Shoot Out at the Ok Chinese Restaurant

Ramsay Midwood

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 5, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B00006SM8D
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,247 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ramsay Midwood's debut, Shoot Out at the OK Chinese Restaurant, is an album of swampy, bluesy songs full of soul and steeped in myth about backwaters and working-class outsiders--hobos, junkies, lusty men, and their dangerous ladies. Originally self-released, Shoot Out received so much grassroots attention that, unsigned, Midwood became a darling of Los Angeles venues like House of Blues. He landed at Vanguard Records, and his folk-rock fits comfortably alongside the label's legendary folk and blues artists, many of whom could serve as archetypes for his idiosyncratic characters. Midwood can sound like a male Bobbie Gentry at some turns (the sultry drawl, lackadaisical lead guitar, tempo, and Southern themes of "Chicago" and "Alligator's Lament"). Other times he calls to mind artists like Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan, especially delivering the spoken-word vocals on closer "Fisherman's Friend." Overall, this is a pleasing debut from an artist to watch. --Jillian Steinberger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Bob Dylan of our generation, December 7, 2002

By	Anna Natsume (Waltham, MA) - See all my reviews

Vanguard Records recently decided that Midwood is too good to be ignored in his own country. After his success in Europe, Midwood is now being hailed in the US as the new Bob Dylan, and like Dylan and Tom Waits, his music is timeless. In this debut album, Ramsays songs tell stories of interesting characters in different places, such as Chicago, Mohawk River, Waynesboro and Alabama.

His album title is enough to show that Midwood has a playful spirit when it comes to music. Although his themes are loyal to the melancholy Blues tradition, his lyrics, especially in "Feed My Monkey," are odd and humorous. "Waynesboro" is a twangy number in which Ramsay rambles about "the good old days and a good old-fashioned wife." Most of the tracks are low-key and easy to listen to, evoking Western images of rolling hills and dusty roads.

This album is far from being cliché, even within the template of bluegrass. Midwood combines various instruments and sounds to create his own signature blues: trumpet, banjo, harmonica, piano, organ, accordion and the fiddle, as well as the usual set of guitar, bass and drums. In terms of instrumentals, "Fishermans Friend" is an interesting number. "Spinnin on this Rock" is one of the best tracks on the album, with great piano and fiddle accompaniments.

You will not be bored with this album, for Midwood delivers even the most pessimistic themes with a tune that makes ones feet tap. His entire album, by respecting tradition and ignoring modern trends, never begs for attention but rewards those who are not turned off by his non-conformist, old-fashioned style. The last track on the album is "Dreary Life," a pre-war folk ballad sung a capella. It is a suitable finale that brings the album into a complete circle, advocating a return to tradition.

Midwood's drunken, monotonous voice -- the faint crackling that sounds like a needle scraping a record -- and the overall rough style of his music claim authenticity. You do not have to be a bluegrass lover to appreciate his music. If you've ever had the blues, you'll know what he's singing about.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time..., December 6, 2002

By	Brent Thomas "kpita" (Glen Rose, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had this album for almost three years now. I had to order it from Germany; that's how much it was worth it to me to get it! During that time, I've played it constantly, recommended it to countless friends and I've waited for it to be "officially" released here!

It's about time an American label took notice of Ramsay Midwood.

Laid-back, bluesy, swampy, Dylan-esque rambling lyrics, it's got everyting you could want. Redefines and breathes new life into the used-up term "Americana." Midwood mines blues and country while constantly adding new touches.

If you like J.J. Cale or the bluesier side of Dylan, this is the album for you.

You won't be sorry.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From LA By Way Of Germany, December 23, 2002

By	John Terry "The Worrier King" (Kansas City, Mo) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Who could predict that Germany would be a mecca for roots rock artists? Glitterhouse would seem to know what's going on long before anyone else. Not to worry, Vanguard has finally released "Shootout At The OK Chinese Restaurant" by Ramsay Midwood. Ramsay is a fixture on what appears to be an alt country revival in Los Angeles second only to what happened there in the late sixties, early 70's. Fair warning, though. Ramsay could probably be labeled as an acquired taste. Singing in a baritone drawl, backed by midtempo, greasy, swampy guitar licks and fiddle, Ramsay cruises through a set of songs that are drunken, backporch, foot tapping, sometimes sinister, sometimes laugh out loud funny, gems. The only dilemna I have is the American version has some songs on it that my German version doesn't. I may have to have a second copy. Get yours today and while you're at it, (sorry Amazon.com, you don't carry him yet) cruise over to Miles Of Music and order a copy of the latest by Mike Stinson. You'll be glad you did!