Customer Reviews

Love Filling Station

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a quiet, contemplative cd that finds Jesse in excellent voice and singing some very strong songs. Nine of the songs were written by Jesse and the other three were nice covers - Ben E. King's Stand By Me, and the gospel song, Far Side Bank of Jordan, often recorded in bluegrass and country music, and well done here by Jesse. The third cover is Loose Talk, a 1955 hit by Carl Smith and done here by Jesse and Claire Lynch. The cd is beautifully produced by Jerry Douglas and includes such top flight pickers as Russ Barenberg on guitar and mandolin, Andy Leftwich on fiddle, and Douglas on lap steel, among others. If you are expecting a rock record this won't be your cup of tea, however, if you want a quiet, well played, well sung cd, you will love this one. The emphasis here is on the country, folk, and soul side of Jesse's music and is very consistent. A strong outing.

I've gotta chime in on this song as well. I also happened to catch Elivis Costello's Spectacle with Jesse, Neko Case, Cheryl Crow and Ron Sexsmith. I think the tear on Neko Case's face says it all about this song with an interesting title. This song is not to be believed even after you listen to it for the impact that it delivers. DANG is right, according to another review.

Everyone needs to see his appearance on Elvis Costello's Spectacle TV show. On a guitar pull episode with Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith and Neko Case, Jesse floored everyone with the brilliant "Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding". At first I thought it was too nostalgic, but it quickly turned into a revelation. Stunning. Dang!

Let me begin by saying I have been a Jesse Winchester fan since the early 1970s, so I am a little prejudiced... but this has some of the finest songwriting and production of his career... there are songs that are funny without being "novelty" songs (It's A Shame About Him, Bless Your Foolish Heart) and sad w/o being maudlin or sappy (Lonely For A While, I Turn To My Guitar) and heartfelt love songs (Eulalie, Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding). Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding is so sweet and poignant, he made Neko Case cry when he sang it on Elvis Costello's music show Spectacle. The production has a light touch, ranging from folkie to slighty jazzy to country. This is a man at the height of his songwriting & performing talent. Listen to the samples snippets here, and if you like the taste you get, buy the CD.

We were "introduced" to Jesse Winchester when we saw him on Spectacle. This cd has the great songs that he sang on that show plus many other songs that highlight his pleasant voice and interesting lyrics. Mr. Winchester's rendition of Stand By Me is also wonderful!

Thank you, Jesse Winchester, for this lovely album. I heard Jesse sing the song "Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding" on Spectacle with Elvis Costello. The other songwriters on the show were quietly weeping by the end of the song as was I. Of course, I had to buy the album, and I have not been disappointed. The entire album is a pleasure.

Jesse Winchester is an acquired taste, and most certainly worth acquiring. I got this CD because of one song and ended up loving all of them. Bless Your Foolish Heart makes me smile every time I hear it. I'm Gonna Miss You Girl was a favorite recorded by Michael Martin Murphey, but here are some verses I never heard. It's kind of sad and melancholy, in a good way. Far Side Bank of Jordan - there really isn't anything to say about that song, it has to be heard.

But the big surprise to me was his version of 'Stand By Me'. I think, of all the versions of this song that I have heard, I like his the very best. It's obviously heartfelt.

I hope some day to actually see him in concert, but until then I will be adding to my collection of Jesse Winchester CDs.

Saw the Elvis Costello spectacle and when I heard Jesse's voice and his song, Sham a Lama Ding Dong, I was transported back in time. First of all, Jesse is so at ease in conveying his emotions in his music, which, in my book, is THE epitome of a singer. I bought this CD hoping to hear more of his songs and enjoy them.. Was I blessed! Jesse's voice is wonderful and so are his songs. Oh what a thrill sung before by Roy Orbison, takes on a different vibe with Jesse singing - probably because he wrote it! Bless your foolish heart needs only to be listened to... wonderful lyrics and music. And so it goes with most of the songs on this CD. Thanks, Jesse, for sharing your voice and wonderfully written songs with us!!

I've seen Jesse perform numerous times in the last 4 years or so and I'm hooked on seeing him live and solo, where you can really hear the nuances of his singing. So it took me a second listen to this CD before I started to find the jewels. Well done, Jesse.

Love the duet on the last cut, Loose Talk. And his sense of humor definitely shines through on several songs. I'm grateful he finally recorded the lovely gospel piece, Far Side Bank of Jordan, which I've also been touched by when I've heard him sing it in person. I'm looking forward to his next Portland show in late July. If you get a chance to see him live, don't miss it. And notice the audience response. It's magic.

I have been listening to Jesse Winchester since the 70's. He has gotten better with time. This is as good a collection of music as he has ever released. His voice has is a beautiful and tender as ever.