Customer Reviews

October's Hill

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

 

 

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!

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.

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!

Bill Staines proves once again that he is the best folk singer around! October's Hill is filled with rich, reflective tunes that only Staines can produce. You can't help but to fall in love with the opening track "Dear Friend". It immediately joins the classic tunes Staines has given us over the years. Go buy this CD and enjoy the wonders of Bill Staines!

The cd was a big disappointment after reading the reviews, which make it sound like it must be great. Fact is the songs are a very mixed bag with some ok and some that I wonder why they were included. For example the cd closes with a religious hymn in which Mr. Staines sounds like a little boy singing in church. When my wife heard the cd on a recent trip, she asked me "why did you buy this cd?". And she did not mean that she liked it.

The main problem as I see it is when Bill sings in a higher key the result is less than on a professional level of performance. When he sings in a lower key the result is much more pleasant. Unfortunately about half of the songs on this cd are in the higher key. This is one cd that will collect dust before I play it again.