Customer Reviews

Since There Were Circles (Reis)

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There's a certain sound in a young man's voice that just comes out effortlessly when he must feel he's on top of the world-and understands it all completely. "Since There Were Circles" on RPM Records in the UK is one of those magical records for me. The confidence from Bob's vocal delivery just leaps off this disc, with all his different twists and turns from his earlier also-wonderful discs. He's playing with his brightness and tone a lot-which is great new stuff to me--and I've never heard his delivery be so relaxed and easy sounding-like silk. I would place this record up next to Elvis Costello's "Imperial Bedroom" as far as how it strikes me as I listen to it-like the artist is there to serve no one but himself-which is the way it should be-(at least according to me!) This record also has such a cool, dry recording sound-very 70's and "in your face". Even the strings and horns (wonderful arrangements!) are nice and dry-like a Don Dixon approach. Bob is also completely unconcerned about the usual abab cdcd rhyme scheme in 99% of all recorded music. He does rhyme-but only....when he wants to. He serves no master. This is definitely the "coolest" record of Bob's-to date-and I personally know there is more to come. I've heard it....

Did I mention the packaging is great too? A nice big fold-out with lots of interesting liners and comments from Bob. Also-the bonus cuts are all top shelf. No filler, whatsoever. Great pictures too! It has the very best version of "San Francisco Woman" I've heard yet.

Bob is no one-hit wonder-he's all over the map, if you ask me.

Jamie Hoover 1/30/07 *****

WOW!!!! I am VERY happy to have this on CD! It really is a great album. I thought Bob was an excellent song writer from his earlier work, but this album just solidifies his talent. It is a very sad album. His first 2 albums (Don't be concerned & Photographes and feelings) were on the sad side, but there was a sense of hope. Since there were circles....Is boarder line angry at times. You really feel what his state of mind was at that point while listening to it, which is a great example of Bob's talent. This album reminds me of John Phillips' Wolf King of LA album. Not the sound, but the tone and the mood. It seems like people had high hopes for things in the 60's and by the 70's all of the good intentions and high spirits were just gone. Or maybe the rock & roll lifestyle just caught up to everyone & everyone burnt out. I don't know, I wasn't there but I am glad that the music was.

I heard about this album reading about it years ago, but could never find it. My dad had his world pacific albums I played them to death when I was a kid and have been hooked on Lind's stuff ever since. So when I heard from Bob's website that is was released I quickly ordered it here and sat down to listen from beginning to end to include the bonus tracks and just one word, Superb! The album flows and is as good as anything that came out at that time period. Bob Lind has a way with lyrics, he has an uncanny way of explaining or comparing something in nature to an event or place or vice verse, his songs always get me to think afterwards and his playing is top notch. Hope to see him play live someday. Highly recommended!

I bought this CD on a whim after reading about Bob Lind, and have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. This music (which was recorded in 1970) sounds like it could have been released yesterday and would fit right in with today's acoustic music scene. I suspected prior to buying this disc that the arrangements might be dated or flowery as some of the products of the late sixties singer/songwriters can be, but it isn't. Lind's tasteful arrangements, timeless melodies, and relatable lyrics make this a recording that has aged very well (if at all), and I admire that in a recording artist. Lind surrounded himself with a lot of talented musicians for these sessions too: Bernie Leadon (Flying Burrito Brothers, The Eagles) on lead guitar, ex-Byrd Gene Clark on harmonica, and notable session musician Doug Dillard on banjo. An added bonus was the liner notes, which were written with Lind's participation and contain his insights and explanations about the subject matter of each song. Lind is very candid about his drug and alcohol abuse during the time he wrote and recorded this music and is honest about how it affected his songwriting, which I found to be refreshing. I also have to add that his songs about relationships have the kind of insights that remain true from generation to generation, which is the mark of a great songwriter. A lot of the songs also capture the kind of disillusionment that was prevalent in so many of the albums of the early 1970's, when for many the dream of the sixties was over and the drugs had really kicked in. Lind's voice is a perfect vehicle for singing these types of songs too, his vocals on "Anymore" and throughout the album have the perfect mix of longing and anger, but with an underlying hope and tempered with the perfect amount of whiskey soaked rasp. If you are a fan of the singer/songwriters of the early seventies, this is a worthy addition to any collection and I would recommend it. I'm also glad to hear that after many years away from the music scene Bob Lind is recording new music. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for a new release.

I loved this when it was new, and love it just as much now! Great to have it on my IPod!

It's great to finally have this classic, essential, early 70's Bob Lind recording on CD. This release is like a fine wine in that it get's better with each listening. Highly recommend!

This CD is terrific. It contains truly great lyrics - as do all Bob Lind's songs - and the musicians and arrangements are excellent. The content reflects a life less simple than those he sang about on his first two albums. You may not envy the storyteller, but you sure do envy the storytelling.