Customer Reviews

Off the Shelf

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had Off the Shelf on vinyl in college and it was one of my favorite albums..and it still holds up. I am psyched to finally have it on CD now and I urge you to take a listen. Great harmony and high energy acoustic guitars. The guitar break on Can You See Him is worth the cost of the album!

Their second album serves up more stellar performances- the rich jangling guitars and soaring harmonies found on their debut. I couldn't agree more with the above review who remarks "Finally!"- I've been waiting years for these to be released. Anyone into CSN&Y, Byrds, America etc. shouldn't hesitate to check these guys out. Excellent production work here- hence a fantastic soundstage. Great to see them re-released- the only regret being, versions weren't reproduced for SACD or DVD-Audio.

"Off The Shelf" or Batdorf and Rodney are virtually unheard of,
by most people.
I was lucky to see them play live (by accident) in the 70's.
The guitar playing, the songwriting the singing the performance,
the unusual style of rhythms etc. were simply suburb.
This CD "Off The Shelf" is wonderful to listen to, up beat positive words and music. A must for acoustic guitar lovers to listen to.

A great acoustic album. After several decades apart, they're finally back together playing the same wonderful music that this album so exemplified when it was released over thirty years ago. I saw John and Mark play last night, and they're as good as ever. There's a magic when the two old friends get together that's unparelleled. They ended the set with Can You See Him, and seeing them do it live blew me away. If you love great, insightful writing, incredible guitar work (Mark Rodney is as tasty an acoustic player as I've heard), beautiful harmonies, then you MUST buy this album, Off The Shelf. I also bought John's new CD last night, Home Again, on which Mark also played. It is also filled with beautiful songs, perfect harmonies, and fantastic guitar work. And they're as nice as can be. I knew Mark back in the 70's a little (we crossed paths a few times), and he and John went out of their way to be nice, and spend time talking with me and my wife. It was a great show, a great evening. What are you waiting for? Buy the CD already!

Why wait to share the news: In case you weren't aware, this CD is among the most enjoyable and enduring of any in the acoustic rock genre. That is high praise indeed, but well earned. This CD has more winning songs than 99% of the music you own, and if you don't have this CD, don't wait. After three listenings, you'll agree - it's that good. Now for the best news- B & R have reunited and have hit the road in selected cities. And this timeless music from the CD is featured and lives as comfortably in this age as it did in the early 1970's.

John Batdorf and Mark Rodney came to Northeast Ohio for the first time in over 30 years and those of us who had the opportunity to see them play their music and share their stories will forever have that glorious memory.

As good as Batdorf's 2007 solo CD, "Home Again" is, the real treat was hearing the music of Batdorf and Rodney performed acoustically. The combined guitars of these two musicians still sing. The voices were perfect. And the joyful lyrics and music found on "Off the Shelf," first shared over 30 years ago, sounded as fresh and vibrant as if we were hearing for the first time.

In concert, Mark Rodney is back among the finest acoustic pickers in folk music and played notes from "Off the Shelf" effortlessly. "Me and My Guitar", "One Day," Oh My Surprise," and so many other songs had new life as Mark's guitar took center stage. And John Batdorf's artful lead playing during the triumphant "Can you See Him," may have actually showcased the best licks of the night.

As wonderful as it was to hear the music, the greatest pleasure came in seeing the interplay between these two old friends. The memories they shared about their early days, their meetings with Ahmet Ertegen, and the life experiences which generated their songs were captivating and humerous. It was a totally satisfying experience and now, when I hear "Off the Shelf," I have the faces and the memory to go with the unforgettable music.

"Off the Shelf" is more than 30 years old and still sounds new. This is a duo, and a CD, that should be within earshot at all times!!

I saw Batdorf and Rodney several times and was never disappointed with their guitar stylings, the blend of their voices, or the message in their songs. Fans of Brewer & Shipley who don't know John and Mark need to check out their work.

This duo produced a handful of LP's in the 70's but this one stands out among their output. Great singing and ringing acoustic guitar play.
Reminds me of Seals & Croft on steroids. Nice trip down memory lane. Highly recommended if you're into the sound of the Buffalo Springfield
(coincidently this duo was nurtured by Ahmet Ertegun who gave the Springfield their start). Only reason I didn't give this CD a 5 star rating is
due to the fact that, to my ears, the vocal mix is somewhat thin and harsh in parts. Performance wise - 5 stars !!

Bought the LP in the 70's. Bought the CD in 2010. 5 stars for the music. 4 stars for the recording. Jane

I used to own this on vinyl as well....it's back in my collection now on CD. Definitely worth the money. You just don't hear music like this anywhere(anymore). Except of course if you were at my house....

own the album since it came out. It was nice to see it was on CD so now I can llisten to it in the car....great stuff