Customer Reviews

Still Life

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With virtually every cut on this extraordinary CD, Pat Metheny surprises, touches, moves and delights you. This album is one of those rare perfect things in life; every sound seems as if it was meant to be, at that moment, in the world, right now -- like magic. Though I love everything on this record, it is Last Train Home, with its rush of melancholy voices in its final stretch, that is my absolute favorite. Buy Buy Buy...

As a jazz guitarist I've felt that I had to like Pat Metheny, although for years I hated his playing and would turn to a Scofield or Frisell record. This is not to say I didn't respect him or his amazing technique but I just couldn't get into any of his music. It has been about a year since this point of view has changed completely and I can still remember the exact point where I knew he was special. I was studying for a History AP test and I felt like listening to something new. I had a couple of Metheny albums which I quickly filed away but for one last time due to some pestering by others I forced myself to listen to Still Life (Talking) all the way through. As I listened I still thought that it was good but nothing great until Third Wind came on and Metheny hit that solo break. That moment just messed with head forever. It was a trip. From then on I have been in a search for as much Metheny I can find and liked most of it (even zero tolerance). This is still probably my favorite Metheny record and for his detractors, I guarantee you will fall in love.

I'd give this cd 100 stars if I could. I have to write a review of this cd because it is absolutely stunning. I don't particularly like jazz, everything else in my cd collection is classic rock, old school goth or alternative British bands, but Pat Metheny's work is so exquisite irrespective of categories, anyone who appreciates deeply moving, lush, rhymthic, beautiful music will be more than pleased. This album was my introduction to Metheny, flipping through radio stations in 1989 I heard it... like a gush of audio ecstasy flooding through my speakers "Minuano (Six Eight)". This song is so overwhelming. It's not just an audio experience but a complete sensory experience. I feel free as the wind as the music flows like a clean, fresh morning breeze with the hope that comes with the start of a new day. I don't mean to wax mystical or new agey, but Metheny is really like a spiritual experience for me. The only thing that excels his cds is seeing the entire group live. I can't tell you how overjoyed I feel when I know the Pat Metheny Group is coming to town. I've been lucky enough to see him with Lyle Mays and Mark Ledford who plays a number of instruments and his vocals transport you to an otherworldly place. Pat's audience is a mixture of every shade, lifestyle, age... because brilliance is appreciated by all who hear it. I own quite a number of his albums, but if you're looking for a good place to start this is the one! Metheny's music on your worst day makes you so happy to be alive.

I was first introduced to Pat Metheny by a friend at Uni. The first track he played me was "third wind". I was converted. Pat's an unbelievably melodical player whilst using a bucket load of chromaticism.... how many players can do that and not sound like comlplete tossers attempting to use the bulls--t scale? The guitar break in the above mentioned tune is mind blowing. Years later I introduced a friend of mine to Pat with exactly the same tune. He was flabergasted. It totally changed his life. He has always been a brilliant musician but still life talking encouraged him to learn the jazz system of theory and now he's so much broader for his self-education in jazz. He then introduced Pat to my brother via "third wind" and wadda ya know, he was blown away by the fact that there is not one snare hit and no bass drum on the whole album, but it ablsolutely pumps. Sorry to talk about people other than the Pat Metheny group, but this is my experience with this album. If you don't own it go and get it now.........

As far as studio recordings, this is the Best Pat Metheny Group CD of the bunch. A must for someone sampling any of his music. His live recordings are also very good but I wouldn't recommend them for play when hosting visitors.

It never ceases to amaze me that a man with such chops and technical proficiancy is also one of the best composers alive today. I own every one of Metheny's CDs and they're all great, I simply cannot review them all, so I chose SLT. This album would also be a good place to start for those who have never heard Metheny. The best way to describe the music would be that it contains alot of atmosphere and texture with melodies/harmonies that are accsessable enough to be catchy, yet twisted just enough to make them interesting. This is not one of Pat's "jazz" albums at all. Sure, there are traces of it in the harmony, but folk, new age, and Brazilian influences are also obvious. Compositions aside, however, this is some of the most melodic soloing I've ever heard and keys player Lyle Mays improvises at least as well as Pat, if not better! That's saying alot! Highly recommended.

I am in total agreement with Lisa Brown's review. This album was also my introduction to PM, and I've since bought many more of his works, but this and Secret Story are my all time PM favorites. Minuano will always rank as one of my favorite mood songs of all time. Thanks, Lisa for putting into words what I've felt for so long!

I've first heared about Metheny in the late '87, living in Carmelo, the small town I lived near the frontline with Argentina. The argentinian radios let me know -for the first and maybe the only time they did- such expresive kind of music. Mixing brazilian and jazz sounds, "still life" is a extremelly recomendable record, even if you are teenager, as I was when I discovered it. It teaches you that strong is not neccesary the same as hard, and that sensitivity can be expressed through a guitar.

Pat Metheney was reccomended to me by my psychiatrist of all people, because he new I was a huge guitar fan who hadn't found any one who could express the right emotions without vocals. This and the soundtrack to "The Falcon and the Snowman" have been my first initiations into the world of Pat Metheney. While "Falcon" to me was just bland movie music "Still Life (Talkin')" has lived up to my expectations! A fine album, and I don't care what my doctor says....this guy IS jazz! And I love it.....I'm normally a hardrock Van Halen/punk rock guy so you know it's THAT good!

I had never heard of Pat Metheny until a friend of mine, who worked at Tower Records, recomended this album to me (back in 1990). It was so beautiful that it literaly changed my relationship to music. 10 years later I have at least 30 of his albums and have seen him live 3 times (which is a lot for someone who lives in a very remote area).Two other things I like about this album is that 1.there are no words, which make it great music for doing homework to, and 2. The music is so interesting that it keeps you awake (great music for that late night homework assignment). I'll also add that if you like music that touches you in ways that can't be described than this is the album for you. But be patient because it takes a few listens before it grows on you.