Customer Reviews

Okie

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

 

 

I'm familiar with seven of J.J. Cale's albums so far--the first four, plus "Grasshopper," "#8," and "Travel Log"--and "Okie" is my favorite, just barely edging out his debut album. What I like best about "Okie," aside from the fact that it's full of good tunes, is the casual, laid-back atmosphere. You could say that about all of Cale's early albums, of course, but this one takes that sound just a little farther. One of the songs was actually recorded on Cale's back porch, and two others were recorded in his house. The others were recorded in Tennessee, either at Woodland Studio B or a place called Bradley's Barn. You get the picture.

These songs are also bound together by the use of an electric piano that appears throughout, helping to create a really nice groove. A highlight is "Anyway the Wind Blows," which is driven by a great little guitar riff that was later modified slightly by Eric Clapton for "Lay Down Sally." "Everlovin' Woman," "Cajun Moon," and "I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)" also have really nice grooves. Meanwhile, the slow songs are not quite as memorable, but none of them are duds by any means.

As usual, the songs are all short--the entire album clocks in at just under 30 minutes. It's as if Cale thinks he would be showing off if he extended them any longer. And he's got so many good riffs that he's happy to trot out a new one every two or three minutes. If you like your albums longer than this, I have a suggestion: Play it twice in a row.

Well, this album rolls along like a river with the patented JJ groove. Nothing leaps out at you like that catfish over there. I can stare at the waves in a river a long time. Maybe they get into my head in places I don't want to go. Same sort of thing goes on with the songs here...I've worn out this album. If you like it, you'll love it. If not, maybe, when you feel like kicking back it's a good idea to give it another try. Thanks JJ.

I beg to disagree. This is exceptional Cale, among the very very best, in my mind and in my ears.

Although I did not receive the LP, the seller promptly refunded my money. He was very courteous and considerate as to addressing the failure of the LP to arrive.

Very relaxing music, especially driving home from work. Not as good as The Very Best Of J.J. Cale, (a,k.a. The Definitive Colleciton).

It has the cool sound of J.J. first effort. There are some
great tunes too. I don't think it's exceptional Cale, but
worth owning and checking out.

This is another solid J.J.Cale album from way back in 1974. This one's not as good as Naturally or Troubadour, but it has a few great songs like: I'll Be There, Everlovin' Woman, & Any Way The Wind Blows.