Customer Reviews

Punch the Big Guy

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I have virtually every album and CD that John Stewart has ever made, including The Kingston Trio albums he performed on in the sixties.

When I first saw this album, yes an album not a CD, in 1987 I was not sure of what to expect since Mr. Stewart had been making albums that were rather divergent in subject,"Bombs Away Dream Babies" to "Fire In The Wind", over the past ten years or so.

This album was like a shot out of the dark and a very pleasant surprise. With this CD Mr. Stewart seemed to be returning to his roots but as a mature man who seemed to have been doing some very deep thinking.

I feel that the eighties was the period of time when John Stewart's voice was perhaps at its' best and he used this talent to its' best on this CD, I also have the CD.

Personally I feel that "Punch The Big Guy" is, if not the best, one of his best CDs rivaling "Cannons In The Rain".

I found "Night Of A Distant Star" and "Runaway Train" to be exceptional songs on an exceptional CD.

Its easy to understand how this disc gets lost. It was originally released on the Cypress label, which quickly vanished, and its reissues have been on small, limited distribution labels. Although its history may be obscure, this is one of Stewart's finest discs, and his best recording in the last twenty years.

Those familiar with Stewart's work are familiar with his strong social conscience. This aspect of his work is brilliantly displayed in "Botswana", a troubled, uneasy contemplation on the tormented comforts of the Western world, and the profound suffering of our less fortunate third-world brothers. There is nothing glib, simple, or superficial about the profound dis-ease expressed by this superbly crafted contemplation, which contains the haunting refrain "I wonder if God cries / When he sees the pictures taken at Botswana/ The pictures of the children / With the flies in their eyes." "Angels With Guns" comments elipticly on the Central American entanglements of the early '80s.

The disc also offers telling commentaries on the human condition including the ode to a relationship in crisis, "Runaway Train". "Ticket to the Stars" is a perfectly crafted observation on the desire for transcendance, the wear and tear of the mundane, and the ever present longing for a free lunch. "Strange Rivers" is a moody contemplation of free-will, fate, and the obscure sense of destiny that haunts the corners of our minds and edges of our lives. Stewart's long and troubled love affair with America writ large is reflected in selections like "Midnight of the World" and "Children of the New Frontier."

The arrangements are well crafted to serve the tone and texture of the tunes. Stewart's bosso profondo vocals, though an acquired taste, are evocative and effective.

This is a brilliant showcase for one of the most outstanding signer/songwriters to have emerged from the folk scene. Don't let this one slip by you.

John Stewart is one of America's best kept musical secrets, and 'Punch the Big Guy' is one of his best works. For almost 40 years, from his stint with the Kingston Trio thru his 'solo' career, John has refused to play the record company's games. He is living proof that the people that run radio just don't get it. From the screaming optimism of 'Ticket to the Stars' to the harsh reality of 'Botswanna', John has put together an amazing work of art. Do yourself a favor and add this to your collection.

Ive been a long time John Stewart fan and consider him to be one of America's best songwriters and artists. This cd is an excellent introduction to John's work. Some of John's work can be a little bit underproduced, this has the best production of any of his recent works. Of all the music I own, this album would represent John Stewart in my 'Lost on an Island with only 10 cds'. Ive said that for over 7 years of owning this cd, it still amazes me every time I listen to it.

This is the second review - I bought this album after Stewart's performance at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica (I went to the late show - which started later than 9:30pm) John looked pretty beat, tired. He told the crowd he was tired from performing in Berkeley and "running & flying" from The Bay Area (He said he LIKED Jet Blue - flew earlier in the day from Oakland to Long Beach - while in flight watching a show on Discover Channel about how the Sun will toast the earth 50 Billion years from now..getting to the point "Buy your real estate NOW - Don't wait - 50 Billion is not a long time!) He was sillier compared to his previous concerts (It must have been tough staying awake on stage - he looked drawn.) John played mostly older stuff, stuff I've heard many times before (Rough Sketches, Dreams Away, etc.) But, he played "This Land Is Your Land" as a tribute to his Kingston Trio days (and commented to us on why he was not on the recent PBS concert honoring folk music "This Land Is Your Land" - He said "I was not invited"??) I didn't talk to John after this particular concert - but if I did I would say if PBS does another tribute to folk music, they BETTER invite you. (I wonder what his answer will be.) Anyway, He sang "California Bloodlines" and we mocked in a way the PBS special by singing along with him. That was fun. (Trust me, I'm glad PBS did the special - I donated to KCET AGAIN as a result, I just wish John should have been on stage with the other Trio members) He also played "Angels With Guns" and "Runaway Train" from this album during the concert. He also played a couple of songs from his soon to be released album "Havana" ** Can't wait for the spring when this album is released. Overall, a great concert as always - but, there was no encore (I don't blame Stewart - he was really beaten.) I hope he gets to sleep a full ten hours tonight. Peace - JG "Bear"

Why is John Stewart such a big secret?

I've loved this this album for quite some time... I've leant it about with praised enclosed. Upon firs hearing, however, many people cannot get past Stewart's voice [but Dylan made it?!].

John Stewart has delved so deeply into his lyrics, lacing them with unbelievable honesty and kindness. I find Stewart's voice, although not poppy, definatly drowning in wisdom. He has a lot to teach us.

Those who are fortunate enough to stumble upon John Stewart should share the wealth.

If you have to select only one of John's CD's from each decade, California Bloodlines is the 70's and Punch the Big Guy is the one for the 80's. Excellent work from start to finish. One for the 90's would be Bullets in the Hourglass.

Punch the Big Guy was recommended to me by several John Stewart fans. I was a bit disappointed, not because the album isn't good but because I felt it wasn't the John Stewart I know. The lyrics didn't have the same punch for me. I love his more folksy songs such as the ones that appear on Chilly Winds (my fave) or Wires From the Bunker. These songs definitely had a more 80s feel rather than that folksy reflective feel I like. If you are a fan of John's older stuff, I would recommend getting those albums first.

What a nice departure from his typical song groupings. Rosanne Cash adds her haunting vocals to this album. Chilly Winds has always been my favorite album but this one is right up there with it. John Stewart fans, don't miss this one

Bob Dylan, eat your heart out. Buy, forge, steal this album just for the track Botswana. I am no bleeding heart, tree-hugging liberal, but this song goes beyond anything in Dylan's massive catalog. John may be gone but class is still in session. Got yer ears on, Zimmy?