Fifty Eggs

Dan Bern

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 31, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 31, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000062G8
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,981 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
At this point in his career, Dan Bern has the "New Dylan" tag stuck like glue--especially because the acoustic guitar-slinger keeps recording songs like "Oh Sister," even if it's not the Dylan song of the same name. Of course, he's also hanging out with producer/pal Ani DiFranco, and he'll probably be dubbed the "New Ani" as well, and Bern, with his reedy voice, edgy wordplay, and fierce-yet-flip attitude really does sound like the bastard child of both. Pop culture references fall like rain from Bern's lips, as do PC clichés and righteous props (especially in the high-praising "Chick Singer") but all that clutter works well in his verbose, intriguing stuff. Check out "Cure for AIDS" and "Tiger Woods." --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Thing Real, September 7, 2002

By	Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

I acquired this album when several people I know recommended Dan Bern's music to me. I am a self-avowed Bob Dylan fan, and they assured me that if I liked Dylan I would love Dan Berg. Of course, I was being partially set up. When this Dylan-like voice erupted from my speakers singing 'Tiger Woods,' an exceptionally bawdy ode to anatomy, I was more than a little amazed. Yes, Dan Bern can sound a lot like Bob Dylan, but his mind is on a completely different planet.

Which is just fine by me. Who really needs a Dylan clone, one such artist is enough. It is a lot more fun to have the music stretch your head in a completely new direction and Bern is definitely headed there. It is a bit difficult to apply generalizations to his music. Often full of attitude or quirky, sometimes tender, always thoughtful. Just when you think you have got it figured out he tries something else. If 'Tiger Woods,' 'No Missing Link,' or 'Cure for AIDS' don't yank your chain you are a bit to stoic for me.

But just when you think "loud and brash," he changes styles. You find yourself listening to thoughtful ballads like 'One Thing Real,' 'One Dance,' or 'Monica.' He is also a master of the not quite love song. I'm not going to list any more of the songs, but I can assure you that they all have something special - something to consider or laugh about. Deceptively simple musically, his lyrics are every bit as rich as the man he sounds like.

Ani DiFranco plays an important part on this album, as side musician, backup vocal and producer. If anything, Bern has more in common with DiFranco than Dylan. He is up front with his feelings, impertinent with his questions, and brutally imaginative. He has definitely made a believer out of me. If you have a taste for the outlandish, this is an album to own.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is the title a Cool Hand Luke reference?, June 7, 2000

By	Nada Adan (Lynchburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews

If you want warm and fuzzy, safe-as-mother's-milk music, stick with CSNY. If you want a challenging whack right up side your stupid head, Dan Bern is your man! This cd is amazing. "Tiger Woods" is unbelievably brilliant -- sheer in-your-face songwriting guts. I first heard it by chance on a compilation cd, noted the singer's name, then immediately went in search of his work. "Tiger Woods" is a must-hear for every wanna-be folkie singer-songwriter out there strumming a six string. Also noteworthy: "Oh, Sister" , "Monica", "Chick Singers". Every song on this cd is a winner.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, December 30, 2001

By A Customer

This is a really great CD. Everyone in my family loves it, and "Oh sister" is one of my favorite songs. Many of Bern's songs on FIFTY EGGS very funny. This CD made our road trip from Philadelphia, PA to Albuquerque, NM much more enjoyable. I highly recommend it.