Customer Reviews

Richard P Havens 1983

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This is an amazing release...far ahead of its time...now when will it be available on cd???!!!

Richie Havens is a folk music mastermind. He is unreal. This is an incredible album that lacks only one thing, supply.

It's a shame this is hasn't been redistributed on a larger scale. I have it on vinyl, but would love to get my hands on the CD. Richie uses his unconventional guitar strumming style and his unique, soulful voice to perform songs of social consciousness. Well performed, well produced studio recordings and live performances that have cut through to the core of my being and have connected with me on a very profound level.

I never thought I'd see Richard P. Havens 1983 reissued, but man am I glad it's back. Originally this came out around 1969 as a double record set and did I ever wear out the grooves. There are some outstanding original compositions here like "Stop Pulling and Pushing Me", "The Parable Of Ramon", "Indian Rope Man", "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed", "Just Above My Hobby Horse's Head" and "Run Shaker Life" (performed live at Woodstock along with "Freedom"). All are marked by Richie's inimitable frenetic rhythm guitar and distintive vocal stylings.

There are also great covers of Lennon & McCartney songs. "She's Leaving Home", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Lady Madonna" and "With A Little Help From My Friends" These are reinvented with Richie's typical warmth and raw passion. And he delivers a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen's "Preists", a song that suits his voice so well. Now what would a Richie Haven's album be without a Bob Dylan song? Well fret not, "I Pity The Poor Immigrant" will not disappoint. And Donovan's "Wear Your Love Like Heaven" never sounded as heartfelt and sincere as it does in Richie's more than capable hands.

Having Richard P. Havens, 1983 back and spinning on my CD player is like a visit from an old friend. You know, someone you never grow tired of, someone who always has something new and interesting to say, and someone you miss dearly when gone, just as I've missed this album for so long. On a personal note, I was fortunate enough to see Richie Havens in the Spring 0f 1973 at My Father's Place, a small club in Roslyn, NY. I can still see him seated on a tall bar stool, wearing a dashiki, strumming away on his guitar and singing as only he can...What an evening that was and oh what a wonderful artist he is! Thanks old friend for so many years of wonderful music and great memories. It's like you were never away.

I have listened to this for many many years and this is the best sounding disc yet!!! im very happy with this for many reasons, but the sound is like brand new!!!ENJOY! i met Richie years ago and i had him sign my other copy of this cd. he asked me if i wanted to get rid of it, he never got a copy from the old label. what a shock! he is wonderful and so down to earth. keep on doing what you do Richie!

The cover says "Richard P. Havens" and you'll only rarely find this album listed under "Richie Havens", so people who don't know it from way back are unlikely to find it. Here on Amazon, you only find it if you search for "Havens" alone and have the patience to trawl the results and the wit to find the nugget of gold within. Also, it hasn't been on iTunes, though recently I've requested it & hope to see it there soon...

This is a very fine album indeed and I commend it to all with an interest in folk-rock (or whatever you want to call it).

Richie Havens's formidable talent, his immediately recognizable gravelly voice and masterful guitar-work are simply astonishing. Don't be fooled by the "Folk" classification; this is Progressive Folk/Woodstock Roots Rock. "Do You Feel Good?", "Run Shaker Life", and "Wear Your Love Life Like Heaven" are not just songs, they are experiences. I dare anyone who listens to "Lady Madonna" with its exuberantly complex syncopation not to want to jump up and dance. This music grabs you by your heart and rattles it. A must have!

By far the best if not most well known Richie Havens double album. Been looking for this release on CD for a long time. Discovered that Amazon is the only outlet, not even sold at the vendor's station at his concerts (which are exceptional!). And 4 days shipping to Alaska?? Unbelivable!

To update a previous review: yes, this is all on 'High flyin' bird: the Verve years', but for $150 as I write. This is an unspeakably lovely album and very little of it is available on other collections - notably 'Parable of Ramon', 'what more can I say, John', 'Stop pulling and pushing me' and 'putting out the vibration...' are absolutely essential and unavailable except on the aforementioned one copy of 'High flyin' bird' at $150. I remember Richie Havens created a big splash at Woodstock, and has always been well thought of and had a loyal following - 'Mixed Bag' seemed to be the album most people knew, but 1983 was my favourite; I'm happy to see some reviewers agree with me. This is a real classic, and it is disgraceful that it is not available.Woodstock - 3 Days of Peace & Music (The Director's Cut)