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Editorial Reviews
Mose Allison's ANTI- debut The Way of the World marks his return to the recording studio after a 12 year absence. Working with maverick producer Joe Henry, Allison has found his most sympathetic setting in years, surrounded by young, vibrant players, who add surprising slide guitar and some sinewy saxophone to the classic Mose sound.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you're a Mose Allison fan, you're probably as happy as I that we have one more album from this great musician. If you haven't bought it yet, don't hesitate. But if you're new to Allison's work you might be wondering whether this is the place to start. Well, you can't go wrong with Allison Wonderland: Anthology, which contains too many great songs to list here; but you might do as well to start with Way of the World.
None of the new songs here quite rise to the level of Allison's very best work, but the acerbic "Modest Proposal" and the weary "The Way of the World" (co-authored with Joe Henry) come close. Most of the other material--a combination of new originals, re-recordings, and covers--is also strong. Loudon Wainwright's "I'm Alright" and Amy Allison's "Everybody Thinks You're an Angel" in particular are well-chosen, Allisonesque compositions that fit in perfectly with Allison's own work. (Allison's daughter Amy, an artist in her own right, also contributes vocals on a cover of Buddy Johnson's "This New Situation". She sounds like a cross between Victoria Williams and Blossom Dearie, and the effect of their unison singing is downright eerie.)
What truly distinguishes this album, though, is that producer Joe Henry has created what may be the best-sounding Allison album yet. The warm, clean sound is a lot like that on Henry's own albums, but it fits Allison, too. And Henry has assembled a cast of professionals (including the ubiquitous Jay Bellerose on drums and percussion) who enhance Allison's performances without ever getting in the way. Just compare the versions of "Ask Me Nice" and "Let It Come Down" included here with older recordings of the same tunes to hear the difference.... Read more ›
None of the new songs here quite rise to the level of Allison's very best work, but the acerbic "Modest Proposal" and the weary "The Way of the World" (co-authored with Joe Henry) come close. Most of the other material--a combination of new originals, re-recordings, and covers--is also strong. Loudon Wainwright's "I'm Alright" and Amy Allison's "Everybody Thinks You're an Angel" in particular are well-chosen, Allisonesque compositions that fit in perfectly with Allison's own work. (Allison's daughter Amy, an artist in her own right, also contributes vocals on a cover of Buddy Johnson's "This New Situation". She sounds like a cross between Victoria Williams and Blossom Dearie, and the effect of their unison singing is downright eerie.)
What truly distinguishes this album, though, is that producer Joe Henry has created what may be the best-sounding Allison album yet. The warm, clean sound is a lot like that on Henry's own albums, but it fits Allison, too. And Henry has assembled a cast of professionals (including the ubiquitous Jay Bellerose on drums and percussion) who enhance Allison's performances without ever getting in the way. Just compare the versions of "Ask Me Nice" and "Let It Come Down" included here with older recordings of the same tunes to hear the difference.... Read more ›
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
After having the privilage of seeing Moses a few years ago in NH play, I immediately became a fan. Every time I hear Moses songs now I can't believe he's been around for so long and I never heard his music being played on the radio. He has to be the coolest due around. I was excited to learn he had a new release after many years and he didn't let me down with it. I love it. I keep listening to it again and again, too. So worth it. I highly recommend it. It's great.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When I first heard this c.d. a few weeks ago, I was going to rate it 4 stars. It seemed almost heretical to do so, but I was going to draw the comparison of 82-year-old Mose Allison to the Philadelphia Phillies' 46-year-old pitcher, Jamie Moyer. The point being: it's incredible that a 46-year-old can go 13-14 with a 4.80 e.r.a. in the Major Leagues; but 13-14 with a 4.80 e.r.a., while worthy of the big leagues, doesn't get you into the All-Star game.
But you know, this c.d. has grown on me. The wisdom throughout has invaded my psyche.
"Modest Proposal" did that on the first listen. I think giving God, Allah and Mohammed a vacation is a splendid idea (especially if it stops the wars fought in Their names, though Mose doesn't quite go there). And "Once in Awhile" is a nice, heartfelt ballad from the first listen.
But the rest of the c.d. infiltrates the brain (even brains that lose 1200 neurons every hour, as in Mose's per. track 1, a riff on the old folk song "This Train"). The only song that really doesn't is the last one, "New Situation": but perhaps that's because Mose's daughter, who sings with him there, sounds more like his great-granddaughter.
With Mose Allison, the lyrics are primary, the musicianship (although fine here) secondary. The songs, though short, are thoughtfully done. The c.d. is worth checking out, especially if you're a "gray panther" or the like. RC
But you know, this c.d. has grown on me. The wisdom throughout has invaded my psyche.
"Modest Proposal" did that on the first listen. I think giving God, Allah and Mohammed a vacation is a splendid idea (especially if it stops the wars fought in Their names, though Mose doesn't quite go there). And "Once in Awhile" is a nice, heartfelt ballad from the first listen.
But the rest of the c.d. infiltrates the brain (even brains that lose 1200 neurons every hour, as in Mose's per. track 1, a riff on the old folk song "This Train"). The only song that really doesn't is the last one, "New Situation": but perhaps that's because Mose's daughter, who sings with him there, sounds more like his great-granddaughter.
With Mose Allison, the lyrics are primary, the musicianship (although fine here) secondary. The songs, though short, are thoughtfully done. The c.d. is worth checking out, especially if you're a "gray panther" or the like. RC
8 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
So far this is a minority report. The music is good. I have several of his records from about twenty years ago. He still sings and plays just as great as he did back then. His lyrics have a wonderful bite that reminds me of a comment about Kurt Vonnegutt--a bitter coated sugar pill. So listen and enjoy.
But not for long. The liner notes say this is the product of five days in the recording studio--and they came out with only 35 minutes of music. Not one cut that would not fit on an old 45rpm single. I know from hearing Mose live in Philadelphia about a year ago that he has no trouble sustaining a musical idea for lots more than four minutes. But you will not find any of that on this recording.
But not for long. The liner notes say this is the product of five days in the recording studio--and they came out with only 35 minutes of music. Not one cut that would not fit on an old 45rpm single. I know from hearing Mose live in Philadelphia about a year ago that he has no trouble sustaining a musical idea for lots more than four minutes. But you will not find any of that on this recording.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By hodaddy 101
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I think everyone who is into it wants to hear an old blues cat sing and record when he is an old blues cat.
82 years young and sounding as good as ever, but with that certain distinguished perspective with his lyrics that can only come from an older gent.
This is classic Mose Allison, piano, blues based and his unique phrasing with vocals.
I love it.
The production is excellent, Mr Henry has captured the sound the way only he could. I can't think of any Mose Allison recordings which capture him so well. The packaging has some relevant information, some timeless photos of the man.
The songs are really well put together, retaining that simple band structure that Mose is well known for. It is not over the top. It does not branch into 'Jazz' world too much, it is firmly rooted in the Blues, where Mose Allison belongs....but i guess you would classify the recording as 'jazz blues'. I have to throw a quick plug for the Bass Player, it swings! The drumming and percussion are also outstanding.
Well done everyone involved, enjoying this album very much and I cannot believe Mose Allison is not more revered in the music World, he is a living treasure.
82 years young and sounding as good as ever, but with that certain distinguished perspective with his lyrics that can only come from an older gent.
This is classic Mose Allison, piano, blues based and his unique phrasing with vocals.
I love it.
The production is excellent, Mr Henry has captured the sound the way only he could. I can't think of any Mose Allison recordings which capture him so well. The packaging has some relevant information, some timeless photos of the man.
The songs are really well put together, retaining that simple band structure that Mose is well known for. It is not over the top. It does not branch into 'Jazz' world too much, it is firmly rooted in the Blues, where Mose Allison belongs....but i guess you would classify the recording as 'jazz blues'. I have to throw a quick plug for the Bass Player, it swings! The drumming and percussion are also outstanding.
Well done everyone involved, enjoying this album very much and I cannot believe Mose Allison is not more revered in the music World, he is a living treasure.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
No doubt Mose Allison's last hurrah, and a wonderful hurrah it is
Mose just recently decided to stop performing, which broke my heart. You see, I've only recently discovered Mose Allison, and my fondest hope was to hear him play at least once... Read more
Published 29 days ago by S. Price
5.0 out of 5 stars
Octogenarian Overachiever
I've enjoyed Mose for many years and I'm grateful he made this album at 82. I haven't been around quite that long yet but long enough to appreciate the lyrics of "My Brain. Read more
Published 2 months ago by The OC
5.0 out of 5 stars
His Way!
If you enjoy the sound of Mose you will like this CD. I like it and listen often to his unique sound.
Published 20 months ago by Ron J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
He's Back!
After about ten or twelve years of retirement, Mose went back into the studio and I for one am grateful. Read more
Published on June 4, 2011 by Dion Morse
3.0 out of 5 stars
Five stars for the SONGS....
First of all, I'm a big fan of Mose Allison, starting in '68. I have many Mose Allison recordings and his unique style and writing have a special place in my heart and soul. Read more
Published on April 27, 2010 by B.
