Customer Reviews

Real Life Ain't This Way

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

 

 

This is one of my all time favorite cds. I first bought this on 8-track in 1979 when it came out and I coudn't get enough of the hit single SHAKEDOWN CRUISE. This cd rocks harder than his previous two cds. Joe Walsh and Bob Webb play some smokin' guitars from start to finish. Ferguson's vocals and keyboard playing are solid and smooth and rythmatic throughout the album. The best songs are SHAKEDOWN CRUISE,NO SECRETS,PAYING TIME,CITY OF ANGELS,and DAVEY.There are no album filler songs on this cd. Every song is good.

Jay Ferguson's 3rd solo release "Real Life Ain't This Way" (1979) #86, was to be Jay's swan song from Asylum records. What should of been his biggest hit "Shakedown Cruise" #31, radio really botched up on this song.
Really love the opening piano riff, "The Captain laughs "If you boys want some sex, you can squeeze the sails and lick the decks". A great line in this classic song! Other great tunes on this album are:
The guitar rockers "No Secrets", Turn Yourself In" and "Do It Again". The Mid-tempo piano guitar rockers "Davey" and "Paying Time" excellent guitar by Joe Walsh, and the classic title track, which should of been a hit also.
And 2 cool ballads "Too Late To Save Your Heart" and "City Of Angels". Jay also covered the Stones' medley,
"Let's Spend The Night Together/Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadows?". Jay plays some great piano on this album.

The phrase "Don't judge a book by its cover" aptly describes this recording. I want to say "album" but I'm aging myself if I do. I have "Thunder Island" and "Real Life Ain't This Way" on vinyl. I think "Real Life..." is the better release. Musically it's more solid, with more emphasis on the guitar. Lots of great hooks as well. I can't say much about the album cover. I think Jay should have put more thought into the album cover than having a publicity photo of him that's rather cheesy. It smacks too much of a pop album of the time.

Great music is all about the hook, whether it's Van Halen or Brittney Spears I better be signing and playing air guitar as I drive down the road listening to an artist.

While Shake Down Cruise is a great tune, loved it in 79 and love it now,the rest of the album left me flat. Not to much more to say about, sorry.