Richard Buckner [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Richard Buckner

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 21, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Overcoat Recordings
• ASIN: B00007L7DT
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #200,189 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Originally sold as an exclusive to fans at his live shows, this self-titled, self-produced album showcases Richard Buckner in a most minimalist, intimate light. And to many, this is just the way the singer-songwriter ought to be heard. Though these 11 songs appear in more finished renditions on Buckner's other albums, here--played with just acoustic guitar and the singer's warbly voice--they become achingly eloquent. Stripped free of the rock arrangement found on Since, "Jewelbomb" becomes a stark and haunting ballad (and this album's highlight). Other tracks do the same, with equally rewarding results. And though this effort only showcases one aspect of Buckner's talents (the side of this singer that continues to draw comparisons to Townes Van Zandt and Nick Drake), it's a fascinating portrait of a brilliant songwriter in the midst of the creative process, putting freshly penned songs to tape. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buckner at his naked best, January 24, 2003

By	Matt Patterson (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

The songs here will be quite familiar to fans of Buckner's "Devotion + Doubt" and "Since"; all of them appeared on those two albums in different form. It's remarkable, however, to hear the contrast in the different versions of the same songs. All of the tracks on this appropriately self-titled disc (recorded in 1996) are stripped down to acoustic guitar and vocals. As such, these recordings are a perfect expression of the melancholy troubadour spirit that animates Buckner's songwriting.

What is remarkable about this album is how it seems that nothing stands between the song and the listener on these recordings. Buckner's voice is right there, and his guitar playing is dynamic; rarely do you hear an acoustic guitar generate such contrasts between picking and strumming, between wispy lilting and forceful crashing. The absence of a backing band allows him to follow his own varied pace on each song. Listening to this album, you can hear "Goodbye Rye" as a strained but intense anthem and "Jewelbomb" as a mournful ballad, not as the less subtle rockers that they are on Buckner's MCA recordings. On the short story-ish "Boys, the Night Will Bury You," the vocal delivery is less hurried, giving the song a spookier tone. Even the poignancy of "Lil Wallet Picture" seems somehow more pronounced. Buckner has achieved the difficult feat of making an all-acoustic recording interesting, engaging. You wonder if this was the way he originally wanted these songs to be released seven years ago.

This album is sure to be compared to Springsteen's "Nebraska." Besides the sparse arrangements, both albums share the same raw intensity. Like the tracks on "Nebraska," the tracks on "Richard Buckner" could have been demos, but really they sound too good for that. Beyond these considerations, however, Buckner's impressionistic lyrics and his ragged but rich baritone bear little resemblance to Springsteen's work. Both are great albums, though, and deserve an honored place in any singer-songwriter, rock'n'roll, or alt-country fan's collection.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Devotion with no doubt the best Buckner, March 14, 2003

By	Susan Francis (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This is the kind of music that keeps you captivated from beginning to end. Richard's lyrics are hypnotic. His guitar work is like nothing I have ever heard before. I was already a devout fan listening to Richard's other CDs-- Bloomed, Devotion + Doubt, The Hill, and loved each one in separate and unique ways. But, I was not ready for this raw performance. He sings these songs in a more consise way than the more arranged versions, but yet there is something so much more intimate listening to just Richard with his guitar. It complements my Buckner collection. Now it's time to get aquainted with Impasse, his lastest installment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Low Light, March 26, 2008

By	Justin (Stone Mountain, Ga United States) - See all my reviews

I picked this album up not knowing anything more than the fact that I didn't have it. I put it on while cleaning up after dinner and didn't pay much attention to it until I realized that I sorta knew the songs. The songs, however, where quite different than the one's I knew. Needless to say, I turned up the volume and started again from the beginning. For Buckner fans, this really is a great listen. The songs are familiar but their difference gives thema somewhat newer/personal feel. I know this may not be as helpful as some but if you really do like Buckner's stuff you'll really like this album. Trust me.