Customer Reviews

That's What

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

 

 

Well, being the first reviewer, I will break the ice: this is not 6 and 12 string guitar. It is something far beyond quirky. In fact, it shoots so far beyond his previous borders, that you may be dissolusioned. Don't be. This album is layered with brilliant music, twisted guitar lines, unique melodies, and an overall powerful impression. Plus, look at the price.

Many people don't care for this CD: critics, Kottke's manager, and even Kottke's wife. But the man himself loves it. And so do I.

One of the world's finest guitarists plays around with interesting sonics on one of his many mostly-instrumental recordings. Don't expect a lot of flash, unless you are the kind of listener who can appreciate the difficulty of his fingering technique. The word "quirky" is perhaps overused when referring to Kottke, but I can't think of a better adjective either, really.

Suffice to say that if you click on the samples of tunes from this CD you'll find a representative sampling of his sound, in styles that range from Cajun to jazz to blues to pop. He's never trying to get his stuff played on radio, being happy to just hang out and create wonderful sonic art. Very enjoyable, relaxing, intriguing, humorous stuff on this collection, even a few toe-tappers.

One of the world's finest guitarists plays around with interesting sonics on one of his many mostly-instrumental recordings. Don't expect a lot of flash, unless you are the kind of listener who can appreciate the difficulty of his fingering technique. The word "quirky" is perhaps overused when referring to Kottke, but I can't think of a better adjective either, really.

Suffice to say that if you click on the samples of tunes from this CD you'll find a representative sampling of his sound, in styles that range from Cajun to jazz to blues to pop. He's never trying to get his stuff played on radio, being happy to just hang out and create wonderful sonic art. Very enjoyable, relaxing, intriguing, humorous stuff on this collection.

I've heard that critics and others aren't fond of this kottke album, but can't figure out why. The melodies and song structures are as intriguing as most else I've heard of his. true, it isn't my favorite kottke album (why I gave it only 4 stars), but it is worth buying. i believe that the more you listen, the more you will like.

I think this album is like an expressionist painting. Although I love the songs individually, it's the way it comes across as a whole that is unique. If you want to compare his playing here to one of his many other records I don't think you can. The closest I would say though is the way "6 and 12 String Guitar" has a feeling about it as a collection. But this group of songs is updated in the harmony used and also Leo plays with a band. His voice is used more as an instrument rather than to carry a melody. There are jazz influences as well as reggae with some of the style that he is most noted for. And Leo's humor is alive and well. I haven't bought an album that is this creative in a long long time. I hear something different every time I listen to it. It has that kind of debth. Go Leo.

The first Kottke album I ever heard and loved was "Mudlark"; a classic by any stretch of the imagination. The first round of listening to this one initially turned me off except for a few of the tunes. A 6 month deployment at sea soon cured me. I now find this work being one of my favorites. Although not typical of his more familiar "sound", this album, when concentrated on, will open your ears to another aspect of a musical genius.