Customer Reviews

Poison Love

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used to HATE country music. That was until I heard Dwight Yoakam and Emmylou Harris in '86. Ever since then an occasional album will come out that blows me away like Lucinda Williams' self-titled cd or the Mavericks' "What a Crying Shame". Well, I can put "Poison Love" right up there with these classics. This album has the feel of putting on a worn pair of blue jeans. The songs just make sense...they sound tried and true and just...well, FIT. Buddy, you've made yourself a fan from a supreme critic of what passes for popular country today. Thanks!

I've had this CD for nearly two years, and it is still one of my favorites. Buddy and Julie Miller are the most consistent songwriting team working in country/country rock, and there is not a throwaway on the entire album. Two great bands back Buddy (Emmylou Harris and Spyboy, and Lucinda Williams' old mates), and Buddy's guitar work is stellar. Also great are Buddy's "Your Love and Other Lies" and Julie Miller's "Blue Pony," but this is the standout record of the three. This CD is everything that all the reviews below claim it is... and more.

The unabashed twang of Miller's music burns like a straight shot of whiskey - no mixers to dilute, no fruit to sweeten, and no ice to chill. "Poison Love" gathers its power from the unadulterated recording of Miller's voice, along with guitar, fiddle and steel that underline and embolden. Miller emphasizes by removing distractions, and what remains are life's joys and pains; spotlit pleas - hopeful, reciprocated, and scorned. His country-soul reading of "That's How Strong My Love Is" is every bit as powerful as O.V. Wright's original and Otis Redding's well-known 1965 cover. Miller strums his guitar's bass strings and grazes at the bottom end of his vocal range, turning on a half-note growl reminiscent of George Jones or Tompall Glaser. The disc balances slow, moody original like "Baby Don't Let Me Down" and "I Can't Help It" with the up-temp romp "Nothing Can Stop Me" and the foot-tapping recriminations of the title cut. Simply put: a stellar example of hard country music.

Buddy Miller and his wife, Julie have produced a wonderous traditional country CD here. I first heard excerpts from this album on National Public Radio, and was transfixed. It has been a favorite of mine ever since. The vocal harmonies are rapturous, the musicianship stupendous. And the quality of this recording is as close to perfection as you will hear. "100 Million Little Bombs," a song about the international landmine problem, is surprisingly engaging. "That's How Strong My Love Is," and "Don't Tell Me" captivate with their beauty and sincerity. This is what traditional country music is all about - brought into the 90's. A priceless gem of a recording.

I bought this album after seeing Buddy and Julie Miller perform at the Ann Arbor (MI) folk festival, with Emmylou Harris singing backup. I almost think it beats their live show! The harmonies are rich, the music is technically superb, and the thoughts behind the lyrics are sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes heart-warming. It's been in rotation in my player for a month now and I don't plan to take it out any time soon!

Not many records (of any classification) have become "instant classics" in my rather extensive music collection...Buddy Miller's "Poison Love" is that rare exception. From the opening track to the last, Miller has crafted a well-balanced CD, highlighted by superb songwriting and adept singing. Buddy's wife, Julie, lends a hand on several tunes and Miller's backing band is top-shelf. It's virtually impossible to single out one track, though my personal favorite is, "Don't Let Me Down." Should Miller ever decide to compile a "greatest hits" package, he may as well re-release "Poison Love." This one's THAT good!!!

Buddy Miller is an artist whose music should be on the tongues of everybody who loves rock 'n roll and/or country music. I've had this CD since shortly after it came out and it is, IMO, timeless. Every time I take it out and pop it on the CD player, the music sounds as fresh and relevant as the day it came out. I've got over 800 CD's, so I've got a lot from which to choose. This album is strong from the beginning to its final cut. "100 Million Little Bombs" is probably my favorite cut on the CD, though "Poison Love", "Don't Tell Me", "That's How Strong My Love Is" (a cover of Otis Redding's classic), "Love Snuck Up", et al could be singles for a lesser artist. This CD is so good, it plays better than many artists' "greatest hits" albums. If you get a chance to see Buddy Miller, take the opportunity. He will not disappoint you. He's a disarmingly modest, great singer and guitar player.

the goodwill would make a nice new home for your toby keith, vince gill, and garth brooks cds. you deserve something better. buddy miller comes quickly to mind. make room in your life for some true country genius. it's a good idea. it really is.

From start to finish this album is one of the best I have heard in quite some time. Buddy is a fine songwriter, exquisit guitar player and a great singer. He plays with some of the best in the business. I saw him in concert with Emmylou Harris. Each song on "Poison Love" is a masterpiece of it's own. "100,000 Little Bombs" made me realize the destruction created by left behind land mines. "Don't Tell Me" will move you to tears. The title song, "Poison Love" is a great display of both voice and intramentation. I own everything Buddy and his wife Julie has recorded. As long as he keeps recording I will keep purchasing.

A superb second album from guitarist and singer songwriter Buddy Miller - with backup music from some of the best around incl. Donald Lindley & Brady Blade (Drums), Gurf Morlix, Daryl Johnson & Byron House (Bass), Sam Bush, Ollie O'Shae & Tammy Rogers (Fiddle),and Steve Fishell & Al Perkins (Steel).
All 13 songs are gems and include wonderful co-vocals with Jim Lauderdale, Julie Miller, Daryl Johnson, Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle. Standout tracks: "Nothing Can Stop Me", "100 Million Little Bombs", "Don't Tell Me", "Poison Love", "Love Grows Wild", "Love In The Ruins", "Thats How Strong My Love Is", "Lonesome For You", and the masterpiece "I Can't Help It" with achingly beautiful vocals from Buddy & Emmylou.
Artists this good are few and far between - put this one in the shopping cart and enjoy some real music with Buddy Miller and friends.