Revenge (Dig)

Robbie Fulks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 1, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000NJWSH6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,555 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Fifteen years of recording and alt-country's smartest smartass has never released a live album or a greatest-hits collection (the odds 'n' sods Very Best Of doesn't count). This two-disc set just about settles the score. On disc one, a good slice of Fulks's best songs gets the full roots-rock-weirdo treatment with his longtime road band: the closing triad "Rock Bottom, Pop. 1," "Cigarette State," and "Let's Kills Saturday Night" shows Fulks on top of his skewed country-rock game. On stage, he may distort and twist lines like a psycho-hillbilly jazz singer, but he'll never sing a song the same way twice. On the superior second disc, however, he plays acoustic, showing just how much he learned as a bluegrasser and just home much he's willing to chop and screw those lessons. His deathless folk homage, "In Bristol Town One Bright Day," is transformed into a fractured guitar epic, and his take on Cher's "Believe" (complete with hiccups to mimic the diva's robotic pitch-shifting) is as passionate as it is hilarious. Fulks claims he hates live albums: they're just rip-offs, with weaker versions of old songs, he says. So he adds a good number of unreleased covers and new original songs: "The Bluebirds Are Singing for Me," "On a Real Good Day," and "That's a Good Enough Reason" are especially fine. Yet if you're looking for an accurate document of what a Fulks show is like, you won't find it here. Jokes, banter, and spontaneous crowd interaction are minimized--with the notable exception of an extended intro to "I Like Being Left Alone," a sweet and sour comedy, and the best of his new tunes--and most tracks fade down over applause. As a record maker, Fulks's heart really wasn't into releasing a live set; as a performer, though, his heart, even at its most sarcastic, is never in doubt. One listen to the closing hootenanny stomp (featuring Kelly Hogan on harmonies) of the Carter Family's "Away On the Old Saint Sabbath" is all the evidence you need. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars robbie fulks is the man, June 1, 2007

By 

J. coxe (Columbia, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Revenge (Dig) (Audio CD)

if you are already a fan of robbie fulks then you know that you will love this album. his humor comes through on the first track which is an ode to traveling on the road. he recorded new material which is spliced in with the live tracks. the album is two discs with the first one being electric guitars drums and bass with robbie on his trade mark acoustic and the second disc is all acoustic. this album is a must have for any robbie fulks fan and a great introduction if you havent been fortunate enough to hear him. i had the pleasure of seeing him live and meeting him and the album captures his stage whit and energy.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Any Fulks is Good Fulks, July 2, 2007

By 

Tomato Pie "tomatopie" (West Chester, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Revenge (Dig) (Audio CD)

Robbie Fulks is a favorite of mine. His best work, for me, ranks right up there with Hank Sr, George Jones, and Johnny Cash. He's a brilliant songwriter and he has mastered many styles of country music. His best stuff, judging from this set, comes from the studio. No doubt he is great to see live, and this set has many gems, but none approach the genius found in 2005's "Georgia Hard" studio disc.

There is plenty of fun, energy, good pickin', and a few new gems. Surely worth owning, but not a good starting place. Get this to complete your collection, but first be sure to hear Georgia Hard, South Mouth, 13 Hillbilly Giants, Let's Kill Saturday Night, Couples in Trouble, and The Very Best Of. Fulks has never made a bad record, and this one keeps up his winning streak. Still, I cannot wait for him to get back into the studio.

5.0 out of 5 stars great between song banter, December 7, 2011

By 

Henri La Plume "constant barterer" (oakland, ca United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Revenge (Dig) (Audio CD)

Fun for any RF fan. Obviously a quickly put-together CD, but Robbie explains why in one of the earliest tracks, in his usual wry fashion.