Customer Reviews

Time Passes By

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Time Passes By" finds Ms Mattea in a reflective mood as she contemplates about her the time that has passed by. You will enjoy her thoughtful reflection of unrequited love on "What Might Have Been," or be amused by a delightful story as in "Harley," or enjoy an afternoon of romance out in the wide open spaces in "Summer of my Dreams." This album finds Ms Mattea in a reflective mood -- sometimes with a tear of joy, sometimes with a cry of regret, and sometimes with a whisper of hope. The album closes with the classic "From a Distance" in which Mattea and producer Allen Reynolds add a celtic touch to this classic. A very satisfying album for the thoughtful and for those tired of the mechanical assembly line country.

Kathy was one of the top country queens in the late eighties. Her blend of various musical styles - mainly country with folk influences and a little (only a little) pop flavor - reaped a rich harvest. This album was released in 1991 but failed to make the impact of its predecessors. I cannot believe this had anything to do with the quality of the music here, although this is a very reflective, mellow album devoid of any catchy, up-tempo songs that were a feature of her earlier music (remember Walk the way the wind blows). At a time when up-tempo songs were particularly fashionable, this may not have pleased country radio stations. Even so, A few good things remain was a big country hit.

Kathy and her husband Jon Vezner became friends with the obscure Scottish folk singer Dougie Maclean. On Kathy's first visit to Scotland, the three of them got together with some other Scottish musicians and recorded From a distance, a song first recorded by Nanci Griffith but which has also been covered by several other singers, including Bette Midler (whose version was an international pop hit) and Cliff Richard. Kathy's version features bagpipes during instrumental breaks. Before buying this CD, I wondered if this was really a suitable song for bagpipes (which I enjoy if used correctly) but I need not have worried. The result is a masterpiece.

Apart from that track, the album was recorded in Nashville and produced by Allen Reynolds, who is perhaps best remembered as Crystal Gayle's producer during her most successful period in the seventies. The titles of the songs - Time passes by, What could have been, Summer of my dreams, A few good things remain - often fit the reflective nature of the album. The strange story song, Harley, seems out of place lyrically with the rest of the album, but it is quite amusing even if doesn't sound credible.

This is not my favorite Kathy Mattea album - I generally prefer her earlier music - but it is still an excellent album that should not be ignored.

Been looking for this album for a long time. Use some of the music in my profession. My Tape wore out and was real pleased to find it in a New CD. Great transaction, price and delivery. I will remember the seller.

I recently heard one of the cuts on this album, SUMMER OF MY DREAMS, composed by David Mallett, and I HAD to have it. I was not familar with either Kathy Mattea OR David Mallett before, although I've since learned that he's written some pieces that most of us know. HER voice is haunting and beautifully rich. I really like all but one of the pieces on this album, and plan to make a tape for my car. This album bridges the gap between country and folk music beautifully, and I heartily recommend it.

Of all the Kathy Mattea cd's I own, this has to be probably my favorite. I like the sound of it, there are bagpipes and a scottish feel to the album. If you listen to the songs, it kind of makes you want to go to Scotland and listen to it in an old Scottish Castle. The stand out songs to listen to here are: "Asking Us To Dance", "I Wear Your Love", and "Quarter Moon". This wasn't one of her biggest albums but still did get 3 new singles off of it which were "Time Passes By", "Whole Lotta Holes", and "Asking Us To Dance". This album is a feel good searching for your hopes and dreams kind. There is no hard rockin' country, all of them are mellow tunes that make you feel good after you listen to them. I was a little cautious when I saw she was covering "From A Distance" but after I heard it, with the bagpipes and everything, i gotta give it an A. It would be an A+, but the "Harley" song just doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the layout, it's not a bad song mind you but didn't seem to fit on this kind of an album.

This is simply a wonderful albumn. Its earthy humanity, sensitive and yet thoroughly grounded, makes listening to it a delight. This is Mattea at her best.

Briefly: this is a wonderful album. If you know Kathy Mattea, it's a must-have; if you don't, this is a great place to start. "Time Passes By" and "Ready for the Storm" are outstanding songs, but there isn't a loser on the album!