Customer Reviews

Mystic Journey

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...when Arlo Guthrie first sang Alice's Restaurant--but I saw the movie when it was first released and bought the album as soon as it was one. I've followed his music for over 25 years and this CD is vintage and futuristic. A few of the songs, "A Soldier Makes it Home," "Doors to Heaven," and "Wake Up Dead" he's been playing and refining in concerts for years. At least one of them, "Under Cover of Night," echoes Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young "Ohio," though the words are nothing the same. This album brings together Guthrie's faithfulness to protest and the lyrical beauty on albums such as "Amigo" and "Outlasting the Blues." Maybe the coolest thing about this CD is that he produced it with his son Abe, who wrote with him some of the songs, and Terry La Berry. This is family listening at it's best! Only wish he'd give the girls a better part.

Although I've enjoyed Arlo ever since the first release of "Alice's Restaurant", I had not actually purchased a Guthrie release since "Washington County" and "Hobo's Lullaby" about 30 years ago. Just a case of too much good music in the world, too few dollars to buy it with and a shortage of hours in which to do attentive listening. However, last month I had a chance to get this CD at a great price, and I went for it. I've played it about ten times, and like it better each time around. This is mostly mellow, truly mystic as the title promises, but not "New Age Boring." Arlo's voice, like his father's takes a while to grow on a person. His lyrics, again like his daddy Woody, reward focused listening at first.I think all 11 songs here are good, but one he didn't write really gets in the heart quickly..."You Are the Song". Glen Anthony did the lyrics, Charlie Chaplin the music, but Arlo really nails this corny love poem, making it powerful rather than prissy. If you just read the words, it feels too wimpy for a guy to recite to his woman. But when Arlo sings it, somehow it works. One Arlo did write that packs a punch is called "Doors of Heaven." (Think about it being his version of John Lennon's "Imagine"---I like Arlo's song better.) To sum up, if you EVER liked Arlo, you'll like this CD. If you aren't familiar with his work, but you are a bit folky, a bit liberal, a bit spiritual...well, you'll like it too. Women may like it more than men (There is no equivalent to "Alice's Restaurant" or "Coming into Los Angeles" on this one) but I'm a guy, and I like it, too. So there!

Recently I attended an Arlo & Sarah Lee Guthrie concert. Many of the songs were from 'The Mystic Journey'. The stories surrounding such songs as 'Wake Up Dead' & 'Doors To Heaven' were at once funny and touching. Being a Viet Nam vet the song 'When A Soldier Comes Home'reminded me of the bittersweet memory of returning from an unpopular war. The title cut and 'Moon Song' were also strong songs, in fact I liked the entire CD. As my wife said, "Arlo sounds like Bob Dylan in tune".

This CD should have gone platinum. Arlo has created a powerful and compelling piece of work. Moon Song, Face of Time, Mystic Journey and Under Cover of Night are haunting. When a Soldier Makes It Home is a great tribute to our sons and daughters in uniform. Rediscover Arlo...Buy this CD.

Ok, I wasn't at Bleeker Street when Arlo Guthrie first sang Alice's Restaurant--but I saw the movie when it was first released and bought the album as soon as it was one. I've followed his music for over 25 years and this CD is vintage and futuristic. A few of the songs, "A Soldier Makes it Home," "Doors to Heaven," and "Wake Up Dead" he's been playing and refining in concerts for years. At least one of them, "Under Cover of Night," echoes Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young "Ohio," though the words are nothing the same. This album brings together Guthrie's faithfulness to protest and the lyrical beauty on albums such as "Amigo" and "Outlasting the Blues." Maybe the coolest thing about this CD is that he produced it with his son Abe, who wrote with him some of the songs, and Terry La Berry. This is family listening at it's best! Only wish he'd give the girls a better part.

We have loved Arlo for years, and have gone to see him whenever we could. As we were getting ready to get married, my then future-husband and I chose "You Are the Song" as our wedding song. It is such a beautiful song. Give it a listen. This is what music is all about. Peace to all.

The song The Doors of Heaven is on my top 10 list. Maybe my top 5 list. It deserves to be widely heard and is worth the price of admission in itself. In the spirit of John Lennon's Imagine, The Doors of Heaven asks the listener to imagine a world without self-absorbtion and its more detrimental side effects like allowing people to go hungry or the abuse of children. Not as preachy as my description sounds, just a very nice song. Moon Song has some wonderful poetry in its lyrics. Arlo Guthrie on a reflective day.

I absolutely love Arlo for the person he is and for his music. Being a musician myself, I know what Arlo does in his songs and he is a rare talent. I love all of his records. I REALLY love his stuff from the 60's but this really does compare. He justgets better and better as I said. He is also one of the most kindest people I have ever met. I strongly recommend this CD.

I never thought it would happen but with, "When a Soldier Makes it Home" Arlo has finally equaled, if not beaten, Bob Dylan's writing prowess.

I lived the journey; I experienced the concert in a small club in Houston. Abe sat in and played the drums. It was a Mystic night and a lifetime memory that I will always be able to validate, the child on the cover signed my sleeve. She was with mom at a small table selling CD's. If I remember this correct she is Abe's daughter. WOW Arlo's grandbaby. -
What a trip she will have.
Don't forget to play Alice's Restaurant every Thanksgiving. It has become a movement!