Like a finely tuned engine, Buddy Miller's third HighTone album has no superfluous parts, no fuel that isn't transformed in the hottest combustion. Its power is inseparable from its economy. Drawing a straight line between... more » blues, country, and rock & roll, Miller gets a thick, gigantic sound out of just guitar, bass, and drums; when he expands his tight arrangements, he relies judiciously on Al Perkins's steel guitar, Tammy Rogers's fiddle, and harmony from wife Julie Miller, Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris. Every big backbeat, every twangy note illuminates these stinging country songs (some cowritten with Julie and Jim Lauderdale, some borrowed from Earle or Pops Staples) of haunted hearts, memories that won't die, and love so strong it can kill you. If you're new to Miller, think of a country Richard Thompson: an eccentric but classic-sounding guitarist; a feverish, instinctive singer; a roots-music seeker; and one of the most driven and versatile artists working in 1999. --Roy Kasten« less
Like a finely tuned engine, Buddy Miller's third HighTone album has no superfluous parts, no fuel that isn't transformed in the hottest combustion. Its power is inseparable from its economy. Drawing a straight line between blues, country, and rock & roll, Miller gets a thick, gigantic sound out of just guitar, bass, and drums; when he expands his tight arrangements, he relies judiciously on Al Perkins's steel guitar, Tammy Rogers's fiddle, and harmony from wife Julie Miller, Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris. Every big backbeat, every twangy note illuminates these stinging country songs (some cowritten with Julie and Jim Lauderdale, some borrowed from Earle or Pops Staples) of haunted hearts, memories that won't die, and love so strong it can kill you. If you're new to Miller, think of a country Richard Thompson: an eccentric but classic-sounding guitarist; a feverish, instinctive singer; a roots-music seeker; and one of the most driven and versatile artists working in 1999. --Roy Kasten
"Buddy Miller's latest disc, "Cruel Moon" is even better than his excellent "Poison Love". Once again he is assisted by fellow songwriters Jim Lauderdale and his wife Julie. He starts off with a raging country-rocker "Does My Ring Burn Your Finger", in which he peels off some stinging guitar leads. Over the course of the disc, Buddy moves from pure traditionalist country, to Memphis soul, to achingly beautiful ballads. The closing tune is a Pops Staples song done in a swampy, John Fogerty style. This disc, coupled with wife Julie's "Broken Things" released a couple of months ago, proves that the Miller family are making the most exciting music in Nashville right now. An excellent, excellent album."
As good as it gets
Matt Richey | Oro Valley, AZ United States | 01/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After listening to music--pop, rock, country, jazz, just about about everything for 25 years--I would have thought that no one this good could just sneak up on me. I heard Buddy Miller for the first time when he was playing with Emmylou Harris during the Wreaking Ball tour. During the concert, all I could think was: Who is that guy on guitar? He had the chops, he had the voice, and it was obvious he was a person who lived for his music.Since then I've gotten both Poison Love and this absolutely fantastic album. How good is it? Its as good as it gets. Every song is treat, the playing is more than first-rate, and the singing, is tight, emotional and perfect for each song. Buddy Miller (along with his wife Julie) is one of music's true gems. He doesn't fit into any one catagory, he just makes great albums If you haven't heard anything by him yet, this album is a great place to start. Actually any album of his or Julie's will do the trick. Heck, while you're at it, check out any album he plays on. If he's on it, its gotta be good."
What a Surprise
Michael A. Salsburg | Voorhees, N.J. | 01/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The other night, I heard a cut from this album, "Sometimes I Cry" on the radio. It struck me as one of the best crafted tunes that I have heard in a VERY long time. Simple, but elegant. The musicianship and instrumentation, the restained energy and the vocals all came together. Now that I have bought the CD, I am totally satisfied. This is a wonderful discovery for me and I hope you find it equally as exciting."
An americana gem
p dizzle | augusta, georgia, USA | 05/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"buddy miller works in the fringes of nashville, melding roots, rock, and country into one happy amalgam. his appearance on the last couple of emmylou harris albums does not seem at all surprising-- both share an iconoclastic approach to nashville's commercialism, sticking to music they want to play rather than what might sell a million records. that said, don't think this album is just preachy, far from it. instead, from the opening "does my ring burn your finger" to the closing pop staples' tune "it's been a change," this album takes you right down a mythical highway from austin, tx to johnson city, tn. it reminds you that the heart of country music was also its soul: giving voice to the trials and heartaches of living among, with, and for other people, especially those you love. the real highlights are the songs co-written with (or simply by) buddy's wife, julie, with "cruel moon," "somewhere trouble don't go," and sometimes i cry" standing out. even if you don't like country music, this album will grab you. get it and have fun."
Artist of the 90s
sydneysaint | Sydney, Australia | 11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What is the definition of a great album? One that in 5/10/15 years you will still be playing and enjoying. Buddy Miller's "Cruel Moon" is one of these albums. With outstanding support from wife Julie, Buddy delivers the goods. This album contains some wonderful moments of poignancy and emotion that are testament to Buddy's songwriting, voice, guitar playing and interpretation of others works."