Search - Assembly of Dust, Reid Genauer :: The Honest Hour

Engaging songwriting with a rock and roll heart

James Phelan | New York, NY USA | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Possibly the defining record for AOD, this album meets and exceeds every possible expectation. The cohesive sound of a tightly knit rock and roll band, combined with Genauer's compelling lyrical prowess, makes Honest Hour an easy pick for any music fan. In my opinion, this album will help AOD bypass the "jamband" stigma and reach the audiences who need this album and don't know it yet. I've been a fan of AOD since they've been a band, but this album takes them out of the "a band i'll go see" category and puts them in the "i'll never miss a show" category. Brilliant, touching, fun....5 stars."

One of my BEST purchases of 2005

Donald A. Nelson | Key West, Fl United States | 01/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Radio in Key West, Florida is really bad...R-E-A-L-L-Y bad.



Now I have satellite radio...and life is good.



Anyway, I was jamming out and working on my computer, and this really killer song came on ("roads"...track 4). I was listening to the "Jam On" station, which really isn't my thing, but I can dig it now and again (I like to keep an open mind with all types music).



In this case, what was coming out of my speakers wasn't "Jam Bandish"...it was just beautiful music, plus it totally rocked.



I stopped what I was doing and just sat their blown away and fired up. That usually doesn't happen to me during a "first listen".



I typed them into Amazon to read what the customers had to say, and at that time, was surprised to find only two reviews(both 5 stars)so I thought "what the heck", shelled out some cash, and the rest is history.



I've turned this album on to so many people...and they love it.



It's fun music, and it has to be one of the best Live performances I have ever heard.



If you are open to good music...take a chance and give this album a shot. I am a critical S.O.B. when it comes to music and I proudly give this one 5 stars.



"

They don't make 'em like this anymore

William H. Maruca | Wexford, PA USA | 12/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The hook-filled first two songs, which got some airplay on our local AAA station, grabbed me like few others have in recent years. The rest of the CD is just as good. Superior songwriting and very tight ensemble performances all the way through. Until you hear the crowd reaction between songs you can easily forget this is a live album. I was immediately reminded of The Band -- Reid Gennauer's plaintive voice has some elements of both Rick Danko and Levon Helm and the harmonies are similar, plus the lyrics evoke Robbie Robertson's heartland-inspired classics. Mortality, fate and honor are handled with skill and humor. There are also echoes of Bruce Hornsby (particularly on Speculator) and some nimble guitar reminscent of Dickey Betts. I have heard other live recordings of this band, which are freely available, and I think they really are this good live without any studio sweetening. An honest hour of intelligent, unpretentious and spirited music. Highly recommended."