Customer Reviews

Love and Danger

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

 

 

After his previous 2 albums he did for Hightone Records, both of which featured a more rootsy blues rock sound, Ely returned to fine form and a record label change to MCA with "Love and Danger". This one is at the top of my list of best Joe Ely studio albums. This cd also featured Ely's biggest hit with "THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER". I did a doubletake the first time I heard this song on the radio. I've never heard any of Ely's songs on the radio, much less a mainstream country station. I don't know if that's good or bad, but nevertheless this is a great country rocker that was written by Robert Earl Keen, and featured another great Austin artist, Ian Moore on guitar. There are many songs on this cd though, that deserve equal billing. He does 2 fine rockers with "HIGHWAYS AND HEARTACHES", and SETTLE FOR LOVE", both of which feature Ely's regular guitar player David Grissom, who is probably one of the most underrated guitar players around. It's the songs that cross the border between rock and country that Ely has always done best. A couple great examples of this, and my favorites here are "SHE COLLECTED" and another song written by Robert Earl Keen "WHENEVER KINDNESS FAILS", which features some nice background B3 organ playing by Reese Wynans, from Stevie Ray's Double Trouble band. The cd ends with a heartfelt interpretation of the excellent Dave Alvin tune "EVERY NIGHT ABOUT THIS TIME". A great slow burning country tune. Love and Danger is an impressive and well recorded album of equal parts rock and country, with some of the best songwriting Ely has ever done. Joe Ely still remains one of Austin's best kept secrets. Highly recommended!

In May 1993,I went to see a Bruce Springsteen concert in Dublin and he brought Joe Ely on for an encore to duet on "Settle for Love",advising us afterwards to check out Joe's new album "Love & Danger" as it was "great rock'n'roll"..Despite knowing next to nothing about Joe's music,I went out next day and bought this album based solely on Bruce's recommendation (he's rarely lacking in taste) and the performance I'd just seen.

I cant believe that this album isnt better known and recognized universally as a rock'n'roll classic. I have about 1500 albums in my collection,and this one certainly belongs in my top 20 favourites. Its packed from beginning to end with great songs,super driving rock'n'roll played in a way thats too rare these days,beautiful story-songs and wonderful melodies that will make you tape your feet and stay in your brain forever.

I've since discovered much of the remaining albums in Joe's back catalogue,but for me,this one remains his masterpiece.

Perfect music for a long drive!

I know another person has already cited Bruce Springsteen's name in relation to this album, but I can do him one better. I ran into Bruce in a Manhattan Record store in 1993, and, during our half-hour conversation, he implored me to pick up Joe Ely's "Love and Danger." I did, and wasn't sorry. This is hard-charging rock & roll of the first stripe. I recommend it to anyone who loves the real thing.

Never heard of Joe Ely, shame on you. Once you start you will want more and more.

Gave several as gifts and everyone has ordered more on thier own.

Music, lyrics, emotion, pleasure all come together in "Love and Danger"

I have most of Joe's "LP's" & CD's, this one is one of my favorites, but, THEIR ALL GOOD! Some comparison has been made to the "Boss", Joe is better, no super ego and no political BS to put up with! Joe's music is right from the heartland of this country, it rocks!, even the ballads rock. The bands that Joe has put together over the years are tight!, you can't find a bad one. I dare you to listen and NOT tap your foot, or, do a finger drum on the table! Waiter!, another Lone Star here!

music that sticks to your soul....you just can't stop singing...

Great cd, good songs and sound. Highly recommend. It's my first purchase of this singer and it's a good one.

This is my favorite Joe Ely album. I've seen Joe since the 70's and have even been in the warm up band for his show. He recently appeared at the Kessler Theatre in Oak Cliff, which is an area near Dallas. The venue was amazing, an art deco theatre from the 1930s. The theatre only holds about 200 people, which made it all the more magical.

Bottom line, if you don't own this album or figure out how to listen to it, you are missing out.

The first time I knew anything about Mr. Ely was when I was listening to the greatness that is Marty Stuart's cd Hillbilly Rock.Selection 6 of the album is the song Me and Billy The Kid,which I loved after I heard it the first time.As I do when I hear a good song I look to see who wrote it.Only last names are given for each song and to me a name such as
Ely stands out. Some time later I was watching a commercial for an Austin City Limits episode and saw that he and his band were going to perform so I made sure that I tuned in to see what else they had.When his time was up and they left the stage I was blown away"these guys are awesome".A short time later I saw Live At Liberty Lunch on cassette,bought it and,wore it out.The first song on Live At Liberty Lunch,Me And Billy The Kid just never got along.So When I saw Love and Danger I bought it but didn't wear it out,can't wear out a cd.I strongly recommend Love and Danger And Live At Liberty Lunch and you will ask yourself the same question"why has this guy not made it big"?

This is Joe Ely at his very best. Not a bad song here. Texas country rock music. Mr. Ely is on fire with disc. 5 Stars here. Buy this one and enjoy.