Customer Reviews

Sundown

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An extraordinary album, yet no one has reviewed it yet? And, down there at 12-13000 in sales ranking at Amazon? Why is everyone missing this wonderful album? Perhaps because no one has reviewed it yet? So I will put pen to paper (rather fingers to keyboard) and fix that today.

Sundown, originally released in 1974, was Lightfoot's most successful album on the billboard charts. It went to number 1, in the US and Canada simultaneously, and the single of the title song topped both charts at the same time too. A second song from the album, Carefree Highway, also charted well, reaching number 10 late that year. Then why aren't people buying this album? Is it because both of these songs (as well as a third song, Circle Of Steel) are on Gord's Gold too?

Well, if that is the reason, people are missing a lot of excellent music. The two hit songs are not the only great songs on the album; in fact, many Lightfoot fans would argue that they are not the best songs on the album. Probably more so than almost any other album, every song here is a classic, full of beautiful lyrics, haunting melodies, inventive guitar playing and arrangements, and exquisite vocals. (Of course to fully appreciate the guitar, you will have to look for the MFSL half-speed mastered album, on vinyl and out of print, but this CD will make a fine substitute and plays better in your car).

Most of the songs are personal songs, but interspersed are songs of the sea, wandering and social commentary, also familiar Lightfoot themes. My favorite songs, from the "other seven" are Somewhere USA, High And Dry (which is also on Gord's Gold Volume 2), Seven Island Suite, The Watchman's Gone (which, in addition to the two hits, he still performs in concert today) and The List. If you do have Gord's Gold, you are still getting seven additional Lightfoot treasures, plus the haunting "whole" that he achieves with all of his albums, rather than - as is so common - simply a collection of songs.

Altogether this disk is a 10; well, in the rating system here, a 5. Enjoy!

Gordon Lightfoot released a string of superlative albums between 1970 and 1976 for Warner/Reprise; Sundown is definitely one of the real standouts. From the relaxed, almost serene feel of the previous album (Old Dan's Records), Sundown (released in 1974) makes a sudden departure in mood. Many of the songs deal with moving and with restlessness. And yet, it's not the idea of going out and searching for something; rather it's the sort of restlessness you feel when you simply want to get away and get out on the road without any sort of specific game plan. It's this notion that makes the album so compelling.

A couple of Lightfoot's big hits can be found here; the title track, of course (with Red Shea's classic guitar solo, and Terry Clements' beautiful acoustic licks); and "Carefree Highway." But there are many, many other gems here as well: the chance-encounter scenario played out in "Somewhere USA"; the social commentary of "Circle of Steel" (with some beautiful recorder work by Jack Zaza); the stunning epic "Seven Island Suite"; fan favorite "The Watchman's Gone" (with, again, some beautiful acoustic work by Clements); and the evocative "Too Late For Praying" (a song which, after the events of 9/11, has taken on yet another shade of meaning). Additionally, the album is beautifully produced by Lenny Waronker: it's a clinic on how to record acoustic guitars. Lightfoot's trademark Gibson B45 12-string rings bright and clear on this recording, as do all the guitars. For the songs that utilize strings, the arrangements by Nick DeCaro are elegant and understated, never becoming obtrusive. The musicianship is, as usual, of the highest calibre: Lightfoot on 12 and 6 string guitars; Shea on acoustic, classical, and Telecaster; Clements on acoustic; John Stockfish (who was Lightfoot's regular bassist from 1966-69) appears along with Rick Haynes to contribute bass, and session ace Jim Gordon is on drums (it would be another couple of years before Lightfoot added a drummer to his regular touring band).

This is truly an essential Gordon Lightfoot album. If you've perhaps bought the recently-released Complete Greatest Hits and have become interested in adding some Lightfoot CDs to your collection, Sundown is certainly not a bad place to start!

I laughed when I saw one of the earlier reviewers had referred to this album is good but not terrific. While I strongly disagree with that estimation of the effort here, what occurred to me was the simple fact that over a fifteen period, Gordon Lightfoot produced so many superior albums populated by such uniformly outstanding songs that we've become inured to the fact that he is such a singular, talented and singular talent. Every single song on the album is extremely well executed, and the arrangements are stunning, from the opening "Somewhere USA" into the upbeat "High And Dry" on into "Seven Island Suite, a captivating, poetically versed, and thoughtfully complex song one had to hear in its entirety to truly appreciate. "Circle Of Steel" uses a deceptively simple and lovely melody to take a sympathetic and compassionate look at the social issues of the day, and the ways in which our ordinary troubles complicate themselves, continuing from one generation to the next. A number of popular hits are here, including "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway', as is his lovely and pensive "Too Late For Praying". Gordon is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter who is in the process of leaving us dozens of terrific albums for our continuing entertainment and edification. This is certainly one oif the best of them. Enjoy!

This is more of a warning than a review. The five stars are for the original content of the LP and later CD rather than for this CD itself. Other than to say that this is one of Gord's best albums and probably his most widely known and remembered, I'll allow those interested to read other's reviews for the original Reprise release of this record on CD. So what is the warning? This is merely a reissue of the old Reprise CD: it hasn't been remastered, nothing has been expanded, and it includes no bonus tracks (yes, I know, bonus tracks can often be of questionable value and sometimes detract from the record's original intent, though still with the price increase you do expect something more!) The credits in the four-page "booklet" are identical to the earlier Reprise issue with no mention of any mastering or remastering work except what was done for the original CD transfer. Upon listening to this and the old Reprise CD back-to-back, the only difference I could note was perhaps a very slightly blunter (i.e. less crisp and sharp) sound on this new reissue. That's hardly an improvement. About the only differences between this "new" issue and the earlier one is that the cover art is fuzzier and not as sharp (as if taken from a low-resolution, digitized copy of the original LP cover), there's a new record label (Wounded Bird) listed and the retail price is higher. This is a sadly unnessary "reissue" of a classic album that has nothing new to offer. The recording itself is still among my favorites; however, this reissue is very questionable (except for the profits the record companies will collect) and not at all worthwhile if you already own all of Gord's albums on CD since this is the very same thing as what you already have.

I enjoy every one of Lightfoot's albums, but this one displays his versatility more than most. I'm glad the powers that be decided not to put the title cut first, because "Somewhere, USA" is a much better way to kick things off. A laid-back, tasty little ballad, this song has a hint of Spanish or Mexican flavor to it. Of course, some very familiar radio moments are here; the unforgettable title song, and "Carefree Highway", which has become an anthem for life on the road.

"High & Dry" is a rollicking nautical tune, and "Seven Island Suite" continues the seafaring theme, but with a slower tempo and a broad, epic mood. "Circle Of Steel" presents an elegant but sobering view of Christmas in the life of a gambler. A rail yard hobo takes us for a ride in "The Watchman's Gone." The liveliest number in the set is "The List", wherein the singer lists all the things he wants to do on a special night, to the tune of driving acoustic guitars and some spicy drum work. I can only describe "Too Late For Prayin'" as a respectfully defiant conversation with God, lamenting the state of society and pleading for wisdom to carry on.

This album represents the acoustic folk/rock movement of the 70s as brilliantly as any other. Overall, a very satifying musical experience, one that you'll want to repeat again and again.

Sundown the album and the song propelled Gordon Lightfoot to the top of the charts. Both reached number one in the summer of 1974 and represented the peak of Mr. Lightfoot's chart success. On the album, Mr. Lightfoot kept true to his troubadour roots, with expressive and vivid lyrics, but spiced up his basic folk sound with a more mainstream rock sound. The title track is a perfect AM radio classic with its catchy guitar riff and sing along chorus. The rest of the album is strong as well. "Carefree Highway" was a second top ten hit and is a great road song while "Circle Of Steel", "Somewhere U.S.A.", "Seven Island Suite" and "The Watchman's Gone" are all strong.

Personally, this is my favorite Gordon Lightfoot LP. He was still making excellent albums at this point, though he did falter in the late 70's and beyond. His voice was still strong before it went into a kind of nasal crooning! This seems to be the most introspective of all his albums, as though he was trying to really make sense of life-there is much more of a sense of struggle here than in other albums. There is only one or two songs that I have anything to quibble about-but that is probably a matter of taste. There is a lyrical depth that goes beyond even the usual Lightfoot level. The melodies are fantastic, there is a subtle sophistication to the arrangements, and Gordon's voice is strong.(as mentioned earlier.) The string arrangements fit perfectly, especially in "The Watchman's Gone" and "Too Late For Prayin." The tone is very serious, but it never feels like he is wallowing in self-pity. When I finally picked up this album on CD, I hadn't listened to the album in several years. Without question, it retained its power. Gordon Lightfoot amazes me in that he essentially writes the same kind of melodies, but darn if somehow he doesn't make them all seem unique. This was one of his most commercially successful albums, and deservedly so.

Of all the albums of his career, I think this one is the best. It is more in the pop vein than earlier efforts, with more strings and keyboards than usual, although it is still quite rooted in folk music. But the sound is wonderful and balanced, without losing depth of feeling, which can happen with a writer as formal as Lightfoot. He is all over the board lyrically in the best way, from the "love on the road" song in "Somewhere USA," to sexual jealousy in "Sundown," social commentary in "Circle of Steel," and spiritual longing and questioning in "Too Late for Prayin." To me, the album has a searching quality to it, but it is mature, and written from the perspective of a man in his 30's who has seen quite a lot in his lifetime. I think all 10 cuts are worthy of being favorites, though "Seven Island Suite" stands out as the most challenging and sophisticated in his canon, and is a stunning piece of work. "Sundown" is a beautifully produced record, lyrically and musically broad, and the perfectionism and formality that Lightfoot brings to his music in no way detracts from the soul of this gifted Canadian writer.

Personally, this is my favorite Gordon Lightfoot album, and I have just about all of them. His voice was at its' very best here, his writing superb, and arrangements flawless. This is a MUST HAVE Gordon Lightfoot album!

Gordon Lightfoot has always been known to take great care in assembling an album, here is an example of the rewards of perfectionism. Sure, the album boasts 3 hits, but there's so much more beyond them. This is truly the most atmospheric piece that Lightfoot has done. Songs like "Seven Island Suite" almost take you to the astral plane while the jubilance of "High & Dry" bounces along nicely. The only low point (if it is indeed a low point) is the pessimistic ending of "Too Late For Prayin'". The song is a good song, but to close out such a great set with a down note is a questionable decision.

All of Lightfoot's bandmates are in top form also. Rick Haynes keeps great rhythm in the bass area on half of the songs, while the bass trickery is handled by John Stockfish (bassist with Lightfoot in the 1960s and with Jim Croce). Terry Clements and Red Shea also share lead licks tastefully.