Search - Danny O'Keefe :: Runnin' From the Devil

Keep On Writing and Performing

Jon B. Thomas | 05/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Danny O'Keefe fan for about 30 years. His disappearance in recent years is well noted by his other fans in the reviews below. Besides having a very fine voice, he's an unusually talented lyricist. A number of his songs are truly memorable, such as: "Magdalena", "The Road", "Louie the Hook", "All My Friends", "Angel Spread Your Wings", "Mad Ruth/The Babe", "Good Time Charlie", etc., etc. He's a truly gifted songwriter and singer.When I first heard this CD I sort of thought, "Well this is nice, but the old guy is slowing down a bit. The voice is cracking just a little. Not the biting irony/sarcasm of his youth." All of which is somewhat true, but the more I listened to this CD the more I realized how good it really is. Lots of wisdom and hard won truths in the songs. And the renditions are very beautiful. I think he's showing his wear with age--like many of us. But there can be great beauty and understanding with wear and age. All of his albums are very good. But I like this album as much as any of them. I would put it put there with "Breezy Stories". There's not a bad song on the CD. "Sheila" is a lovely heartbreak song. "Pieces of the Rain" and "Can't Outrun the Years" are fine songs as well. "Outlaw" might be my favorite song on the CD. I suspect it's one of Danny's favorites. It applies not only to aging male musicians but all "players" of both sexes. Great writing and a fine performance. I hope Danny keeps producing lyrics and music until the end of his days. If I'm still around, I'll be listening."

On Top of His Game

S. H. Dick | Greensboro, North Carolina United States | 01/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"O'Keefe returns after an extended recording hiatus with what may well be the strongest record of his career. This disc is full of subtle charms - finely crafted turns of phrase, evocative imagery, subtle construction, memorable storytelling, carefully structed arrangments that support the songs without ever getting in there way.
The cumulative effect of O'Keefe's craftsmanship is an album that will remind you of the strongest efforts of the singer/songwriter tradtion of the '70s, focused by the sensibilities of a mature writer. As such, regret, rememberance, and revere are reoccurring themes.
O'Keefe's prior recordings have varied wildly, his tunes oscillating between the brilliant and the pedestrian. Don't let that track record discourage you from picking up on this one. The tunes on RFTD range from the remarkable to memorable, without a weak cut in sight. This is the real deal."

A somber but lovely affair

Mark Gatzke | Plant City, FL USA | 06/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Danny O'Keefe offers a collection of songs that keep the overall tone one of sober reflection and occasional melancholy. At first glance it might seem a difficult album to enjoy, especially all in one sitting. To the contrary, O'Keefe is as much a storyteller as he is a musician and lyricist. The stories are enthralling as well as moving. It is this exquisite balance and the finely crafted melodies that allow the songs to rise above their subject matter, letting the listener nod in sympathy without being overwhelmed by the poignancy."