmy Iovine, Lone Justice suggests Tom Petty, The Pretenders and U-2 ( all also produced by Iovine).

McKee was wise to open the disc with "East Of Eden." The rollicking introduction is a warning to new listeners: Don't go any father unless you're prepared for more sonic assault. The straight-up rock (East of Eden, Sweet Sweet Baby and Wait `Til Dark) is as rugged as Wild Turkey. Guest Little Steven (E-Street Band) provides the dazzling guitar licks on "Sweet Sweet Baby" and "Wait "Til We Get Home." Eat your heart out Keith Richard.

Another surprise is the way Lone Justice approaches country songs (After The Flood, Ways To Be Wicked and Working Late) with an untamed rock attitude. You've never heard country like this. McKee belts out every line with the self-confidence of a seasoned veteran. Who else but she would have the audacity to end a rock adventure praising Jesus Christ (yes, the Son of God). Perhaps that's the best way to summarize Lone Justice's debut. Spirited.