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Post by jrmugz on Sept 27, 2015 2:55:49 GMT
My CD of the week for this time is Phil Keaggy and Sunday's Child (Wikipedia link). The link to the youtube of the album is at the very bottom of this post. So, guitar monster Mr. Keaggy has covered so much ground in the pop-rock arena during his, sheesh, 45 years or so in music, from folky to classic rock, to soft acoustic instrumental albums to Joe Satriani type instrumental albums. For this particular 1988 project, he decided he wanted to make an album that sounded like the 1960s rock stuff, and as we can see the album cover is purposefully reminiscent of the "With The Beatles" album cover. Guess they used all sixties instruments including one of Ringo Starr's drum kits they borrowed from someone. Here's my take on it: 01. "Tell Me How You Feel" - To me, this one is along the lines of Badfinger's "No Matter What", just a perfect straightforward rocker with really good hooks all throughout. Really like the passion in the "let it out, let it out" part. 02. "Sunday's Child" - Very fun anthem celebrating the evolution into becoming a Sunday's child. Randy Stonehill is the other vocalist and co-wrote the song with Phil Keaggy. 03. "I Always Do" - This is a cover of a Mark Heard song. Overall, pretty fun. If you listen, there is actually a somewhat monster bass to it, as well as on song 1, because Phil himself actually took on the bass duties for this and that song. 04. "I'm Gonna Get You Now" - Kind of so so, but I really like the bridge part in it. But overall kind of average to below average, to me anyways. 05. "Blessed Be the Ties" - A nice break from the fast rock songs, I really love the sound of the guitar on it, and I really like how Phil does the vocals on this one. Classic in my book. 06. "This Could Be the Moment" - A lot of energy, decent enough of a song. Good, but not necessarily great. I do really like the drum break and where the bass starts going into overdrive. I also really like the Flanger effect on the main guitar theme. 07. "Ain't Got No" - Sung by Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill, and Russ Taff, very coincidentally all artists whose CDs I have put for CD of the Week. Good celebration of "hey, no money, but at least we have people we love in our lives and vice-versa" type of song. 08. "Somebody Loves You" - I like the grabbing guitar theme and the empathy in the lyrics, basic as they are. 09. "Big Eraser" - I'm a really big fan of this song, from the haunting they lyrics and music, to the really cool drum ending to it, and interesting topic of the lyrics. Definitely one of my all-time faves. 10. "Everything Is Alright" - Another cover of a Mark Heard song. Pretty decent, I like it better than "I Always Do", the other Mark Heard cover song on here. 11. "I've Just Begun (Again)" - Very good rock song, love the mysterious opening to it, and how it breaks into the song with the cool drums. I like how the lyrics are abstract. 12. "Walk in Two Worlds" - I always thought this one sounded weird but very cool, and the bridge brings it around third and to home to score, for me. 13. "Talk About Suffering" - A traditional hymn, given the Phil Keaggy treatment, with some very nice vocal harmonizations, and the interesting guitar break with the slightly Middle Eastern feel. ( Note: After reading Chippas's review, I stand corrected the guitar break has more like a Celtic/Irish/Scottish feel. ) Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "Tell Me How You Feel", "Blessed Be the Ties", "Big Eraser", "I've Just Begun (Again)" Bottom Line: A decent rock album with some strong songs and performances from a band that is clearly having fun. Hope everyone else enjoyed at least some of the songs as well! If any down side, maybe too much energy, like on side one where for "Blessed Be the Ties" comes in as a very welcome slowing down of things, for me anyways. Also, for all of the fun rock sound to it, it seems kind of serious, so by the end it's kind of like "alright that was enough drama for a while." But still, I have to rank it high for my part, since the songs and performances are pretty good quality, IMHO. As well as the focus on the 60s rock style that makes it cohesive. Though I'm not sure they accomplished the mission in that when I hear it, I don't think "Woah this is so sixties". To me it's just a good solid cohesive rock album that could have been made in any decade. Maybe distinctively sixties in some parts, like the very cool Beatlesque guitar solo in "I've Just Begun". For the record, I've seen Phil in concert at least five times, and no two concerts are ever the same, as he is an amazing guitar virtuoso who does lots of spontaneous things with that and his jam-man loop thingy device, where he records something and then plays over it, and makes amazing sounds with it. If he comes to your town, don't miss him, especially if you're a guitar geek! To play the album, click on the link below and then the "play all" button. Phil Keaggy and Sunday's ChildJim
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Post by unomusette on Sept 27, 2015 18:51:00 GMT
I've never heard of Phil Keaggy at all, so this will be a pioneering listen for me. That's one of the things I like best about this thread, looking forward to it
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Post by Chippa on Sept 28, 2015 7:39:13 GMT
Tell Me How You Feel - There's a real late 60's pop sound, here. Maybe The Zombies meets The Hollies. Nice, catchy chorus. Remember the early 90's band The Rembrandts? This is what it reminds me of.
Sunday's Child - This sounds like the great power pop band Jellyfish. Check them out, then tell me I'm wrong! Good harmonies, and that jangly guitar is always a good touch.
I Always Do - Nice bridge and chorus. Very bouncy. The melody could be better.
I'm Gonna Get You Now - McCartney-like, in parts. Sort of a cute little ditty.
Blessed Be the Ties - To my disappointment, this isn't a song about sacred neckwear. Honestly, this one bored me.
This Could Be the Moment - Elton John style rocker, with a very 80's sounding chorus.
Ain't Got No - Starts off like Robert Palmer's side band The Power Station, then goes into a weird INXS inspired vibe. There's something interesting, here. I'll need to listen to it again to see what that is...
Somebody Loves You - Sounds like Billy Joel fronting an 80's band. The song itself isn't bad, but the arrangement and production are enough to give me a headache.
Big Eraser - Puts me in mind of a song from Yes's "Big Generator" album. I kept waiting for some hooks, but they never came.
Everything Is Alright - Very "world music" sounding, especially at the beginning. The chorus is nice. Good sentiment.
I've Just Begun (Again) - We reviewed The Smiths a few weeks back, and this reminds me of something from that particular band. Doesn't really do much to keep my attention. A couple of nice chord changes, but that's about it.
Walk in Two Worlds - I sorta like the edge to this song. Has a real late 80's alternative sound.
Talk About Suffering - I'm not really big on the whole religious deal, but hey if it works for people, that's fine. The chorus is interesting. Sounds a bit like an old English folk song, in parts.
Overall, I'll give this a 5.5/10. The first few songs are really good, but then it falls off a bit before regaining some traction.
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Post by jrmugz on Sept 28, 2015 11:00:21 GMT
Tell Me How You Feel - There's a real late 60's pop sound, here. Maybe The Zombies meets The Hollies. Nice, catchy chorus. Remember the early 90's band The Rembrandts? This is what it reminds me of. Sunday's Child - This sounds like the great power pop band Jellyfish. Check them out, then tell me I'm wrong! Good harmonies, and that jangly guitar is always a good touch. I Always Do - Nice bridge and chorus. Very bouncy. The melody could be better. I'm Gonna Get You Now - McCartney-like, in parts. Sort of a cute little ditty. Blessed Be the Ties - To my disappointment, this isn't a song about sacred neckwear. Honestly, this one bored me. This Could Be the Moment - Elton John style rocker, with a very 80's sounding chorus. Ain't Got No - Starts off like Robert Palmer's side band The Power Station, then goes into a weird INXS inspired vibe. There's something interesting, here. I'll need to listen to it again to see what that is... Somebody Loves You - Sounds like Billy Joel fronting an 80's band. The song itself isn't bad, but the arrangement and production are enough to give me a headache. Big Eraser - Puts me in mind of a song from Yes's "Big Generator" album. I kept waiting for some hooks, but they never came. Everything Is Alright - Very "world music" sounding, especially at the beginning. The chorus is nice. Good sentiment. I've Just Begun (Again) - We reviewed The Smiths a few weeks back, and this reminds me of something from that particular band. Doesn't really do much to keep my attention. A couple of nice chord changes, but that's about it. Walk in Two Worlds - I sorta like the edge to this song. Has a real late 80's alternative sound. Talk About Suffering - I'm not really big on the whole religious deal, but hey if it works for people, that's fine. The chorus is interesting. Sounds a bit like an old English folk song, in parts. Overall, I'll give this a 5.5/10. The first few songs are really good, but then it falls off a bit before regaining some traction. Loved the review Chippa, I'll have to check out the Rembrandts, don't remember them. Hilarious comment on "Blessed Be the Ties", though for my part, not sure how that song can bore anyone!!! Yeah, "Big Eraser" for me is a song where the melody of the verse blows away the melody of the chorus, usually it's supposed to be the other way around. Still, that one engages me every time. You're right on "I'm Gonna Get You Now", I know that scream part is imitating McCartney from something, maybe "Kansas City", hmm. It is McCartneyesque. There were so many Phil Keaggy albums for me to choose from, this one I did because of it's straightforwardness, cohesiveness, as well as it's critical acclaim. Since your review of an unknown band put it just slightly over the halfway mark, that's a good sign about the CD. BTW, Phil Keaggy is from Hubbard, Ohio, is that near your neck of the woods or no? Jim
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Post by jrmugz on Sept 28, 2015 11:15:44 GMT
On a personal note, I absolutely love this CD, it was on my tape player constantly for five years or so since I bought it in the 1991 or so.
And if I had a copy of the CD in my car right now, you can bet I would have it on all the time, now, really need to re-order one and not let it get scratched this time.
Actually the last copy of it I had, I sold on e-bay for a nice profit, I think it was before the mp3 days. But I am missing my copy sorely today, thank God for youtube at least.
Jim
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Post by Chippa on Sept 28, 2015 22:07:55 GMT
BTW, Phil Keaggy is from Hubbard, Ohio, is that near your neck of the woods or no? Hubbard is over by Youngstown, which is on the other side of the state. I'm closer to the Indiana line. About 100 miles south of Toledo.
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Post by jrmugz on Sept 29, 2015 1:49:49 GMT
BTW, Phil Keaggy is from Hubbard, Ohio, is that near your neck of the woods or no? Hubbard is over by Youngstown, which is on the other side of the state. I'm closer to the Indiana line. About 100 miles south of Toledo. I see, you must be a buddy of Mr. Mellencamp. Jim
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Post by 88keys on Sept 29, 2015 19:06:30 GMT
I had an interesting time playing "spot the influence", while listening to these songs. I hear The Byrds, Rubber Soul era Beatles, progressive rock, and Cheap Trick.
Only three songs really stand out, for me ; Tell Me How You Feel, Ain't Got No, and Big Eraser. All three are different, but very well written and played.
The only two songs I really couldn't stand were the sappy This Could Be The Moment, and Blessed Be The Ties, which sounds like incidental music to some Lifetime movie.
Talk About The Suffering is pretty interesting, but the lyrics sound like they were written by one of the kids from that movie Jesus Camp.
I like chiming guitars and good harmony, so I can't hate most of this album. I just wish the songs had been better.
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Post by jrmugz on Sept 30, 2015 20:52:27 GMT
I had an interesting time playing "spot the influence", while listening to these songs. I hear The Byrds, Rubber Soul era Beatles, progressive rock, and Cheap Trick. Only three songs really stand out, for me ; Tell Me How You Feel, Ain't Got No, and Big Eraser. All three are different, but very well written and played. The only two songs I really couldn't stand were the sappy This Could Be The Moment, and Blessed Be The Ties, which sounds like incidental music to some Lifetime movie. Talk About The Suffering is pretty interesting, but the lyrics sound like they were written by one of the kids from that movie Jesus Camp. I like chiming guitars and good harmony, so I can't hate most of this album. I just wish the songs had been better. Enjoyed, the review, 88. I think I might have watched "Jesus Camp" on Netflix, one of those troubled kid becomes the counselor's adopted son at the end types of movies? For influences, a now-deceased friend of mine, once pointed out how "Tell Me How You Feel" is reminiscent of "Ticket to Ride" after I mentioned something about it reminding me of "Hard Day's Night". I think he was more right than me. "You say tomorow tonight is better for me" and then The Beatles being "I think I'm gonna be said, I think it's today". ... Yeah, you're right can probably play "spot the influence all day", I'll try to do that next time. Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Oct 1, 2015 15:29:42 GMT
This should be interesting. I haven't heard of him.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2015 20:20:59 GMT
Was this intended as tribute to the mid-1960's Beatles sound? Because that's how it sounded. From what I know of Keaggy, he's supposed to be this amazing virtuoso of a guitarist, but none of that really comes across on this CD. Maybe it just didn't fit the sound he was trying to achieve.
But I liked it for the most part. Best song is his cover of the old time gospel song Talk About The Suffering, which I heard in church as a child. I also really enjoyed Everything Is Alright, which is a great song of positivity.
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Post by jrmugz on Oct 1, 2015 21:30:27 GMT
Was this intended as tribute to the mid-1960's Beatles sound? Because that's how it sounded. From what I know of Keaggy, he's supposed to be this amazing virtuoso of a guitarist, but none of that really comes across on this CD. Maybe it just didn't fit the sound he was trying to achieve. But I liked it for the most part. Best song is his cover of the old time gospel song Talk About The Suffering, which I heard in church as a child. I also really enjoyed Everything Is Alright, which is a great song of positivity. Hi Brax, enjoyed your thoughts. Yeah, I think that's exactly what it was per the wikipedia link, a tribute to the sixties sound. I think based on the theme of the album, he wasn't looking to make a guitar-god album. You gotta understand this guy, his albums are all over the map. He's a talent that cannot be confined to one sound, by any means. He does basically worship Paul McCartney as much as a Christian is allowed to, and that comes out in a lot of his singing and melodies. Here are a couple songs, the first one very short, the second about 6 minutes or so, that showcase some of his guitar prowess. But like any great artist, he's more about the songs that just showing off. For the second song, there is a lot of jamming at the end. This guy is inexhaustible and has put out a ton of material. Very prolific artist, always putting stuff out, and you never know what kind of album it will be. Jim
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Post by jrmugz on Oct 1, 2015 21:38:44 GMT
I can honestly say about Phil Keaggy that he is my absolute favorite artist of all time, of any rock band ever.
He would have been famous with his band Glass Harp, that did Carnegie Hall, and opened up for the Kinks, etc.; but then he had a conversion to Christianity from the influence of his older sister, after their mom was tragically killed in a car accident.
So he became one of those "pioneers" of the Christian rock scene, and his put out tons and tons of quality music in that genre, but none of it is preachy, etc., it's all down to earth stuff for the regular guy who lives his life and believes in God, etc.
When you play his stuff, you'll see he's one of the best kept secrets out there. An amazing artist that was always there, but slipped past everyone's radar, maybe because there are no Christian "classic rock" stations, and the few Christian music stations there are only play music that sounds like it was manufactured in a factory with unbelievably sappy music and all of the standard cliches, etc.
Jim
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Post by unomusette on Oct 3, 2015 21:35:32 GMT
Tell Me How You Feel - Vocals bring Herman's Hermits to mind, it's a nice jangly, poppy song with a bit of body to it, feelgood track. Sunday's Child - The Beatles' influence is on show here, reading back over Jim's notes I see now that this album is intended to sound like a '60's product. Doing it right, I'd say, this is a clever pastiche and very easy on the ears. I like all the extra little bits he's put in too rather than just play it straightforwardly - Mr Lynne would surely approve. I Always Do - Another Beatle-y song, bounces along nicely with a catchy chorus. I'm Gonna Get You Now - Bit more serious in the sound department, I can easily imagine Paul McCartney doing this justice. Great guitar work too, my favourite so far. Blessed Be The Ties - Bit of a filler for me, but I do like the range of guitar sounds brought in. Goes on too long, but to be fair it's the first song on the album that's struck me that way. This Could Be The Moment - I really like the nifty guitar work and general liveliness. Nodding away happily to this one. Ain't Got No - Another rocker, good times! I can actually imagine Freddie Mercury puling this one off, it has good prancing and posing possibilities as well as some over the top vocal parts. Somebody Loves You - Jolly enough but probably it's hard to follow the last song so it doesn't stand out too much for me. Big Eraser - Interesting big vocals and rounded guitar sound. Strange bit of drumming towards the end, as if they left the drummer to finish off and didn't supervise him properly. Everything is Alright - Atmospheric oriental opening, moving on into another Beatles-esque tune, the sort George Harrison might have had a hand in. I think this one might be a grower. I've Just Begun (Again) - Ooo, kicking off with a bit of backwards music, shades of Fire on High, nice one. Jogs on into another chirpy tune which doesn't really stand out from some of the first tracks on the album but does add to the general '60's vibe. Walk in Two Worlds - Interesting title, lots going on here with different layers of vocal and meaty guitar sounds. Again I think this would grow on me if I listened a few times more. Talk About Suffering - Passed me by somewhat, I think Walk in Two Worlds might have been a more memorable finishing track. I enjoyed listening to this album, most of the songs were upbeat and not too heavily meaningful, proper stuff for the '60's sound it was meant to be showcasing. It would make a good backing track for a get-together with people of differing musical tastes. I'd give it 6 and a half out of 10, thanks for sharing, jrmugz
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Post by jrmugz on Oct 4, 2015 1:53:30 GMT
Tell Me How You Feel - Vocals bring Herman's Hermits to mind, it's a nice jangly, poppy song with a bit of body to it, feelgood track. Sunday's Child - The Beatles' influence is on show here, reading back over Jim's notes I see now that this album is intended to sound like a '60's product. Doing it right, I'd say, this is a clever pastiche and very easy on the ears. I like all the extra little bits he's put in too rather than just play it straightforwardly - Mr Lynne would surely approve. I Always Do - Another Beatle-y song, bounces along nicely with a catchy chorus. I'm Gonna Get You Now - Bit more serious in the sound department, I can easily imagine Paul McCartney doing this justice. Great guitar work too, my favourite so far. Blessed Be The Ties - Bit of a filler for me, but I do like the range of guitar sounds brought in. Goes on too long, but to be fair it's the first song on the album that's struck me that way. This Could Be The Moment - I really like the nifty guitar work and general liveliness. Nodding away happily to this one. Ain't Got No - Another rocker, good times! I can actually imagine Freddie Mercury puling this one off, it has good prancing and posing possibilities as well as some over the top vocal parts. Somebody Loves You - Jolly enough but probably it's hard to follow the last song so it doesn't stand out too much for me. Big Eraser - Interesting big vocals and rounded guitar sound. Strange bit of drumming towards the end, as if they left the drummer to finish off and didn't supervise him properly. Everything is Alright - Atmospheric oriental opening, moving on into another Beatles-esque tune, the sort George Harrison might have had a hand in. I think this one might be a grower. I've Just Begun (Again) - Ooo, kicking off with a bit of backwards music, shades of Fire on High, nice one. Jogs on into another chirpy tune which doesn't really stand out from some of the first tracks on the album but does add to the general '60's vibe. Walk in Two Worlds - Interesting title, lots going on here with different layers of vocal and meaty guitar sounds. Again I think this would grow on me if I listened a few times more. Talk About Suffering - Passed me by somewhat, I think Walk in Two Worlds might have been a more memorable finishing track. I enjoyed listening to this album, most of the songs were upbeat and not too heavily meaningful, proper stuff for the '60's sound it was meant to be showcasing. It would make a good backing track for a get-together with people of differing musical tastes. I'd give it 6 and a half out of 10, thanks for sharing, jrmugz Really enjoyed reading your comments, uno, and looking very forward to checking out your CD pick for this week. It's interesting to me how everyone seems to think highly of "Ain't Got No". I agree it's a good song, but you guys made me realize it's a little better of a song than I thought. I thought more people might appreciate "Blessed Be the Ties" for the vocal performance, bass, and uniqueness, like I do, but interesting how it's a sleeper to most people. For "Big Eraser", to me the drums at the end sound good, I think it's unique and fits the mysterious spirit of the song. Glad you enjoyed playing it, that seems to be it's strength for whatever our take on the songs, the CD in general seems to keep the interest and overall has mostly at least somewhat decent stuff. Jim
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