Customer Reviews

Stories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this CD off a "Employee Suggestion" rack at my local music store. The employee who recommended this album ought to get a raise: it has swiftly become one of my favorite albums. Ellis Paul is the best lyrical songwriter I've ever encountered, period. Witness "Autobiography of a Pistol" and "Last at the Table" ("Hello, Mr. Bureaucrat/ You pick who's thin, you pick who's fat/ what makes you so fit for those shoes you're walkin'? ") "3,000 Miles" and "All Things Being the Same" are examples of folk-rock perfection, with unbeatable lyrics and tunes to match. At rare times the album grates, as the chorus to "Don't Breathe," but otherwise this album is great. Recommendation: Strong Buy.

So, we discovered Ellis Paul as a result of the Jim Carrey movie, "Me, Myself and Irene".

That movie featured his song, "The World Ain't Slowin' Down" in key moments of the film. My wife Rachael had to know who the song was by, and so we picked up the soundtrack, and after she heard it enough times it was time to pick up the album it came from, "Translucent Soul".

When it turned out that "Translucent Soul" was a great album, it was time to start picking up his other albums one by one. Each new album that came along didn't disappoint, but it was "Stories" that particularly caught my ear.

Ellis Paul is classified as Folk, and while that genre may have a negative connotation with the younger generation, maybe it would be better categorized as "Songs with substance."

Think of Ellis Paul as a Bob Dylanesque style songwriter with a much better singing voice.

I often research albums before I buy them, but Ellis is one of the few artists I can name that will have me buying every new CD before I hear a note of it. He has consistantly been THAT good.

His brand new double-disc "Essentials" is a magnificent starting point for people to hear what he's all about, and if you decide that you are hooked too? I recommend "Stories" next.

ROCK!

Glenn Case

I think it's safe to call me an Ellis Paul devotee. I have all his albums, having first discovered him on the fabulous WBOS when I was living in Boston. But Stories remains my favorite. I can listen to it over and over and it never gets stale. Ellis' lyrics are so beautiful and succinct that they make you ache. King of Seventh Avenue, Autobiography of a Pistol, Who Killed John Lennon, all incredible songs, but I think 3000 Miles may be among my most favorite songs ever. If you've heard of Ellis Paul and are looking for a good cd to try out, here it is and welcome to the fan club!

The story of how I discovered this man's music is too long to tell. At the heart of the matter is that I'm more of a punk-rock-speed-metal fan. I saw Ellis Paul in Chicago on a fluke and was simply stunned at the show he put on.

Ellis Paul's music is simply fantastic. I have all his discs, and I can honestly say that his song writing is consistently strong, improving with each. His songs tell stories and paint vivid pictures simultaneously. You could pick up any of his discs and be more than satisfied, because he just keeps getting better.

I highly recommend seeing him live. He is a consummate performer.

great songwriting. wonderful presentation of barebones folkie arrangements. an incredible singer with an incredible talent.

There is no finer songwriter living today than Ellis Paul. He is poet and masterful musician, combining beautiful and insightful lyrics with melodies that find that quiet corner of your mind and reside there.

"Stories" is my favorite Ellis Paul collection. Even though it is diffucult to reproduce the pleasure of his live performance, this album comes very close. His music hits straight and true.

I do like this guy and that is why I bought this CD. I appreciate a guy who trys to make it as a singer-songwriter in this world of sub-par garage bands getting major contracts and videos on MTV. Paul does tell stories and he sticks to his roots. However, I just can't get all excited over his music as a whole package. His structuring of chord progressions, guitarwork, and voice are only adequate as a vehicle for his lyrics. I need more than this to get me to buying more than one CD from any artist. I simply reach the point with every listen where it seems that I am hearing the same song over and over again. I will continue to keep my ears open to him as I do believe he is worth following.

I first listened to this great singer/songwriter out of curiosity because his name is the same as one of my family members...only reversed. I am so glad I didn't miss out. Where has he been all my life?

Ok, Ellis Paul is Boston's Folk-pop patriarch. Everyone who likes the genre has this album. With songs like "The King of Seventh Avenue" and "Here She Is", it's easy to see why. These songs alone deserve the 4 star rating.

Even so, the cd lacks depth. "I Shot John Lennon" is a waste of plastic. In it, Paul attempts to assassinate talk show trash. What could be worse than wasting one's time watching talk shows? You guessed it: a song about wasting time watching talk shows. "Autobiography of a Pistol" is so ridiculous it has become part of the stand up routine of Rick Jenkins (one of Boston's best comedians).

If you like the genre, you probably already have this or have a friend who does. Definitely check it out, but remember to program your cd player and avoid the god-awful filler songs.