Customer Reviews

One of the Fortunate Few

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Some things really do get better with age, and a prime example of this concept has to be the wild Texas howler, Delbert McClinton. I've probably seen the man in concert 15 times by now and he's quite easily the most electrifying live performer I've ever seen.

Now, about this album. Just go buy it! As one reviewer said, Delbert doesn't really sing country (he's more of a roadhouse bluesman), although some of those flourishes find their way into his songs. OOTFF is, in my opinion, his best album ever, which is saying quite a lot. ("The Jealous Kind", now repacked as "Classics, Vol. I" and "Never Been Rocked Enough" are also exceptional.)

"Old Weakness Coming On Strong" is an outstanding opening track, with great vocals and guitar work. My personal fave on the album is probably "Monkey Around", featuring the superlative slide guitar of Mr. Lee Roy Parnell and background vocals by Pam Tillis and Patty Loveless.

"Sending Me Angels" slows things down, with more great guitar by Lee Roy and some nice harmony vocals by Vince Gill. "Better Off With the Blues" is a great acoustic blues song that Delbert wrote (I think). BTW, Delbert wrote or cowrote almost all of the songs on the album. The last track, "Best of Me" closes the album on a high note, with some hoarse roadhouse vocals from the man and his characteristic very fine harmonica.

The album hasn't been off my CD player since I bought it. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

I have been a fan of Delbert's for thirty years, and this is his very best, in my opinion. The samples listed above are only of the first 5 songs on the CD, which is a shame, because the LAST 5 are the one's I would showcase. The first 5 don't have a single bad cut among them, but the last ones are among the best he has ever released. The quality of the musicians he has helping him is amazing, and you can just hear in their work that they were having a great time doing this CD. Keltner on drums is simply unbelievable, even for him. On "Monkey Around" I still haven't decided if he is using a double pedal or just has the fastest feet in the world. "You Were Never Mine" is a great slow and simple ballad, "Best of Me" is classic Delbert and "Better Off With the Blues" is a great piece of acoustic blues with guitar work that must be heard on headphones to really be appreciated. Throughout, Delbert blows some of the best harp you will ever hear. Like the other reviewers, I agree there isn't even a so-so cut on the entire CD. I like the second half better, and have my player programmed to start with #6, but I love the entire album. If someone asked me to pick one CD to showcase Delbert's music, hell, one CD to show the range of the blues, this would be the one I would pick. I will know soon if you can wear a CD out by playing it too often.

I have been a fan of Delbert's for close to 20 years now. I own many of his recordings, and have seen him live at various locations. So while I can recommend the man in general for his soul, his great voice, his constantly high level of musicianship, and his cut-to-the-bone integrity, I have to say that this particular album, his latest, is something special.

First, the people accompanying him here are all stellar. Second, this album displays more variety than many of his others, going from acoustic blues, roadhouse rock, electric blues and ballads to others not easily categorized, such as "Too Much Stuff" and "Somebody to Love You." Third, the songs are all just great, with lyrics, music, singing and playing all noteworthy on every cut.

Fourth, there is a maturity and sense of satisfaction from Delbert that shines through on this album, that is not present in such abundance on past recordings. Delbert has been paying his dues for a long time now and, as the album title suggests, he now feels satisfaction with the place that he has arrived at, and this sheer appreciation for the life that he has lived radiates from every note on the recording.

Finally, there is a sort of thematic consistency running throughout the album. Delbert sings about issues of love on nearly every cut (which is not unusual for any singer), but from constantly varying perspectives, almost all of which cut against the grain of traditional romantic material. Many take a humorous view of the pitfalls of romance, and these make the serious numbers all the more compelling when they come along.

For my money, "One of the Fortunate Few" ranks up there with the best work of any singer working today.

Delbert rules. Simple as that. Y'all don't believe it, get off your wide behind and go watch him work. I'm here to testify, watching Delbert working out in front of a roadhouse crowd is pure pleasure. What Hershey's syrup is to a chocoholic, Delbert is to any real fan of honkytonk, rhythym and blues. Boiled down to purest essence, 'best of' genre, a blue ribbon speckled pup, y'all. This album is a labor of love, not something the man mailed in. 4 years since he put out the last one, it's all been worth the wait. Y'all listen to Delbert work his patented smooth/raspy way through it just once, you'll wind up with a big list of favorites off Fortunate Few. Destined to be one of those CDs that divorce lawyers hate, 'cause both parties just won't let the other one have it in the settlement. In the interest of domestic tranquility, buy 2 of 'em! You can both sit around later on separately listening to 'Better off with the Blues' and know you did the right thing. The fact is, if you've got a problem, Delbert's got a song to fix it up. Instant Solace and Consolation brought to you by brother Delbert. A musical balm for what ails you. The doctor says "Dim the lights, pour a big glass of heart-healthy red, and turn up the volume". Makes you wanna live forever.

Delbert is the master of honkytonk/blues/R&B/soul. Here he enlists the help of several well-known friends, and delivers another great collection of tunes. Bekka Bramlett adds her incredibly soulful backing vocals to "Old Weakness" (as good as any tune Delbert's recorded) as well as "Leap of Faith". The latter track also features the distinctive, stinging guitar work of B.B. King. I rest my case. The instantly recognizable, soaring slide guitar of Lee Roy Parnell graces the ballad "Sending Me Angels". "Monkey Around" is another example of classic Delbert, complete with his trademark clever lyrics. The track also features backing vocals by Patty Loveless and Pam Tillis. "Better Off With the Blues" isn't a bad Delta blues style track, but I could've done without the jump blues "Too Much Stuff". However, he regains his swagger on the finale, "Best of Me". Full of honkytonk piano, Delbert's own fine harmonica work, & great horns, this is another very good album.(By the way, why Bekka Bramlett hasn't become a massively successful solo artist by now is beyond me! She's much too talented to be hiding in the background.)

Getting the best of Delbert McClinton and friends is just about as good as it gets!!! There is not even 1 marginal cut on this CD. I feel energized, amused and thoroughly treated every time I enjoy this CD. Which I do often. Thanks Delbert and friends.

Being a musician, I am somewhat critical of some music I hear. However, since I first heard this cd I haven't gone more than 2 days without listening to it. In fact it didn't take me a week to learn and play some of the songs on this one. Fantastic. Keep rockin' Delbert, but, please come to Wisconsin and play! And for all you out there

BUY THIS CD FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!

I first heard Delbert McClinton perform on IMUS and immediately ordered the CD. I enjoy it tremendously. Its the CD that STAYS in the player all the time.. Super CD. Super performer.

Delbert Mc Clinton is,for me,the most great surprise in the musical scenery in years.His musics are great,one of the best musical creations,and of course i've becomed a Delbert fan.Fan of his music,his authenticity,his way to play,to create and to be among such rare musicians that knows how to get the attention of the audience.The musics are something out of this world,and i say again that for me, is so uncomprehensive, the fact that this fabulous vocalist remains almost unknown in the musical world!!!!
The production of this cd is refined,a gem,a jewel and with guest appearances of many other great unknown musicians.I really liked the background vocal of Bekka Bramlett "what voice!!".
Really this cd surpasses many others in my collection of almost 800 cds.This one goes to a special place with few others i consider GREAT!!!!!!
This is that kind of music for only those people tuned with the modern concepts about what is considered GOOD MUSIC!!!
The others......POOR of them!!!!!!!
Delbert you've done the best and you really deserves...all of the good!!!

My wife and I caught Delbert's show last night at Billy Bob's and what a time we had!!! This man is a true Texas legend. Anyone, and I mean anyone, will have a great time listening to Delbert and his band play everything from country, to blues, to R&B. He has something for everyone and you'll find yourself singing along with the first song. If you think you know music and you don't have Delbert in your CD player, think again. Delbert is the best stress buster out there, so if you "...fell that old weakness comming on strong" Delbert's the cure!