Customer Reviews

Waiting for You

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It seemed as though the 1980s ran away with Gord. After a beautifully written/performed/produced "Shadows" was released, Lightfoot delved into other horizons. A tip of the hat must be given to someone who tries to expand themselves. The only problem was that 1983's "Salute" was too much of an over-the-top electric patchwork that didn't flow very well and 1986's "East of Midnight" was a jaw-dropping adult-contemporary nightmare.

After having taken a break from the writing and producing for a spell, Gord returned in 1993 with what is possibly his best since "Dream Street Rose". "Waiting For You" has everything that made Lightfoot records of old so enjoyable. The songs are easy-going, listenable and singable. The music is instantly memorable and Terry Clements is up on his game on lead guitar, especially on the title track.

Highlights include "Restless", "I'll Prove My Love", "Waiting For You" and "Drink Yer Glasses Empty".

Back when I was in college in Maine, I used to be friendly with a young musician who would eventually meet with some success. Dave Mallett had longsince left school when I met him, but we sort of traveled in the same circles. My best friend Michael was his lead guitarist for a time. It was a special time, really, being surrounded by a number of talented musicians.

One of the things that I recall quite well was that Dave, who would later to go on to songwriting success in Nashville, just about worshipped Gordon Lightfoot. Well, you know, Canada, Maine, there's a kind of North Country connection there, I guess. But even then, I think I noticed a significant difference between David and his idol. David was much more a straight forward storyteller. Gordon was a bit more impressionistic--never really cryptic, per se, but where David specialized in story songs, Gordon Lightfoot always left lots of room for interpretation. "If you could read my mind?" Forget it, you can't and it's foolish to try. Just enjoy the impressions, the poetic quality sometimes interrupted by flashes of romantic irony. And the gorgeous vocals and flawless musicianship. But linear he's never been.

If there's any difference between the Gordon Lightfoot of the 90s and the classic Lightfoot of the 60s and 70s, it's the sense of resignedness and hard won wisdom that years of hard livin' brings. (And show biz is HARD livin' even when we're talking folk music: you don't have to be trashing hotel rooms with 14 groupies onhand to experience the craziness).

In a youth oriented business, Gordon takes some pride in mentioning that he was one year old in 1939, that he remembers the War years (WWII AND Viet Nam and everything between and since, by implication.) And he understands something of the forces that have shaped our lives, and how we sometimes embrace them and sometimes need to retreat from them. Is is a contradiction when he sings: "I'd rather be by the seaside, than be playing a one night stand/I've been too wrapped up in my own dreams, I will change things if I can/I gotta press on, don't wanna rest easy.?" So what's it going to be, Gord, lolling on the beach--or pressing on and not resting easy? Of course, we can all ask ourselves the same question and often do.

Interesting how the cover shot shows Gordon looking a little haggard and drawn. The back cover shot is a lot more flattering, but the front cover is perhaps more truthful in a way. It's reflective of the unadorned vocals and the somewhat weathered (but still wonderful) voice of latterday Lightfoot. "We'd like to take life over again..." he sings on the final track. Is he singing of the WWII soldiers or of himself? And does it matter?

Waiting For You, released in '93, is currently out of print. If you manage to find a copy, you're in for a treat, especially if you found the 1986 release "East of Midnight" to be distractingly overproduced. "Waiting" is a quiet, acoustic effort, mostly drum-free, with subtle arrangements to complement GL's vocals and guitar. The overall feel is that of his early 70s material, but with an older, wiser viewpoint. He's not drinkin' or ramblin', he's singing about love, restlessness, war and age. He sounds at peace with himself, which offers a tranquility that I also get from the albums Old Dan's Records or If You Could Read My Mind. I think it's his best effort since Summertime Dream. "Restless" is lovely, "Drink Yer Glasses Empty" is one of my all-time faves that recalls times of war, "I'll Prove My Love" is pretty and light, and "Waiting for You" has a great waltzing accordion feel to it, which gives the song a kind of sea-faring feel... a familiar thing on a GL record. His voice is a little gravelly, not much changed from "East of Midnight," but he sounds better in that he doesn't try to overextend his voice by using the range he had in his younger years. The voice is instantly recognizable. In fact, the most audible change in his voice occurs between this record and 1998's "A Painter Passing Through" (I'm not keen on that record). This record is a gem-- If you pass GL off as washed-out or uninteresting in his later years, make a special exception for Waiting For You. It's insightful, interesting, and heartening to listen to.

My favorite used to be Endless Wire, which was 8 great songs with two snoozers that I found just too slow to keep me interested. This song has no filler. It's 10 great songs. I'm not sure that the 8 best here are better than the 8 best on EW, but maybe so. There is great variety and the Bob Dylan song is one of his best performances. His voice sounds a bit thin on the first two songs, and thinner on all than in the 70s & 80s, but you get used to that and the lyrics and melodies set this album apart.

It's all here! Having been a Gordon fan since the day he released his first single, I have yet to be disappointed. This is a must have for your collection. If you see "Gordon Lightfoot" anywhere on a cd, get it! He is a master and a gem so rare, he is one of a dying breed of musicians that do it all. I love this cd, but then again, I love everything he's ever done!

It was seven years between albums, 1986-93, but it was worth the wait! This set of recordings has some of the most memorable material that Lightfoot has ever created. Restless stands out as a masterpiece. There is a synthesizer note held throughout most of this song that is hypnotic, and two of my favorite instrumental breaks that Gordon has ever done. Combine that with a set of atmospheric and meaningful lyrics and you have a great song that combines introspection with nature. My favorite line "Do you get that restless yearning when you think about your dad, and the scrimshaw that he had - of an old schooner roving 'neath a sky that's ironclad."

The title track "Waiting or you," is a highly-conversational piece that will give you much to contemplate. It leads in with the stirring line, "Say what you will, I will miss you my friends." Again, nature is front and center in this song. And I do believe that you too will see the night sky while you're listening.

Drink Yer Glasses empty is an inspiring set of lyrics that you might not have heard much about. It paints the experience of the WWII generation, with Lightfoot working in the fact that he was 1 year old when the war started in 39. This is musical poetry. "Drink yer glasses girls and boys, it's time to hit the sky - to the tune of thunder, there's no time to wonder why." Work in a couple of references to John Wayne movies to combine the mythology with the pain, and you have still another powerful and meaningful song.

In addition, there's a fine cover of later Bob Dylan (Ring them Bells). I would rate the other tunes, including the single release "I will prove my love to you," as listenable and enjoyable. For Gordon, they're more of stock tunes (which is still A+ in most books). The revelation that he apparently wears "polka dot underwear" on stage comes at an unpredictable moment in one of the songs. It's little things like this that make the entire album listenable. And to summarize the positive - some of his best material ever!

Gordon Lightfoot is a Great folk rock artist.What makes him special is that he not only writes his own music but is also a talented composer,poet and producer. Gordon Lightfoot with his unique expertise in arrangements is a master at making smash hits out of simply written songs. Before we get to the specifics of this album I would like to share some interesting facts about Gordon from his biography. He started at a very young age by singing in church. His Mother heard that unique style in his voice and she encouraged him to sing often. Gordon is a self taught guitar player who also learned to play some drums as well.But guitar gave him the opportunity to put his words,thoughts and feelings into music form. As he grew older he became popular as a composer of commercials,themes and jingles for radio and television. This particular album Waiting For You came after Gordon decided he needed some time off. He sounds fresh and the material is refreshing as well. Alot of nice songs are featured. Some favorites of mine are,"Restless","Ring Them Bells","Fading Away","I'll Prove My Love" and "Welcome To Try". I have seen Gordon Lightfoot and his band perform. They sound as good live as they do in the studio. Due in large part to the stellar cast of musicians he has assembled. Terry Clements-lead guitar,Rick Haynes-Bass,Mike Heffernan-keyboards,and the creative wizardry of drummer/percussionist Barry Keane. Final thoughts: Waiting For You is a very worthwhile effort. It offers the listener an opportunity to hear a relaxed and more personal Gordon Lightfoot. His follow up album to this, "A Painter Passing Through" is also excellent. Buy them both!! "Enjoy".

This is a good solid album from Gord. I always felt this was a much more solid album than the previous couple were. The lyrics on here seem to be of the nostalgic sort, giving it (for me anyway) a sort of bittersweet feel. There's also a good cover of a Bob Dylan song, Ring Them Bells.
The instruments are played nicely, and Gord's singing is its usual distinctive sound. I particularly like the songs Restless, Wild Strawberries, and Drink Yer Glasses Empty. But the whole album has a really good overall sound that doesn't ever seem to get old.
One of Gordon Lightfoot's better recordings, earlier or later.

Of all Lightfoot's albums, this one gets played as often as any of them with the possible exception of SHADOWS. Yes, Gord's voice sounds a little pinched and nasal at times, as that was the direction his voice was gradually heading in for a long time, but the songs are like old-time friends. Lovely, memorable melodies, charming performances, and Gordon seems to have enjoyed recording these songs -- you can hear it in his voice, especially when he reveals that he's been wearing "polka-dot underwear." A great album to put on when you just want to relax, enjoy a smile now and then, or be wistful. Sad that it's out-of-print, as it's definitely in my Top Five Lightfoot List, and there are a lot of albums vying for that list. A very consistent listening experience, and even the Dylan song fits in perfectly with the self-penned numbers. If you don't have it, grab a copy while you can find one. There are some real treasures to be found on this disc.

'Waiting For You' released in '93 was Gordon Lightfoot's eighth and probably last collaboration with Reprise. Definitely Gordon's best days are behind him, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a nugget or two left to offer his adoring fans.

Now late in his career we hear an aged, weathered balladeer who has just about experienced all there is to experience in this life. Older and hopefully much wiser Gordon presents his audience with -10 tracks- of musings about the road he has trod. His tunes are simple and uncomplicated. There are a number of weak tracks on this album/CD but a couple of very good ones as well. My particular favorites are 'Restless', 'Ring Them Bells' and 'I'll Prove My Love.'

One thing you can always be certain of when it comes to Gordon Lightfoot, there's a message in each and every song. That's the mark of a true poet.