Troubadour

J.J. Cale

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: September 1976
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fontana Island
• ASIN: B000001F2M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,446 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Slowhand Serves Up a Subtle Masterwork, January 25, 2001

By	James Burke (Florida) - See all my reviews

An understated, rich, rewarding gem that no one's ever heard. Unfortunately, since few blues fans venture outside the tried-and-true territory of old black men rocking the house Chicago style or young guns with a Hendrix complex serving up monster Texas floods, Cale's druggy brand of rhythmic, spooky storytelling falls far outside of easy characterization.

It's too bad, because Cale's rambling snapshots of love and life on the road are unconventionally addicting. While at times it gets so loose it threatens to fall apart, Cale's sparse style is oddly satisfying -- never has less been more.

All of the songs on Troubadour are outstanding. The now warhorse "Cocaine" is far more intriguing in its original version, more menacing and worldworn than Clapton's driving take. The uncharacteristically energetic "Travelin' Light" is a whispered invitation to road, half intrigue, half warning. The album's highlight, "Cheri," Cale's tender, perhaps futile plea for love, is hauntingly gorgeous.

Cale, much like Nick Drake and Alex Chilton, is an artist whose genius and influence far outweighs his popularity. Sit back and sink in to this simply wonderful disc.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An underappreciated classic., February 2, 2000

By A Customer

This 1975 recording is equal to anything Cale recorded in the seventies, a period when he was at his peak. The production is a natural fit to the tight and rootsy musicianship and compositions. Contemporary country blues (with an emphasis on blues) at it's best. As a guitarist, Cale was a primary influence on Clapton and early Dire Straits. Clapton was so impressed with Cale's writing abilities that he covered three brilliant compositions, Cocaine, After Midnight and the terrific I'll Make Love To You Anytime. Cale did 'em better. J.J. Cale's catalogue is the work of a great American musician. This one's highly recommended...Simon

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it dont get no better, July 22, 2004

By	R. McSpadden "Bobby McSpadden" (Elm Springs, Arkansas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to agree with an earlier review-this is a true desert island disc.my favorite jj album.sultry guitar and terrific songs.this is an underrated masterpiece."cherry" would make the price worth it."i'm a gypsy man""let me do it to you"not a wasted note on the whole thing.dont miss it!