Search - Jim Carroll :: A World Without Gravity : The Best Of The Jim Carroll Band

Punk as street experience

J from NY | New York | 06/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jim Carroll's personality comes through strong in his poetry and famous "Basketball Diaries", but seemingly even stronger in his music. To read about this guy's unbelievable experiences is one thing, but to hear him put work them into songs with a 70's punk flavor is another thing entirely. "People Who Died", "Crow", and "Catholic Boy" are probably the most autobiographical songs in Caroll's canon. One is never sure of Carroll's position on his extensive drug use. In a "World Without Gravity" there is a catching lyric "We need some pure pure white/Yeah we can nod all night" and only after one hears it a few times does one realize just what he's making reference to. I've always wondered what Carroll would himself say about drug use in general as a result of his experiences. The closest you'll get is this album and his other ones, since in the diaries and poems he is flippant with the issue. All in all this is a great album, the smartass junkie tongue coming through loud and clear with a kind of existential abrasiveness that reminds us:Carroll still has the rebellious heart of the teenager and twentysomething he once was."

Lucky That You Found Him

EDK007 | Middleboro, MA United States | 03/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I learned that lyrics mattered when I found Jim Carroll for the first time with People Who Died and It's Too Late. This CD includes his best know songs and songs that deserve to be heard. For something new, Jim Carroll fans can take a listen to his live version of City Drops Into the Night or the previously unreleased Differing Touch. New fans should take a listen to Lorraine, Catholic Boy, or Jelous Twin. This CD is a feast for the ears and mind and the inclusion of lyrics in the liner notes is a real plus. If you've wondered whether Jim had more songs beyond People Who Died, the answer is yes, and hear they are."

A must have

J from NY | 08/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Jim's books you'll really love his music. Many people stilldon't know he made 3 albums in the 80's. This compilation by Rhino features all the best from his 3 albums including People who Died and City Drops into the Night."