Customer Reviews

Ways Not to Lose

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This record in my opinion is truly as good as you could ever want it. Highly inventive songs that play on and willingly reveal their roots, while maintaining complete originality. Oliver Wood's voice with Chris singing harmonies accompanied by old school steel guitar and Chris' distinctive style of upright bass. Hard to choose which songs are the best as in my humble opinion they all are quite wonderful. Luckiest Man, The Truth is the Light, That's What Angels can Do and Chocolate are probably my absolute favorites - but I think One More Day can be a hymn for the February Funk. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended. For me this is the most interesting singer/songwriter record to come out in a LONG TIME.

I typically listen to music that is so raw that I'm afraid to let my dates listen to it. I end up putting on some kind of Coldplay or Ben Harper or something else that I can only half-way enjoy. But I tell you what ('cause people from Indiana tell people what)--this CD is a piece of work. There is a rawness that comes from musical innovation that doesn't leave its roots hanging in the air like a tree blown over by the wind. Each song is wonderfully written. There is nothing lacking on this album. I am confident that this will become one of those monolithic albums people talk about for a long time. I've been listening to this album non-stop for the past couple of weeks, and it's defining this time in my life. I can count about three albums that have done that for me since high school, some 14 years ago.

I had a feeling about this album, and boy was I right. It's hard to really classify the genre, but blues/folk is the best I can come up with. Oliver Wood's voice is is very intriguing, and his guitar playing is just the right touch on this album - not too many notes to plug up the songs, somewhat of a "less is more" concept. Chris Wood from the under-appreciated Medeski, Martin, & Wood holds his own on the low end. So many times in studio albums, the bass is lost in the background somewhere for the listener to find. Not the case here. The bass is so prominent in the mix (which it should be on this album), I'll find myself humming to the bass lines more often than the strumming of Oliver's guitar chords. The entire album "brings it" from start to finish; not one track remotely makes you think of skipping it. It seems as if Chris and Oliver have both had the idea of making this album in their heads since growing up together and have finally gotten around to doing it. Forget about the genre this may be labeled under. If you're a true fan of good music, you'll want to pick this up. It's early in the year, but this could be the best release I've heard up to this point, and I'm sure will be for quite some time.

A local radio station was playing "Atlas" and "One More Day". I bought this CD expecting to be at least a little dissapointed. Boy was I wrong. There is not a bad track on this CD. My favorite is "Luckiest Man" but they are all good. The lyrics are incredible. From the thought inducing "Tried and Tempted" and "The Truth is the Light" to the light hearted "Chocolate on my Tongue". The last three tracks have a gospel feel but don't let that scare you off if you aren't in to that. They all have a light feel. This CD needs to be heard to be appreciated. I can tell you all day how good it is but you NEED to hear it.

This is what music sounds like when real musicians play. I think the album is a beautiful visit to music that takes everyone to a certain place and time. Chris Wood is a phenomenal bass player and his time with Medeski, Martin & Wood not only enhanced that group, but prepared him to back his brother on this remarkable album. Oliver is truly an amazing blues/rock man, and anyone who has ever heard King Johnson would agree that he has unbelievable talent and craftsmanship. I highly recommend this album.

This music is deceptively simple and that is probably what makes it so brilliant. So don't let the initial impression fool you into thinking this isn't an amazing effort. Oliver Wood's guitar playing is straight-forward and direct, and it is the bass playing of Chris Wood that lays down a subtle and almost sneaky sophistication that elevates these songs musically. That's not to say that Oliver doesn't make an important contribution, his vocal and guitar timing and the space he leaves is impeccable, as are his smoky vocals. Add great lyrics to the mix and there isn't a dud on this CD. That's rare these days. Top it all off with production that walks a fine line, retaining a front porch feel while offering clean, crisp sound with out that over used, modern sound that sounds so manufactured. This is a fantastic effort, don't miss it!

This is one of the best cd's I've bought in a long time. I saw them in concert at Bonnaroo this year and loved them, but assumed their cd wouldn't be nearly as good as they are live. I promise it's just as good. I love how the style of each song varies. Some are a little more bluegrass while others have a lot a jazz. I would definitely recommend this cd to anyone who enjoys singing and dancing in the car, shower, or anywhere else for that matter.

I bought this album about a month ago. I can't stop listening to it. I think it took me about two weeks to get it out of the CD player. I have been a fan of MMW for ever. When I heard Chris and Oliver doing an interview on public radio I knew I had to have this album. I am completely satisfied with my purchase and begging for more. I love the combination of Appalacian style and Jazz influence. I can't seem to pick a favorite song.

This is such a wonderful album, and a refreshing addition to anyone's music collection. Chris and Oliver Wood have an amazing sound that is seemlessly put together. I can't put into words how excellent this album is. Listen to the song excerpts below and you too will realize this is going to be the best album of 2006. I've never been more pleased with a cd purchase!

Oh, how do you describe these guys? You've got two brothers who sing in harmony like they were twins with some kind of rhythmic connection. Oliver is the primary singer and brother Chris plays the upright bass. You're hearing folk songs with a jazz bass backbeat.

I can't say I have a favorite song on this CD: "Chocolate on my Tongue" started out to be for obvious reasons, then "The Luckiest Man."

If you like different, give these brothers a listen. They're well worth hearing and I think like me, you'll be hooked.

Rebecca Kyle, May 2008