Search - Bill Staines :: First Million Miles

Barroom Rock Meets Folk

Jim | Fairfax, VA United States | 04/15/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Let me make it clear from the start that I am very fond of Bill Staines. That is why I find this album so disappointing. Most of the cuts on this album are inferior to other performances by Staines of the same pieces. Staines' music is best with minimal accompaniment. Unfortunately, many of these cuts are overdone. The drumming on Ballad of the Maples is not only overly loud but it does nothing to support what may be the best example of a style of yodeling popularized by Elton Britt fifty years ago. (If you have never heard Britt's recording of "Chime Bells", you are missing a gem.) When Staines sings with just his guitar, he can extend his performance as he does on other versions of Maples. The backup group here severely hamper his musicality, forcing him into a style which is all wrong for him. The earlier cut of Maples would alone be worth the price of a CD. If only it were available. It is hard not to like many of the songs here. All God's Critters has become a staple for singing around campfires. Again, what is wrong here is that these are not the best performances. If you are new to Bill Staines, select a different album. All are better than this one. In fact, buy two or more. When Staines is good, it is hard to get enough of his music. Unlike many singers, his music wears well and two or three straight CD's leave you wanting more. That is, when the cuts are the good ones."

Compilation of a Great Songwriter's Best

James Skrydlak | Pella, Iowa | 01/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These recordings are drawn from about ten years' worth of Bill Staines's LPs and CDs. He sings of the open road, the stark landscapes of the American West, and of life and relationships, and he writes perfectly-crafted songs about them all. The recordings also feature great accompaniments by Staines himself and by the likes of Guy Van Duser. Every track on this CD is a winner."

Bill Staines is a Modern-Day Woody Guthrie

J. McAndrew | USA | 05/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill's music is full of a love for this country and its people.
There is no such thing as a bad Staines CD. Perhaps his best is
"Bridges" which I believe was recorded in Minneapolis in the early 1980's. One review said Staines is at his best when he is with accompaniment. I agree, but this recording is still wonderful, from "Yellowstone Winds" to other beautiful heartfelt melodies, this is another winner for a great songwriter. I look forward to buying the Million Miles part two. I've seen Staines once in Fond du Lac and before that in Barron, Wisconsin. A live show will prove to you that all of his recordings have great value!"