Customer Reviews

Smiling Face

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

 

 

I'm not sure what the other reviewer was listening to but there is no "noise" from the vinyl remaster. It would be hard for that to have occurred since the album was re-mastered by Guy Babylon from the master tapes!! The liner notes are short buy insightful and this is one hell of a gem. I've worn out 2 vinyl copies since it was released in the early seventies. "Boatman," and "Smiling Face," have never sounded better. We have not heard enough from Johnstone, but there is still another Rocket Records album with his vocals yet un-reissued. Maybe one day ...

When I bought my first CD player back in 1989, one of the very first things I wanted to purchase on disc was this. Unfortunately, it took many many years later for this amazing release to see the light of day. I'm glad, too, that I purchased it from amazon.com when I did. I cannot believe the price of it now, but then again, if you want QUALITY music from a QUALITY talent such as Johnstone, then it would be well worth looking into. I don't agree at all this disc was recorded from vinyl sources. Personally, I've never heard it sound better. I, too, wore my vinyl copy out many moons ago ... played it so much that it literally wouldn't play anymore! I only wish that Johnstone would release more solo material ... even something like the instrumental acoustic release on which he collaborated with John Jorgenson is an idea to think about for future times. "Smiling Face" is indeed THE HOLY GRAIL of musical finds though. I was downright ecstatic when I first discovered that amazon was at one time offering this on CD for less than $12.00! Believe me when I tell you, I jumped all over that deal. As I stated before, I'm glad, too, that I bought it when I did. I still pull this wonderful solo album off the shelf in my home office at least once or twice a month and give it a good listen again. It's well worth it every single time since I always hear something new and refreshing with each play. Johnstone has truly outdone himself on this classic. I only wish that he would release more. Maybe someday ....... Do yourselves a favor though - BUY THIS!!! You won't be at all disappointed.

This is quite a nice album. Tasteful playing from Davey and all those present at the sessions. Unfortunately, the album is mastered from vinyl source material. It's pretty clean vinyl, but there is distracting sound in spots.