Customer Reviews

The Sermon On Exposition Blvd. [Deluxe Limited Edition --- includes 5.1 SACD version and 40 minute DVD of making the record]

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

 

 

A long time ago, my German teacher, Rev Charles Knapp, had us read Heinrich Boll's "Kurzen fur Maria" - a profoundly moving story that in German delivered one of the most profound mystical punches I have ever felt: the protagonist observes a woman who eneters the Church every day and lights a candle before the statue of the Mary. She then kneels and prays quietly, and at some point takes her leave. It breaks the protagonist's heart as he wishes he could pray like that. Knapp made it clear that that sentiment that one would wish that one could pray with such simple piety contained more reverence for the private places in the soul, and likely came closer to gaining God's ear, than all the prostrations and caterwauling that passes for religious fervour.

Well, get yourself ready, as this disc accomplishes the very same poetic piety in recasting the New Testament through the eyes of RLJ and her characters. The music is terrific - in fact some of her best ever. The musicians are so spot on, that it seems almost as though it was done on the first take. Embracing an aesthetic that you can hear in bands like God Speed You Black Emperor and Explosions in the Sky, Jones and her colleagues move organically and propulsively forward in what seems simple but in fact portends a sublime subtlety that is absent from almost every other songwriter out there. No one has addressed spirituality like this since Teilhard or Heidegger: the root of our grace is hidden in those quiet places that need to be uncovered from all the debris of our existence. RLJ catalogues the debris well enough and then points directly to who has seemed to pick up the trail and followed that core message to love all things, to forgive, to show compassion.

I wish I could write a song like these....

Please don't be put off by the subject matter of this cd. It is not a Christian rock album, nor is Rickie Lee born again. Yes, it's based on a book that supposedly takes the words of Jesus out of the context of the Bible and tries to show the words for what they really mean, seperate from all the evangelical/born again wanna be rich messiahs out there.

It is very much anti organized religion, pro personnel spirituality. This is brave, whatever you think. And the music is sublime. She channels everyone form Van Morrision to PAtti Smith to drone rock to freak folk (hate that term) to LA rock. If Jesus is in there, he's on the street with a beer blasting punk rock. As a long standing agnostic, I have no problem listening to Rickie Lee's subject matter, especially when it's so poetic. And I never have a problem with music that sways, rocks and rolls like this. Elvis Cadillac would be a hit single in a perfect world, and this is Rickie Lee's best album since Traffic From Paradise. Give it a try before judging it.

I've had this disc now for a few days, and I am echoing the sentiments of others that have already posted here. It is gripping, and I can't stop listening. I have no awareness of the writings that this work stems from, but once again, Rickie has given me more provocative images of characters and stories to ponder through her words and music. This is not to be missed. No other artist has the uncanny ability to present such wonderful imagery through song. Each new disc that she puts out adds to her already rich catalog. I can't wait to see her perform!

As long time admirer of Rickie lee Jones' work, I was a bit taken aback when I found out her latest album was a take on Jesus' words. I mean, do Jesus' words really need still another interpretation? Isn't this kinda like Christian Rock? F___ Rickie, how could you do this? Why not use your amazing voice and interpretive abilities and take on something more hip like the Tao Te Ching or perhaps some more obscure Upanishadic verses?

In any case, being a dutiful fan I've been giving Sermon on Exposition Blvd a good listen the past week and I'm happy to report that I'm not disappointed at all. In fact, it grows on you, slowly at first, and then starts to work on those deeper unconscious levels. Before you know it you can't put it down, you're hooked. For instance Where I Like It Best is a trance inducing piece on the Lord's Prayer. Go ahead, try it. This is followed with the rockin Tried to Be a Man. Crank this one up. And then Circle in the Sand has a bad hook that'll have you bouncing. (what is that?). Followed by the Waitsian Donkey Ride you know something's going on, but can't quite tell what. This is getting really good.

I hope the rest of the listening public gives this jewel a chance. Maybe it'll open up some central Chakras just a bit. It's that deep a buzz. I recommend following it with Mozart.

Don't let the content fool you. This is not some sort of simplistic hallmark card treatment of Christian themes. This is thoughtful, but contemporary stuff, although not really for everybody. First of all, this is not the right album to be introduced to Rickie Lee Jones. Rickie Lee is a song stylist who has a very unique sound. She will either mesmerize you, or you will be turned off, depending on your tastes. I happen to fall in the former category. I remember her debut on Saturday Night Live, and fell in love with her. Her signature song, Chuck E's in Love, is a great tune, and if you haven't heard it, this would be your proper introduction to her singing style.

But the Sermon On Exposition Blvd. is a much more "advanced" Rickie Lee. At the beginning of the album she is in free form; she is clearly making it up as she goes along. She is flying on pure talent. Again, this will enthrall most of her fans, but I am warning you, she is an acquired taste. The lyrics are really brilliant - they capture the essence of the Christian message without being schmaltzy, or trite. This stuff is deep, cutting edge material and if you don't get it, sorry for you, but then you probably won't get too much out of life, either.

I suspect most people will either love this album or hate it, because, above all, this collection requires you to concentrate on the music and the lyrics that are not always easy to follow. This is definitely not "background" music! No supermarket will ever play this. This music is almost like religion itself. If you just go to church to be seen in your new outfit, you will never get much out the mystery of the gospel, but if you take the time to really read the Bible; (and not just the parts the preacher tells you to read) I mean, really read the Bible, and really make the effort to understand what it says, then you may be ready for Rickie Lee's interpretations.

However, for the heathen folks there is plenty there too, but the admonition is much the same - take the time to listen, sit back, close your eyes and let the music take you to places you have never been before, and if you are ready to commit to it, you will find that Rickie Lee delivers more than your usual pop diva. I recommend watching the enclosed DVD first, to give you a perspective on the project. And yes, the story of the project is interesting in itself.

In conclusion, there is something for everybody in this album provided that you 1) have an open mind, and 2) are prepared to invest some serious quality time paying very close attention to the material as it unfolds on your home soundstage. Not recommended for cruising the strip with the top down.

Well, I've been listening to Rickie Lee Jones' latest album, "The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard" for one week now and this I can say with absolute certainty: it is 1) an awesome effort in need of several listenings before any judgements can be made and 2) worthy of the necessary time spent with it because 3) it just gets better and better with each listening. Why? Because even though it sounds so sparse and "low-fi" (as the liner notes point out), there really is so much going on on several levels - lyrically, musically, vocally.

Another thing I can say with certainty is this: once again Rickie Lee Jones has just amazed me and blown me away with her artisitic resolve to never repeat herself. "The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard" sounds nothing like her last great release, "The Evening Of My Best Day", which is so different from "Ghostyhead", which is light-years away from anything I ever expected her to do, and etc. on down through what I consider to be some of the best albums I've ever heard: "Traffic From Paradise", "Flying Cowboys", "The Magazine", "Pirates", and her eponymously titled debut. She's always different, always doing something unexpected, always showing herself to be one of the most unique and interesting artists with whom I've ever spent my time, always proving herself great.

"The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard" rocks in a folky, jazzy, punk way. It is raw and earthy, yet, indeed, heavenly inspired. You've probably already read the comparisons to Van Morrison and Patti Smith, but I want to say this with utter clarity: Rickie Lee Jones is her own artist, a force to be reckoned with on her own terms. I adore her for that.

So, I'm not through with this new "Sermon On Exposition Boulevard" yet; because another thing of which I'm certain is this: these songs, based on translations of the words of Jesus Christ, may (or may not) help bring further revelations to me regarding my own spirituality (as I gather and assimilate input while on my own earthly journey); but insofar as the artistry of Rickie Lee Jones is concerned, the fascinating (and, at the very least, respectful) nature of this work will further my admiration for her ability to convey her own muse's meandering, offbeat ways to me.

I confess to being a fan of Rickie Lee Jones from her debut on SNL all those years ago. I followed her music for a decade or so and finally lost track of her music over the years. THIS IS DIFFERENT. THIS IS THE STUFF OF ART. If your into LIFE and LIVING here is a sountrack for NOW. The immediacy of the performances is transcendant in itself, finally something ALIVE from a dying recording industry. Can't wait to see her in person performing some of this material. THANKS RICKIE for a recording that says "not only is all not lost, but that ALL IS POSSIBLE."

When this CD was released, I ran out & bought it as soon as it hit the store shelves in our town. I read a glowing review that told me Rickie Lee was exploring spiritual themes on a very different disc. I opted for the DVD 2-disc version. First, I watched the DVD. I think this DVD would be good for musicians looking to see how a seasoned veteran works in the studio. We see Rickie in very informal attire looking like a working musician. It's not particularly entertaining, however. Perhaps watching her in concert performing this set would have had more polish. It is neat to see Rickie in her home office where she obviously works, but the song takes are not entrancing. The material on the disc has grown on me. I think I would describe the material more as "religious" rather than "spiritual." There isn't a lot here about values or lessons. This is more like a Jesus biography. On one of the more accessible tracks, "Elvis Cadillac," Rickie Lee free associates with her strumming putting a smile on your face, "Standing in the doorway, I'm happy living here. Everyone tries so hard to sing a song no one can hear." "Circle in the Sand" is probably the best song that stands alone on its own with its driving beat and Rickie's expressive vocals, "When an angel picked me up, she called my name; There is charity, but says power, money & fame." Much of the rest of the disc is enjoyable, but rather formless. "It Hurts" & "Donkey Ride" do hurt to listen to. While I enjoy Rickie Lee's thematic exploration, the music just doesn't work very well. Rickie Lee is a terrific singer. I'm glad to have this chapter of her work, but it won't be the one that goes into the changer frequently. The DVD may never be seen again. Taxi.

I'm not a dedicated fan of very many performers but Rickie .... she's my favorite. This is another great, original work from her.

This album is raw and real. Rickie Lee Jones exploring hidden chasms in her vast musical repertoire. These songs are original, hypnotic and beautiful at the same time. She touches on issues of morality and faith and raises all the right questions while delving into 'The Words'. Her band is smack on, they play as one as they travel this Exposition Blvd together.