Customer Reviews

Meadow

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

 

 

i must have been living under a rock or something because i never heard this guy before i saw him play live with my friends the six parts seven at the beachland taverne. that show totally blew me away and that night my life changed forever. it's hard to explain that, but everyone who was there that day should understand what i mean, i'm sure everyone felt it...with that said, this record paints a small corner of a picture of what happened that night in cleveland. it's not the same backing band but it is CLOSE to what i heard that night, and to me, that is worth it. every once in a while i think i've heard it all, and then someone like richard buckner finds his way into my brain and then all i can do is sit back and shake my head, because it just opens up so many more things...get this and i'm sure you will agree. definately one of the most gifted humans of all time. why aren't musicians like this getting more recognition?

Great singing. Excellent ensemble playing. Richard Buckner has produced another fine album, but the only problem is that it sounds very much like the last one to my ears - and a little like 'Since' and 'Impasse' in parts. A great buy if you don't own any RB albums (or only Bloomed/Devotion and Doubt, or The Hill), but I was hoping for something a little fresher this time around. (I own six RB albums already). Perhaps his next one will return to the more 'stripped back' work of the early years, or will go off in a new direction. One can only hope, as Richard - as good as he is - is starting to recycle into minor variations on a familiar theme. It happens.

The thing i like most about listening to richard buckner is that the way the songs are composed and sung. Like interesting art...the more often you return to it the more you see/understand/hear. I like the way the words aren't first and foremost. Yet ultiimately THEY are richard buckner....It's the perfect blend of music and lyrics...poetry in motion if you must. I am still settling in with this one....and enjoying it greatly. I like getting something out the music i listen to... and know that i can listen to richard buckners music and constantly find/hear little wonderful morsels.

Transistor International, below, may have a point, in the case of experienced Buckner fans; but i am new to him, and as an introduction, Meadow has completely blown me over. Out of ten tracks, at least five are songs i cannot believe i lived without just a week ago. I love the mood of the entire album, and it has not left my 3-disc player since i got it. I ordered Devotion and Doubt a few days after getting Meadow; and find it similar, but not quite as powerfully magnetic as Meadow. So while maybe any introduction to Richard Buckner might impress more than exposure to further material (that thrill of discovery of fresh talent), i am willing to say that Meadow could easily be the highlight of an astounding songwriting/performing career.

Not only have I listened to this cd on repeat for hours while writing, I've returned to it again and again since I originally bought it. Normally I wouldn't bother writing a review, but my ire was ignited when I saw references to Buckner having hit a plateau in his music: this simply is not true. Amazing is the album that stays relevant, fresh, and worthy years after its acquisition.

I agree with one reviewer, Richard Buckner's music requires careful over and over listening. The first time you hear this album, it all seems to run together in your head, with little standout. As you grip deeper though, the melodies start to ring in your head, at the same time, you are listening to the intense lyrics that seem poetic at times. This album is possibly his best ever, and I have all of them. Its just a work of beauty.

It is a little more upbeat than Dents and Shells, and more flavorful as well. But the sparseness continues....and thats a good thing. Its not Indie persay, but not alt-country either. Its somewhere in-between these genres. Most of all, its just really good folk rock.

If you liked "Devotion + Doubt" and "Dents and Shells" as much as I did, this album picks right up where he left off. I can't recommend Richard Buckner enough. Check it out.

Great CD! It follows in the vibe established of Dents and Shells. Every song is great, Mile is my favorite. I can't wait for Richard's next Merge release, however I've come to accept that it'll be a 2-year wait. Make sure to see Richard live, he plays a lot of songs from this CD and he's wonderful live.

I have been a fan of RB for a few years now. I cannot say enough about this CD. It rocks! Buckner's incredible voice and guitar are accompanied by some fantastic talent on this CD. Buckner's voice has the capacity to move one into another dimension. This CD is a must have. Give a listen - you will be glad you did.