Unleashed Live [LIVE]

Charlie Robison, Bruce Robison, Jack Ingram

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004YC1O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,140 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #9 in	Music > Alternative Rock > Live Albums > Alt Country & Americana
  #71 in	Music > Country > Live Albums

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Outside of Texas, it's hard to grasp the Beatlemania-like frenzy that can be directed toward these marginally successful singer-songwriters. At a packed Texas honky-tonk such as Gruene Hall, however, the brothers Robison and adopted kin Jack Ingram go over like the Second Coming, which doesn't mean they don't earn the reception. The three Texans take no chances with material--everything but Ingram's "Travis County" has been cut elsewhere--and deliver their most anthemic and popular tunes in straight-shooting, full-band, Outlaw country style. Small flourishes save these 12 songs (recorded one night in December 1999) from abject predictability: Bruce's Western swing version of Joe Dickens's "Good Life," his wife Kelly Willis's sweet guest harmonies on "Angry All the Time," and Charlie's self-deprecating tone on "Sunset Boulevard." Unfortunately, Ingram turns in four of his slighter tunes, including the obnoxious frat-brat anthem "Barbie Doll," which only makes the call-and-response of his audience all the more suspect. But if you've never experienced Texas frat-country hysteria first hand, this live set will get you more than close enough to the party. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strongly Disagree with Amazon review, October 14, 2000

By	"ssfar" (Nantucket, MA) - See all my reviews

As an East Coast liberal music geek, I must object to your review of Jack Ingram's contribution to this CD. I am way outside of Texas and easily grasp the enthusiasm this guy generates. I bought Unleashed Live in a record store in Massachusetts this week specifically because Ingram appears on it. Just stopped by here to see what the response was like. To give you a sense of my musical tastes I was in the store to buy Radiohead's new one and Catpower's last one (before the recent Covers album.) I'm a music fan, not a frat brat. I first discovered Ingram in Hope Floats and I looked into buying that soundtrack. He's not even on it. Whoever made that decision continues to puzzle me with their motives. Next, I was lucky enough to see him open for Wille Nelson in NYC and the kid held the attention of the room--a room full of New Yorkers and Hell's Angels waiting to hear Mr. Wille Nelson. He held the room because he's got the chops. Sure he's young, but he's no frat brat. He's doing his best to be the next in a line of authentic Texan singer-songwriters that winds back through Jerry Jeff and Willie. Ingram's tracks on Unleashed Live are some of my favorites-- Mustang Burn and Barbie Doll especially. I don't find Barbie Doll the least bit obnoxious and I'm a humorless feminist. I think the ditty is smart and funny and good for dancing. That's all I really need.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good sampler, Buy CDs from all 3 instead, September 22, 2001

By	Al Kunz (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

A live sampler of four songs each from brothers Charlie and Bruce Robison and fellow Sony/Lucky Dog labelmate Jack Ingram, this release provides a good introduction to all three artists. With the exception of "Travis County" by Ingram these songs are all available in studio versions. Diehard fans will want to have the CD to capture the feel of seeing these performers live. Someone not familiar with the artists may be inclined to purchase this CD to sample all three performers for the price of a single CD. If you like one, it's extremely unlikely you won't like all three, buy CDs from each instead.

The highlight of this release is "Angry All the Time" performed by Bruce Robison with harmony vocals by Kelly Willis that put the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill cover version to shame. The remaining tracks are all solid performances and a good cross section of songs from each artist.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toe Tappin' Good Music!, April 19, 2001

By	Starving for Real Country music in Orlando (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

How can you hate this album? True Texan style honky tonk. The performances are great for a live album. Bruce cranks out a great set that sets the stage for the rest of the album, starting with a splendid version of "The Good Life". Charlie kicks it in gear with a terrific version of "Sunset Blvd" and cleverly works in the name Lewinsky (you just gotta hear it!). "Loving County" still gives me chills, hearing it live gives you an idea that his potential has not even been tapped yet. Jack Ingram, who I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about before this album, won a new fan with his awesome music. From "Mustang Burn" to "Barbie Doll", this guy gives you everything he's got. The Texas attitude may be more than some folks can stomach. But if you want a taste of talented musicians that put heart and soul into the music, do yourself a favor and buy this album. I spent lots of time in Texas honky tonks, and these guys give you a real sample of quality music. You don't have to be from Texas to love this album. If you understand real country music, you will quickly find this to be one of your favorite albums in your collection.