Customer Reviews

Storyville

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Despite a strained, unusual vocal styling and a tendency to use the same guitar tone solo in several songs, this has to be one of my favorite cds of my whole collection. I keep coming back to it time and again. The words, the music and the imagery that comes from these songs reveal more of Robbie Robertson's style than his previous solo album (which is also one of my favorites).

This cd is just that good. Every song is a short story and the guests contributions are additive without being overwhelming like on the first cd which tended to sound like a Peter Gabriel/U2 cd.

My only regret with this CD is that I didn't buy it when it came out 10 years ago. I lost nine years of listening to this classic.

This cd is a true rock achievement. Granted it takes a while to really "get it." His harmonies and choruses are not immediately accesible, but after a few spins, a discerning listener will begin to spot the amazing talent that Robbie Robertson has. He has put together one for the ages, which to me never gets old.

His eponymous cd may be even better, but you can start here with no fears.

This is another in the string of the fine albums produced by Robbie Robertson, although it doesn't quite match up to his first solo work or some of the outstanding albums that followed this one in the 1990s. For me, there's no single song here that stands out, but the entire CD has a nice, mellow groove. It's perfect for listening to late at night, i.e. great 'make-out music' as I believe another reviewer on this page put it. Although not my personal favorite, Robertson doesn't disappoint...

One of the least heard-of or appreciated albums of the last 20 years. Robertson takes the dark imagry of his debut album's "Somewhere Down the Crazy River," puts a decidedly New Orleans-style spin on it, and expands it into this hauntingly beautiful recording. The assistance of the talented Neville Brothers, Bruce Hornesby, and Neil Young blend beautifly with Robertson's evocotive style. "Hold Back the Dawn," "Go Back to Your Woods," and "What About Now" are my favorite tracks.

Robbie Robertson has done it again. A Great collections of lyrics, music, and musicians. The songs on this album are great. I highly recommend "Soap Box Preacher." The opening song is great also...Night Parade. If you like the Band or Robbie's other albums you will not be disappointed with Storyville.

When the art of songwriting and musical performance reach this level there are no words to describe the result. With a collection in excess of 4,000 CDs, I am hard pressed to find one with more soul or that has such an emotional punch. If you love music that moves you and you search for an artist that is outside the commercial norm, this is a recording for you.

A concept album of forbiden love from the big easy. Robertson is the master and music the medium. A canvas vibrant and beautiful is the result! Listen in the dark and you'll believe.