Customer Reviews

Solace

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I first saw Xavier Rudd at the House of Blues, I had no idea who he was or what his music sounded like. So when I saw him come out on stage with long shaggy blonde hair and a surfer's physique, I knew I was in for a treat. His setup was by far the oddest cumulation of instruments I had ever seen on one stage, including the didjs, foot pedals, cymbals and percussion instruments, as well as lap guitars and 12 string acoustics. As I watched Xavier play, my soul was moved by his soothing voice and the ryhtmn of his playing. I found myself dancing to his beats, to his smooth Australian didj tinted grooves. As soon as Xavier left the stage, I was off with a couple of my friends to but his cd, Solace. With an artist of Xavier's caliber, one can only fully experience his talent and improvosation when he is seen live. But nonetheless, Solace is a great CD that showcases Xavier's talents wonderfully and does justice to the power of his songs and words. The CD is compiled of live studio performances with one or two live performances. The enhanced options on the CD include two videos, both of which are not featured on the Solace CD itself. Solace would be the best CD to get if you have never heard Xavier before, being that most of his older songs are redone and put on this CD, along with newer ones. Words cannot accurately describe the sound of Xavier's music, so don't waste any more time and get this CD, you will not be dissapointed.

Imagine if Jack Johnson were as well-versed in aboriginal instruments as he is in island-beach-bum culture, and you'll have a starting point for the music of Xavier Rudd, the acoustic singer-songwriter from East Australia.

Xavier's voice isn't hard to categorize -- at times a mirror of Ben Harper and at other times it's a little more soothing, almost like a young Paul Simon. The music, however, is a little more abstract. Rudd's album is heavy on bluesy acoustic slide guitar and clicking and stomping percussions, but it's the use of the digeredoo (and aboriginal wind instrument, sort of like a cross between the bagpipes and a basoon that gives a haunting, rolling womp of a sound) as a folk/rock instrument that makes the album undoubtedly unique, fresh, and somewhat groundbreaking.

The stand-out track is undoubtedly the no-nonsense hobo-anthem, "Shelter," but other highly addictive tunes include the funky "Let Me Be" and the mellowly acoustic "Solace." A few of the songs lack a "catchiness" in melody, but they're sung so emmotionally and arranged so uniquely that the listener doesn't mind. And Rudd's cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry," while not quite as catchy as Marley's soulful version, is still poignant in a naked acoustic way.

One could make the argument that Rudd is attempting, with this album, to modernize traditional Australian music in the way Paul Simon modernized South African music for his "Graceland" album. For the most part, Rudd does just that. But as groundbreaking as it is to mix the traditional digeredoo with modern rock, the record has a tendency at times to slip into familiar territory. Occasionally the stylings fall out of their unique shell and float a little too close to the territory of Ben Harper -- a "sound" that has already been done many times before. BUT, that should not detract from the listening experience, nor should it detract at all from Rudd's talent. He's a young artist who has made a really good record, and perhaps we should leave it at that. One hopes there will be more to come and until then, we have plenty here to keep us satisfied. Rest assured that if you enjoy relaxed, thoughtful artists such as Kelly Joe Phelps, David Gray, John Mayer, or John Butler, this album will fit nicely in your collection.

Pleasantly unique certainly is a way to describe this. A mix of folk, blues, rock, and didgeridoos. . .all done with a nice creative slant.

Sadly, this sort of thing is not hitting the airwaves, because it is magnitudes better than most things you hear on the radio. Like the previous posters have said, if this intrigues you in the least, just buy it - it's under $10 for crying out loud!

Zak Helenske
9.2.04
A Review of:
Xavier Rudd's "Solace"
Xavier Rudd's new album "Solace" is an outstanding show of his talent, vocally, acoustically, and of course is unreal abilities on the didgeridoo. Rudd who is from Australia writes in his songs about everything from political and educational problems in Australia to how gorgeous the country he lives in is. He uses a unique combination of acoustics, harmonica, assortments of didgeridoo's, and others instruments on his album.
The title song "Solace" is an awesome show of his writing ability. Talking about the wonders of Australia paying homage to his homeland. One other high point on the album is his cover rendition of Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry". Before I heard Xavier's version I couldn't imagine somebody redoing this classic effectively. However when I heard the song on his album from the first cord on his guitar I knew he could pull it off showing nothing but respect for the late, great Bob Marley. You can hear and feel the passion behind the song when you hear Rudd's voice singing in perfect melody.
Something Rudd does insanely well is using his voice as though its its own instrument right along side his guitar and didgeridoo. Its an incredibly soothing voice but it jumps out at you with some insane sounds that are unique to him and him alone because the obvious its his voice making his own sounds that nobody can duplicate.
I was blown away when I heard this album for the first time and am rating it four stars out of four stars. The quality and musicianship is like nothing I've ever heard.

xavier rudd is the essence of the evolved male who understands unity, harmony and beauty all expressed through his music. his music is emotional and raw and compelling and touches the soul of the listener. i saw him live in Amsterdam a few weeks back and there alone he sat and played with his array of instruments and had the crowd of hundreds united in his vibe and rhythm. he carried the whole room alone! playing all instruments at the same time! one of the best shows i have ever seen....the same energy comes through on ALL of his CD's....it's the kind of music to drive to, sing to, cook dinner with, play loud with windows open. He is all about the energy....i play his Cd's everyday....love the Good Spirit LIVE CD as it captures his music with the dynamic of the crowd. The first opening notes on Solace always uplift and brighten the energy in the room.

I found Xavier Rudd through a search of artists similar to Jack Johnson. I have also heard comparisons to The Beautiful Girls and John Butler Trio. These comparisons might not be entirely accurate, however, the artist he might be most closely associated with is Paul Simon. I do not really care at all for Paul Simon, but Xavier really struck a chord with me. To give you an idea of his vast musical abilities, the inside cover indicates that he plays the slide guitar, 6 and 12 string acoustics, electric guitar, stomp box, harmonica, didgeridoo, drums, among others. There are upbeat and mellow songs included here with my favorites being "Let Me Be," "Partnership," and "Green Spandex." In addition, I'm not sure I've heard a more beautiful song of late than "Solace." Listen to a few clips and give it a shot...you won't be disappointed.

This is the second lp release by xavier, an artist who has toured extensively in Canada and Australia. A very unique sound, highly recommended if you like Ben Harper, Dave Matthews style of music. The didgeridoo is a great sound that complements the music well and adds an element often heard in contemporary music. Does an awesome cover of No Woman no cry. If you are a guitarist you will love this. A great find, go get it.

Friends of mine own this CD and it's amazing! This guy really rocks out on the guitar and didjeridoo. Throw in his captivating voice and catchy tunes, and you've got a classic in the making.

However, I'd suggest not buying it here. I've been waiting four months for the copy that I purchased here to arrive.

I have been enchanted by this CD. THe music drew me in at first-which is melodic and sophisticated, familiar yet unpredictable, and then the lyrics have been continually thought provoking and increasingly moving with each listen. Xavier is as deep and talented a musician and storyteller as they come.
I like this album better than Food in the Belly, and the video clips are definitely a bonus which really makes you want to see Xavier live!

I stumbled upon this guy at a Bonarroo music festival a few years back and was blown away. It was just this one guy with a number of instruments set up around him, including 3 diggerydoos (I have no idea how to spell that). It took my a while to track his music down, but I have a ton of it now and never get tired of it. It's new, upbeat and chill.