Tourniquet

Larry Norman (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• ASIN: B000VQFJ90
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,770 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This album was released to great acclaim as Larry roared through Britain on what turned out to be his last tour. "Tourniquet" was co-written with, and produced by, his brother Charly and matched its predecessor in terms of critical acclaim and influence in Europe. 1. Turn 2. Endless Life Of Dreams 3. Center Of My Heart 4. Rock The Flock 5. It's All Right 6. Love Is The Reason 7. Feed The Poor 8. Father Of All 9. Near - now with vocals, previously unreleased

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Larry's Final, May 9, 2011

By 

K. Winston - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tourniquet (Audio CD)

Larry Norman was on a mission. Perhaps it was his sense that he would be leaving this world soon. Or maybe he had grown tired using clever lyrics and hidden meanings. Whatever the case, "Tourniquet," his last studio effort, reflects urgency. Gone are Larry's legendary humor and wit. We are left with the offerings of a man stripped bare, but no less committed to spreading the Word and spreading it quickly.

Although I really liked "Stranded In Babylon," his first studio outing with his brother, Charly, I missed the gravelly power of his voice and his signature ballads. It took a few sittings for the music to settle in, but it has grown on me. This is also true of "Tourniquet." And he is definitely in better voice than that previous studio outing.

The first track, "Turn," penned by Charly, Larry's younger brother, is a real industrial- esque mover. Direct in its message and nearly flawless in its execution and production, it is a latter day warning only a fool would dismiss. In many ways, Charly became a musical muse and inspiration, reigniting the passion and creativity Larry was capable of, but had lost touch with. Like so many gifted artists, from McCartney to Dylan, the lack of outside influence and the conflict that invariable arises can take a toll on one's energy. The resulting music can be anemic and inward. Collaboration agreed with Larry and it definitely showed with this release just as it did with "Stranded In Babylon."

"Endless Life Of Dreams," a snappy and upbeat rocker, further explores a common theme of Larry's, the futility of a life without God and the search for love, fulfillment and meaning in the earthly. "Center Of My Heart" is another fine example. Creatively written and direct, it sticks in the head as so many of his more inspired songs do.

"Rock The Flock" begins with a sample/ scratched guitar lick lifted from "He's The Rock That Doesn't Roll' from 1977's "In Another Land." The song delivers exactly what the title promises. A good, old fashioned vintage Larry rocker in the "Why Does The Devil have All The Good Music" vein. He makes intriguing use of modern sonic techniques during the bridge that call to mind more contemporary artists like Trent Resner of Nine Inch Nails. But there is just a taste of this, as if Larry and Charly are stating that, yes... they can do that too if they want.

"It's All Right" is another jumbled stylistic, but delightful departure. At times it has an industrial edge, but quickly moves confidently into a more traditional, upbeat chorus.

"Love Is The Reason" is reminiscent of vintage Larry Norman. Sung from the first person, it relates the simple message of seeking and finding answers in love. It is catchy, hooky and addictive.

The haunting "Feed The Poor" is, quite simply, one of the most powerful ballads Larry has ever written. "You gotta feed the poor/ They're dying every day/ If your momma asks you if you fed the poor/ What are you gonna say?/ You gotta feed the poor/ You must obey/ If your papa asks you if you fed the poor/ What are you gonna say?" It is a blunt reminder of our call to care for the sick, the hungry and the needy; a condemnation of the modern, western church and of society as a whole. It is unapologetic and demanding in its stark visuals and call to action.

"Father Of All" is a prayer of testimony. It is powerful and simple and beautiful.

"Near" is an uplifting, musical journey; an instrumental that explores several rock-based musical styles. At times Beatle-esque, at other times more Tom Petty inspired, it is definitely making "a joyful noise unto the Lord," as the Psalmist wrote centuries ago. I am curious what kind of reaction there was to this song by the Contemporary Christian Music establishment. Was it accepted? Was Larry's faith once again called into question as it so often had been in the past? I will probably never know, not that it matters now.

The last track, "Tourniquet Medley" is a montage of the record, with bits of this song and that, weaved into a pleasant reminder that Larry was here. I love that. It is as poignant as it is bittersweet. It almost feels as if Larry was saying goodbye.

Goodbye, Larry. You meant a lot to me and ministered to me even if you never knew it. You are missed. I will see you soon enough.

5.0 out of 5 stars Tests of `Behind The Curtain', January 11, 2012

By 

J. Bynum (the southwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tourniquet (Audio CD)

Larry Norman / Tourniquet (songs...being considered for the album "Behind The Curtain" --- which would never be completed):

I refer you to K. Winston's fine review on this page, however, I would give this album Five Stars. I would add that the song "Turn" has been one of my favorites since this album came out and there is a nice professional video of the song on YouTube, if you can find it.