Storyville

Robbie Robertson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• ASIN: B002965C74
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,113 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

After embracing the sounds of modern recording technology with his debut solo album, former Band leader Robbie Roberston decided to slink down to New Orleans for his follow up, STORYVILLE.

The sultry sounds of the French Quarter reverberate into a decidedly more cohesive soundscape than Robertson's first release. Although the album loosely follows a story line, the drama doesn't unfold in chronological order (reprogramming the sequencing on your CD player could solve the mystery if one is so inclined). The unity, therefore, must be held together by the music itself. The chanting of tribal chiefs, subtle rhythms, and Robertson's own masterful guitar work and roughhewn vocals are the threads that bind STORYVILLE. Once again, Robertson elects to include the presence of more technically gifted singers to augment his own contributions. Aaron Neville, Bruce Hornsby, and former Band mate Rick Danko are but a few star cameos that help spice up Robertson's swampy stew. Robertson has long since left the phantom soul and keen Americana narratives that earmarked his best work with the Band. STORYVILLE is the reminder that the former Canadian is indeed a native son at heart and he's not quite done soaking up the essence of the country.

Personnel: Robbie Robertson, Aaron Neville, Ivan Neville, The Meters, Neil Young, Rick Danko, Art Neville, Garth Hudson, Bruce Hornsby, Mike Mills, David Baerwald, The Blue Nile, Rebirth Brass Brand, The Zion Harmonizers, Chief Monk Boudreaux, Chief Bo Dollis.

1. Night Parade

2. Hold Back the Dawn

3. Go Back to Your Woods

4. Soap Box Preacher

5. Day of Reckoning (Burnin For You)

6. What About Now

7. Shake This Town

8. Breakin the Rules

9. Resurrection

10. Sign of the Rainbow

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best album of the 90's!, September 21, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storyville (Audio CD)

If there was one recording I could listen to for the rest of my life, this would be it. This is a recording where everytime you listen to it, you hear something new. The music and lyrics of these songs are beyond compare. The spirit of New Orleans is captured perfectly in these songs. From the moving lyrics of "Hold Back The Dawn" to "What About Now" and the musical brillance of "Day of Reckoning" and "Resurrection". Believe me, any true fan of music deserves it to themselves to add this to their collection.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars smooth and mellow with some Cajun spice, August 31, 2003

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Storyville (Audio CD)

Recorded in New Orleans, this 1991 release was Robertson's second solo album, with outstanding musicianship throughout, and exceptionally good material.
His unique sound gets a little flavor of Louisiana in this recording, with help from artists like the Neville brothers, and most of the tracks boast terrific horn arrangements (by Wardell Quezergue, except on "Day of Reckoning", which is by Mark Isham). All the songs are written by Robertson, and are laced with his brilliant guitar work, and his smoky, husky voice is always a soothing delight to listen to.

Highlights for me are "Day of Reckoning", about a first time love gone astray ("Tangled twisted strands of love / Hanging from above"), and "Sign of the Rainbow", an atmospheric, mystical song about knowing "The silence between the words".
Two singles culled from this album were "Go Back to Your Woods" ("Come here trying to make a connection / Must have a bad sense of direction"), and "What about Now" ("We grow up so slowly and grow old so fast").
Robertson's creative genius has flourished since The Band's "The Last Waltz", and continues to grow with film scores and several solo CDs to his credit. His music is always marked by excellence, and a singular vision.
The booklet insert has all the lyrics and recording information, and the total time is 54'55.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Disc - Ever, September 19, 2002

By 

Patrick J Hayden (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storyville (Audio CD)

Just an indescribable masterpiece that's easily on par with Dark Side Of The Moon. I have given this to countless people who later ask me "Who IS this guy?!!!". Great songs, amazingly well produced, with Robertson's voice and guitar adding the perfect blend of warmth and mystery (struggling to find the words here...). Turn your stereo WAY up and try NOT to get goosebumps as you listen to tunes like Soap Box Preacher, What About Now, and Hold Back The Dawn. You can't do it. You just can't do it. This is moody, vibrant, passionate music that deserves a serious sit-down-and-LISTEN. Whoever said "turn out the lights and listen" nailed it on the head. You don't know how good your stereo is until you listen to this one.

So, I like it.