October's Hill

Bill Staines | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 8, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red House
• ASIN: B000040JCU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,370 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vintage Staines! Another Great Album !, February 16, 2000

By 

Old Slothead "Va is for Folk Music Lovers" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: October's Hill (Audio CD)

The new "October's Hill" CD is vintage Bill Staines! Having seen him live in concert four times within the past year, it's exciting to see that this album reflects some of his best work. Favorite song on the album is "When I Hear the Music Play," which tells of his early interest in music and how soothing music can be. "Dear Friend" was a special song written for a friend of his. The Rod McEwen song, "Love's Been Good to Me" is also one of my favorites. I was happy to add this album to my Bill Staines collection. If he comes to your area, you're in for a real treat if you can see him live in concert!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Undiscovered Beauty, November 8, 2000

By 

Jason (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: October's Hill (Audio CD)

I was ecstatic when I found this CD at my local music store. I used to follow Staines's career because he used to make frequent stops in Baltimore, and I always loved his music, but I hadnt heard about him in a while. This is actually the first CD of his that I have ever found, and I bought it without thinking about it. Having not heard his music since I was quite young, I never realized how much his music really means. I always enjoyed his "All God's Critter's" (which unfortunately is not on this album) because of the uplifting beat, but his music has a meaning, and it's so easy to relate to. "Dear Friend" is simply what the title indicates, and everyone has a close friend who "carries them along" like Staines sings about. "On the Road Again" is a song that essentially seems autobiographical, but is easy to relate to, because the themes of change and taking chances are universal. It's not until the fourth track that he demonstrates his ability to pick up the pace a little, but he is always in control of his music. Virginia's Reel (track 5) is the style of his that I remember, and it brings back memory of my childhood. It's such a playful song. "Love's Been Good to Me" slows things back down, but unlike many musicians, Staines can effectively change pace without affecting the flow of the album. Again, he sings of love, a very common theme, but a very touching theme. "Ghost Towns" and "Old City Jail" can almost go together, but each maintains its individual integrity. "Gold Watch and Chain" is perhaps the easiest song to learn the words to on the album, and is fun to sing along with. Overall, it is truly a pleasure to see that Staines has remained true to his roots. I almost think of him like John Denver, because even if you are unfamiliar with him, his voice is incredible, yet simple, and easy to listen to. Staines sings to make himself happy, and at the same time makes the listener happy. Do yourself a favor, and discover this little known about treasure of the folk community.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic for Staines, November 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: October's Hill (Audio CD)

Having almost every piece of work Bill Staines has recorded, October's Hill is ranked close to Whistle of the Jay - my absolute favorite. I recently purchased this at one of his recent concerts and it has new classics. The last couple of CDs while great, I feel are not as strong as this one. Virgina Reel, Ghost Town and more are wonderful. My single disappointment is Games People Play, which I imagine would probably come across better in person than the version appearing here on the CD.

With so many outstanding CDs from Bill Staines, if you must only purchase 1, start with either Whistle of the Jay or Million Miles Volume 1. Once you hear these you'll come back and need to hear more. Or see him in concert as soon as he comes your way. Enjoy!