Not to be missed
Graeme A. G. Scott | Scotland | 01/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frankie Miller
Long Way Home
Jerkin Crocus Records
When you are asked to write a review of a new CD by a record company it appears to generate within the reviewer an ability to wax lyrical and become too full of their own self importance. This review will not fall into that category at all (I hope!).
When I play this album I keep coming back to a very simple phrase to sum it up. It is a belter and should be honoured with a place within any self respecting music lovers collection.
From the opening powerhouse that is Guilty Of The Crime to the official closer of the poignant It's A Long Way Home there are no weak tracks on this collection. The one annoying thing is the fact that there is a hidden track. The song is fine but why do record companies do this? It is silly, and not what the public wants. If a song is good enough to be included it should be selectable.
Now you will well be aware that Frankie had major health problems from 1994 but this collection is no trawl through poor off cuts or rough demo material. This is quality with a capital Q.
An absolute corker, this album knocks so much of today's crop of musicians efforts in to the minor leagues. Collaborating with Joe Walsh (Eagles), Nicky Hopkins (Rolling Stones & Jeff Beck Group), Chrissie Stewart (Full House) and Ian Wallace (Bob Dylan & King Crimson) this bands just powers their way through a raft of 11 selectable songs and they rock.
Frankie at the time of these recordings was in terrific form both as a singer and a writer. Some are co-writes with Will Jennings and they will have you gasping with amazement at the strength of the songs and in particular the performances.
This CD deserves loads of airplay. Don't buy this album thinking about Frankie and his brain haemorrhage. Frankie is doing well and still writing. Buy it for the cracking album it is and no other reason. Long Way Home is on Jerkin' Crocus Records.
Bring Frankie Miller and his music into your life. It will make you feel great.
Graeme Scott
Blues Matters magazine & Radio VRN1287 Scotland
"
It's Been A Long Time Comin'.....
Hoodoo Chile | Great Wide Open, USA | 10/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone familiar with Frankie Miller already know that he's a supurb vocalist and songwriter. That being said, this collection of previously unreleased tunes make you hope for more releases from his archives. Miller hasn't recorded an album since his mid '90's brain heamorrage, but this album shows how deep his catalog runs. Frankie and his team have seen fit to release some great songs on this one, with the centerpiece being the classic Jim Reeves song "He'll Have To Go", which now is a classic mid-tempo rocker, thanks to a great arrangement (backed by Joe Walsh, the late Nicky Hopkins, Ian Wallace, and Frankie's longtime bassist, Chrissie Stewart), and Frankie's killer vocals. Among the variety are other chugging rockers like "Guilty Of The Crime", "Over The Line", the Dylanesque "Lies Tell The Best Truth Of All", and some lyriclly crafted tunes with Will Jennings (Eric Clapton, etc.) "You Always Saw Blue Skies", and the title track. This is a deep, well crafted album, not a bunch of scraps......I can only hope there are future releases planned if they are as good as this one. Oh yeah, there's also a hidden track at the disc's close, "Prince Charles Told Me Not To Name Drop" (or something like that), so let the CD play it's way off."
Frank Miller Is Still Around
William Olmstead | Banning, Ca. | 01/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After Frankie's tragic illness and not having any albums from him in such a long time, it's great to hear a new compilation. The only thing better would be for Frankie to have a full recovery and treat us to some new songs, God willing. We are all with you Frankie
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1