What Do You Say to That - Dave Ball, Lauderdale, Jim
Hasta Luego, My Love - Dave Ball, Farewell, Terry
A Grain of Salt
Lonely Town
Going Someplace to Forget
For You
I'm Just a Country Boy
When I Get Lonely
Back in 1994, David Ball's twangy, new-traditionalist smash Thinkin' Problem was like a golden needle in a haystack, hidden among that year's tangle of sound-alike hat acts. Since that breakthrough, though, Ball's singles ... more »have stiffed, and stiffed again. Predictably, then, the weakest moments on 1999's Play, Ball's third album for Warner Bros., are the ones that try to fit in with the successful sounds of late-'90s country radio. Clearly, the empty "Hasta Luego, My Love" is a song that exists solely because of its famous movie catch phrase, and arena-rock drums pounds the emotion out of more than a couple of numbers here. But when Ball turns to the dance-hall honky-tonk and boogie-woogie that he loves most, the disc soars. "Lonely Town" and "When I Get Lonely" have the beef and bite of the best Dwight Yoakam cuts, and the sweet cover of Jim Lauderdale's "What Do You Say to That" is tender and romantic in a way Ball has never been before. --David Cantwell« less
Back in 1994, David Ball's twangy, new-traditionalist smash Thinkin' Problem was like a golden needle in a haystack, hidden among that year's tangle of sound-alike hat acts. Since that breakthrough, though, Ball's singles have stiffed, and stiffed again. Predictably, then, the weakest moments on 1999's Play, Ball's third album for Warner Bros., are the ones that try to fit in with the successful sounds of late-'90s country radio. Clearly, the empty "Hasta Luego, My Love" is a song that exists solely because of its famous movie catch phrase, and arena-rock drums pounds the emotion out of more than a couple of numbers here. But when Ball turns to the dance-hall honky-tonk and boogie-woogie that he loves most, the disc soars. "Lonely Town" and "When I Get Lonely" have the beef and bite of the best Dwight Yoakam cuts, and the sweet cover of Jim Lauderdale's "What Do You Say to That" is tender and romantic in a way Ball has never been before. --David Cantwell
David Ball - PLAY is definitely worth the long wait!
ncaviness | Liberty NC | 12/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's been a while since David Ball's last CD! The man gets it right every time...and just keeps on getting better! A True Country Artist/Songwriter/Musician...There is none better! "Going Someplace to Forget" is a real country classic, crying-in-your-beer kind of tune, "Grain of Salt" is a clever play on words, and "Lonely Town" sounds like it wouldn't be so lonely if David is there to sing it! All the songs on the cd are winners (as David says, he wouldn't put a loser on it!), and with David's unique style and voice (with that SC/TX accent)...this is an outstanding cd that you just PLAY...and PLAY...and PLAY...and......"
A winner--------pure country
Bill Scoggins | riverdale, georgia usa | 10/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"one of the best of the new country artists-----------------track 7 going someplace to forget is about as country as you can get----------------------------david ball shows he is not only a talented vocalist but also a very talented writer---5 stars----"
Great country music
Bill Scoggins | 08/15/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"David Ball is one of the few country singers singing REAL country music. Virtually every other so-called country singer pales next to him. This is a very good CD, although it can't compare to THINKING PROBLEM, the greatest honky tonk CD of the 90s."
The BALL is back in PLAY
Bill Scoggins | 07/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After 3 long years, David Ball fans have been treated to, what I think, is his best cd! Take his "Thinkin Problem" cd. Add a touch of "Starlite Lounge", and toss in David's flare for euphemisms and you've got the recipe for "Play".His honky tonk style shines through on "Lonely Town" and he treats us to a real love song with "I Want To With You".But what's a David Ball cd without lamenting for a lost love? In "A Grain of Salt" David's way of playing on words shine through. He's upbeat and missing the love of his life. Pure David, through and through.Even if you're not a David Ball fan, this cd will have something on it that will appeal to you!"
THE LONG WAIT IS OVER!!! DAVID'S BETTER THAN EVER!!!
Bill Scoggins | 07/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love it, I love it, I love it. We've waited so long for another David Ball "fix," and this CD makes it all worthwhile. I defy anyone to listen to "Watchin' My Baby Not Comin' Back" and not tap your foot or bob your head. Can't get enough of the honkytonk sound that David does so well. Love the way David just eases out the word "through" on "I Want To With You." David's pure and simple version of "What Do You Say to That" is pure, traditional country. "A Grain of Salt" is another favorite of mine. It evokes such empathy, without wallowing in self-pity. Makes me want to hug him and promise everything'll be okay.LOVE "Lonely Town"--twang returns, but with a good solid kick to it this time. DEFINITELY need to put the sunroof back and crank this one up...make the other drivers at the intersection jealous of you!Other favorites are "Going Someplace To Forget" and "For You."This entire CD is excellent and really spotlights David's versatility. My only regret is that David hasn't cut 20 years worth of CDs. I'd load them ALL in my CD player, hit "random" play, and call it a day! It simply does NOT get any better than DAVID BALL!"