Search - John Butler :: One Small Step

Prepare to be blown away

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 08/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""One Small Step" is the Australian release of "Live At Twist & Shout." Save yourself some money and pick up the domestic version. That written, here are my thoughts on this fantastic live album.



While I enjoyed everything that I'd heard by John Butler, I didn't fall in love with him until I found "Live at Twist & Shout." At that point, it was love at first listen. The John Butler Trio typically plays Rock with Indie and Jamband esthetics. In contrast, this is stripped down, acoustic John Butler. At Denver's Twist and Shout, it's just him on stage with acoustic guitar, lap steel, banjo and harmonica. Through Butler's work with the trio, it was clear that he could write good songs and rock out. In contrast, it is stunning to hear the man by himself. The eight songs deliver instant gratification since they all appear on previous releases. Things kick off hard with 'Used To Get High.' The environmentally conscious 'Treat Yo Mama' offers a great jam. 'Daniella' is also tons of fun. 'Funky Tonight' isn't just his most commercially successful song, it's a rockin' closer for a great live album. While many performers have done the unplugged thing before, these songs aren't simply instrumental versions of electric favorites. These tunes sound as if they were always intended to be performed in such a folksy environment. This may be most obvious with the instrumental composition, 'Ocean.' As his first release outside of the trio, this album redefines how we think about the artist. Whether you're an old-time listener or you've only just heard about this John Butler guy, "Live at Twist & Shout" is essential!"