Breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and the next best thing to seei
Scott Hamilton | Redding, CA | 07/31/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Until January, I had never heard of Chuck Brodsky. When my local paper did a piece about an upcoming performance he was doing, I was intrigued enough by his story, since we get so little live music locally, to go see him. And to bone up ahead of time, I picked up this album so I'd know what to expect.
Little did I know what a life-changing event that would be.
By the time Chuck rolled into town a week later, I was rabidly excited to see him perform. And he did not disappoint. The night was downright transcendent. The music, the man, the songs, the stories between them (some of which are included here)--all of it.
I've since purchased nearly all of Chuck's CDs, savoring them one at a time. But this remains far and away my favorite. For those who've seen him, it serves as a souvenir of Chuck's amazing live persona. For those who have not, it should--if you're inclined to like simple, gorgeous music like this--as a sampler to whet your appetite.
For the record, I am a don't-wanna-grow-up 45-year-old married guy with kids with very--very--far-ranging tastes in music. I tend toward trance, punk, emo, reggae, and power pop. But I also like alt country/roots/Americana...and in the case of Chuck (Can I say it?), folk music. He's opened up a whole new world to me and broken stereotypes. It's all about the songs, the heartfelt singing, and the amazing guitar playing. Oh, and did I mention the songs?
Incidentally, one new song included here, "Lili's Braids," is worth the price of the album alone. A true story (as many of Chuck's songs are) about the Holocaust and its aftermath, it has brought tears to my eyes more than once. Haunting and gorgeous.
I can't wait until Chuck rolls through my town again. It won't have the newness of my first time seeing him, but I think I'll appreciate even more. Meanwhile, I've got "Two Sets" to take me back to that magical evening. Thanks, Chuck.
"
One of the most amazing collections of folk songs I have eve
R. Kyle | USA | 10/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know how I managed to miss out on Paul Brodsky, but I did. I'm hoping this review will give some folk music fans the word. He's a great singer songwriter whose music is both topical and moving. I'd agree with the assessments that Brodsky is one of the best songwriters out there.
"Two Sets" is 25 magnificent songs recorded in various venues across the world from Dublin, Ireland to Asheville, NC.
Subjects range from racism and baseball (Richie Allen), small towns, immigration, and religion.
Favorites:
"Letters in the Dirt" talks about Richie Allen's baseball career in the 60's. Being a Black player, there was a lot or racial tension, which Chuck never understood and his father never explained.
"Lilli's Braids" impossible to listen to without tears in your eyes. This one's about a young Jewish girl who gets her braids cut to save them from the Nazis.
"Come theres and been heres" This song details the difference between longtime residents and newcomers in a small town.
"La Migra Viene" talks of Brodsky's experience being the only legal white person on a crew of Hispanic immigrants picking apples in Washington. The title is what the immigrants shouted when the yellow Immigration bus showed up.
"We are each other's angels" talks about doing good deeds for each other.
"Talk to my Lawyer" talks about our litigious society.
If you love folk, particularly biting humorous tunes, you really need to listen to this collection. It's really well worth the money.
Rebecca Kyle, October 2008"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1