Customer Reviews

Possessed By Paul James

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

 

 

This is a fantastic price for an amazing album. There are some very well written introductions and reviews regarding this artist and his highly unique musical approach. I will not cover that same ground except to say this one man band puts forth more soul and intensity in this album than most bands can achieve in their careers. While his most recent album "Feed the Family" may be a bit more accessible, this album captures the feel of his live performances which are an experience not to be missed. Possessed by Paul James is a highly unique combination of blues, folk, and old time music that also defies each of those categories. I could only describe it as a sublime combination between the heart, authenticity, and song writing of Townes Van Zandt combined with the driving sound and spirit of the greatest of the delta and hill country blues musicians. This is a man with much to say and an incredible command of multiple instruments--guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and diddly bow--all punctuated with a stomp box and vocal tics, howls, and grunts that add to the drive and pulse of the music. While one can often hear the deep pool of influences that PPJ draws from, it is given back in a manner that is truly unique to his vision and approach to music. There is an intensity and rawness here, an always present sense of dissonance, that may not be everyone's cup of tea--that said, if its your cup of tea you will be rewarded in a manner that carries the risk of making other music sound like mere background noise in comparison. It might be wise to check out some of the youtube clips of this artist, that way one can hold the visual image of a musician who absolutely lays it out there and bares it all for his listeners. Here is link to the song "Men, Men, Men":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCLqLBSb3gM

If this resonates with you at all, come back and hit purchase ASAP, you will not be disappointed. One Foot in Heaven/Hell, Nightmare Waltz, Committed, Color of my Bloody Nose--heck every song on this album captures the essence of PPJ. If your not convinced, check tour dates, he usually plays in small venues with a minimal cover charge--probably about the same price as this album about $5. It may very well become the standard by which you judge other live performances and will certainly confirm that $5 to see his performance or obtain an MP3 version of his album is the very definition of a "steal." Again, dont take my word for it. Search for background info on PPJ and video clips of his performances or the trailer of the movie that features him "the Folk Singer"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckOl7ddbDDo

and you will very likely find yourself obsessed with Possessed by Paul James.