Customer Reviews

No Other Love

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked this CD up on a whim when I learned that Chuck Prophet is scheduled to open a Lucinda Williams show I'll soon be attending. I had no expectations, but man was I pleasantly surprised. This disc is an unusually successful blend of the organic and the synthetic. Prophet's song writing is wry and rootsy and seems to be heartfelt too. It's complemented perfectly by instrumentation and arrangements that are eclectic-almost collage like- but the various sources and influences are pasted together in a far more understated manner than one would hear from say, Beck. Really what you've got are strong songs, vocals and guitar playing placed in settings that are at times unexpected ,always pleasing, and never out of synch with the essence of the music. Highly Recommended.

This CD hasn't left my player (well, not much, anyway) since I got it. The only way I can describe this fellow is: Chuck Prophet is the musical love child of a triangle involving Lucinda Williams, Jim Morrison and Bobbie Gentry. (In fact, save Jim, they should all go on tour together) But, I digress...the lyrics are chewy and profuse, the tunes are simple and catchy (just right for rolling around the streets of summer with the windows rolled down), and sexy vibes drip from Chuck's vocals. To this woman, this man is one of the most appealing singers around right now. His songs, voice and guitar work pull at my heart (and places below that). Tell me you don't think so too.

In reading about Chuck Prophet, he's (wrongfully) been pigeonholed into the alt-country genre. Granted, he was the mastermind behind alt-country trailblazers Green on Red, but that was a long, long time ago. I got this CD recently, then read great things about "The hurting business", so I bought it too, but "No other love" is much, much better. Haven't had a chance to see his show yet, but apparently, he's only drawing 50-100 people in most venues, which is great for the audience, but a shame for him because this guy deserves much wider recognition. Sometimes he sounds like Tom Petty, sometimes like Beck unplugged, sometimes like Dylan. Bottom line is he's a great guitar player, and the lyrics are awesome ("here come that gal of mine / like a storm across the sea"). I'm reluctant to put him into any particular genre, but if you like laid back, groove based psychedelia, you gotta get this CD.

I saw Chuck Prophet this last weekend opening for Lucinda Williams in Boston. Great show (both!). This was the first time I heard him either live or on CD. Chuck Prophet takes "alt-country" to an interesting place with his moody lyrics and amazing guitar work. Upbeat enough for a party, reflective enough for solo listening. A worthwile purchase (thanks Paul).

What an impressive CD! I heard the song "Summertime Thing" on a college radio station and I couldn't get it out of my head. So I went and bought the cd, not really knowing what to expect. The lyrics are superb--you've got songs about being in love, about hanging on to love, about love that has a tenuous grip on reality. You've got a song about a robbery gone wrong, and one robber, wracked with guilt, turns the other one in--20 years later! You've got a loveable lost soul in the song "Eloise" and even a song about the pain of gossip in "Old Friends." The songs are guitar driven, and the liner notes indicate that Chuck plays all kinds of different guitars-he is a great guitarist. Some of the songs also have violin, viola and upright bass-played extremely well, and creates a sound that is uniquely Chuck's own. Oh, and there's a farfisa organ. When was the last time you heard one of those in a guitar driven song? Wow! It's a great addition. Chuck has a nice, mellow voice that is easy on the ears, and there's some nice harmony sung by Stephanie Finch. If you like GREAT music, you'll like this. Highly recommended!

This album was my introduction to CP and wow, I was blown away. I'm typically a twitchy listener and begin hitting skip buttons way too fast but this time there was no need. The entire album was enthralling, his songs have grace and lyrical substance but are infused with a healthy dose of humour and irony they capture moods, fleeting emotions and bittersweet moments brilliantly.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this album to anyone!

I was not familiar with the music of Chuck Prophet until I caught him on Austin City limits. I bought this cd the next day and popped it in the machine. At first it sounded a bit strange to me but after giving it a second listen I found myself really enjoying everything about this. The lyrics are cool, the instrumentation is different and yet it rocks when it needs to. I can't stop listening to this and will be picking up his earlier releases. I hope they measure up. At times I am reminded of Tom Petty but the arrangements are more complex than anything Petty's done. A really great CD.

I bought this disc after hearing a download of the song "Summertime Thing". The song clicked with me, and I figured I'd give Chuck a chance. 9 times out of 10 I end up giving the disc one listen, and then it's long forgotten. Well, "No Other Love" beat the odds. I can't say enough about this album. At times Chuck's vocals sound a lot like an old favorite of mine, Jerry Jeff Walker. The production on some songs (CP produced this himself) reminds me of Gus Dudgeon's production on some of Elton John's earlier albums. There's even hints of Mark Knopfler in here. That said though, Chuck Prophet is truly an original talent. He puts his all into every song, from writing, singing, guitar playing, and producing. And the variety of songs just keep me wanting to hear the album again and again.

There is humor, joy and a definite honesty in this album that is sorely missing in today's arena of popular music. A great album by a talent who truly deserves greater recognition.

My mission this year is to spread the music of Chuck Prophet to unsuspecting friends who would never hear it otherwise. That "No Other Love" wasn't listed on any mainstream "Best of 2002" list is proof that packaging is more important than product in the music industry. "No Other Love" is a brilliant album of moods and grooves that will stick in your head longer than 99% of the tunes you'll hear on the radio these days. I've followed Chuck since his days with Green on Red, and like a baseball player in his prime, he is now hitting the ball out of the park. Try this album on - you'll love it. Then - try to catch him in person - it's even better...

I've been looking for something new and different, and I found it in this CD. Every song is fun to listen to, not a weak one in the bunch. His blending of musical styles and instruments is fasinating. I wore in out in my car the week I bought it.