Customer Reviews

Mudlark

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an album you'll treasure for thirty years -- I know I have. I agree with Kottke that his vocals are, well, regrettable. But mainly because they obscure his guiar playing on the non-instrumental tracks. The liner notes are another attraction.

Ice Miner may be the most beautiful guitar solo you'll ever hear. Cripple Creek is dazzling. In many of his later albums he could no longer play in quite the same way because of the pain in his hands (his style is explosive, and over time wore out his fingers' strength). Mudlark is the best Kottke album, ever.

Intersted in Leo Kottke, but you don't know where to start? Well, if it's quirky John Fahey-like guitar instrumentals you want, try with 6 and 12 String Guitar. If you're interested in a broader, more eclectic song selection, and Kottke's unique vocal style, this is the one. It's one of my all-time favorites. His version of "Eight Miles High" is killer, maybe even better than the Byrds' (and that comes from a serious Byrds fan). A truly unique talent.

Leo really outdoes his virtuosity here, and there's even room to smile at the few songs with vocals (exceptions allowed for taste with the guest appearance on "Monkey Lust"). Melodically, with "Stealing," this may be his best: one of the most gorgeous songs ever tried throughout Kottke's career; (although truly taken from several sources) it keeps blooming each time it's played. (Hint: on hard-to-find shows from the 70s via collectors, he burned through that on a sizzling 12-string medley that starts with "Last Steam Engine Train.")

Instrumentally, Kottke and mates (among others, a nifty job by either Paul Lagos or Kenny Buttrey on drums) have left as testimony 14 nifty tracks with variety: quick-step dancing jollity and old-fashioned appeal ("Cripple Creek"), humorous bursts of male hormonal desire ("Bumblebee" and "Standing in My Shoes"), and even some J.S. Bach ("Bouree"). Kottke's urge for the bizarre-yet-appealing gets two fine slide features with "June Bug" and even better, a retooled "Machine #2," which shows how much more a song can do with the right percussion backing.

Bukka White (and John Fahey) have their roots (and fingers) in the design of "Poor Boy," but Leo's vocals and lyrics undo whatever magic "Lullaby" is supposed to make. Leave some space for "Room 8" to justify Kottke's serious treatment, because he's back again to sing "hear the Wind Howl," which may be more appropriately called "Hear {Leo} howl."

Yeah, I agree with Iowa music fan (below), this one's worthy of your hard earned money, if you have a yen to discover Kottke. I first heard this album...whew, was it '71?...and certain cuts have been on the soundtrack in my mind ever since. The guitar playing is fiery, gorgeous, earthy, slashing, amazin'. His voice is totally OK too although he pokes fun at it all the time.

I have this CD on vinyl. Too bad the recording quality on this import is of poor quality. It sounds as if the CD was pressed from a second or third copy of the original. It has a very "distant" and almost echo-like sound. The music itself is outstanding.

I also had this album in high school on vinyl, and saw Leo at IL State live soon after, and have collected his stuff over the years. I play guitar as a hobby, and have spent time in the studio, which can be difficult. Let me say this, if LK had never recorded another note after ' The Ice Miner ' , it would have been enough for me, quite possiblly one of the most haunting, exquisite guitar instrumentals ever. It still raises the hair on my arms, and if you don't get goosebumps, you're not breathing !

Another great album by Leo Kottke. Mudlark shows a lot of influences from early american "Cripple Creek", rambling gritty folk of "Monkey Lust" to the Bach classic "Bourree". The starting track is Cripple Creek sounds nothing like the old traditional song but the slide guitar is superb. Eight Miles High is stripped down jazz version with some nice trills and sound build ups by Kottke. June Bug is a nice instermental with great dorbo playing. The Ice Miner returns back to the old Kottke with just an acostic guitar playing some beatiful lines that warm you up. My favorite Bumblebee is a jaunty one very popish and one that can get stuck in your head. Stealing is another instermental with Kottke dueting with himself very laidback. Monkey Lust is full of music with a guest vocalist singing some wreary words. Poorboy by Bukka White and composed by Fahey has a band backing him again just like in every other song on the album. Lullaby my least favorite on here just sways around not as good as the other material on the album. The chogging Machine #2 a follow up of Vasaline Machine Gun is the same just with the session players backing Kottke but don't avoid it the druming is hypnotizing and the bass gives it more of a marching sound. Hear the Wind Howl is another favorite with Kottke's vocals and guitar soaring in the song very good. Bourree sounds like he playing from a book because he arranged it so good very professional. Room #8 just meanders on doesn't really go anywhere but some parts do grab your attention. The beaty Standing in my Shoes ends the album with a nice folky-pop love song approch offers some blistering slide guitar in it. Mudlark should not by passed by it one of Leo Kottke's finest moments .

I agree with the great enthusiasm of the others here on Kottke's wonderful playing. His recently replayed "Phishy" appearance on Mountain Stage was a delight. To answer the previous reviewer, though, the "Bourree" punched up by Ian Anderson, et al. is from Bach's Suite in E Minor, BWV 996 (5th movement). For another guitar version, see Julian Bream's CD, J. S. Bach on EMI Classics, which also includes the popular Chaconne.

This was my second Kottke album. I bought it when I was in high school some thirty years ago and I will always treasure it. He doesn't need the accompaniment and, as other have remarked, his singing won't blow you away, but the guitar wizardry he displays, puts him among the elite whoever tried the instrument.

There just aren't enough words to describe how this mans' talent is so effortlessly expressed on the guitar.

Mudlark is a hallmark to the true Kottke fan. He may sound funny singing but you get used to it. His unique style draws your attention and holds you with out needing your concentration. It is almost as pleasent as classical music and is great for studying to.