Customer Reviews

Red Dirt

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

 

 

I bought the album as a result of the cover art, despite the fact I'd never heard of Andre Williams before. When I dropped it into my player, the speakers spewed out the most honey-toned delicious blend of semi-sweet chocolate country rhythm and blues I'd ever heard. Without a doubt, Andre Williams is passionate about music; although, I can't figure out whether he's driven by sexual insanity or heartbeat intensity, whatever the diagnosis may be, he knock your dancin' legs to kingdom come.

Andre Williams is a legendary figure in the world of greasy, sleazy Rn'B. Andre's recordings for Fortune Records in the 50's and his soul/funk sides in the 60's are too good to be believed. In the 90's Andre came back in a huge way with two mind-blowing albums of psycho-garage-soul on In The Red Records - in between these albums he recorded this one. "Red Dirt" is Andre doing his country and western thing - obviously this type of music is one of his passions. Unfortunately, Andre simply isn't a country artist and this recording never reaches the heights (or depths) of his other records. His voice is still great and his lyrics are still funny, but the musical background just doesn't suit him. For Andre Williams completists this is an OK record, but this is definitely NOT the one to start with if you have never experienced his genius.

No question that Andre Williams is one of a kind, legendary, and so on ... but the production of this CD is atrocious. Williams is credited first (of three producers). If he really had control over the sound, you have to wonder if he acquired hearing damage over the years. Massive amounts of repeat-echo and reverb, the voice mixed down to the point where you can hardly hear the words of some songs, and heavy-handed guitar that makes you feel you're sitting in front of the wrong speakers at a cheesy night club. The material is great--if you can stand to listen to it.