The long lost John Stewart CD finally arrives!
Fred Campbell | Salem, VA USA | 07/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"John Stewart's albums have been appearing steadily on CD for about the last ten years, but FIRE IN THE WIND seemed like a lost cause for fans who wanted their favorite Stewart songs preserved digitally. I first started listening to John Stewart's music in 1977, the year FIRE IN THE WIND was released, but my old record of it has long faded into the over-played-worn-grooves record bin. I've been waiting for this CD to appear for a long time now. Finally, it's here, thanks to a British label (the Brits seem to know more about what needs to be on CD than we do, thank God). FIRE IN THE WIND is the first and the best recording Stewart made for the RSO label. It was followed by the two DREAM BABIES albums, but neither of those retained the folk sensibilities Stewart demonstrates on FIRE IN THE WIND. His writing is as keen and insightful as ever, and, while the production is slick compared to some of his earlier recordings, it still rings true. FIRE IN THE WIND has made the transition to CD in fine style. This recording sounds great. If you're a John Stewart fan, you need this CD. If you've never heard John's music, you need to, and this is a fine CD to start your collection. These songs have been missing too long. I am delighted to have them back. If there's any justice in the music world, songs like "Runner" can now find a new audience and become classics in their own right."
A Solid Keeper
dev1 | Baltimore | 05/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Fire In the Wind" is John Stewart's most rousing rocker to date (1977). The story telling and folk roots are still apparent, but John has turned-up the tempo with foot-stomping country-rockers like "On You Like the Wind" and "Morning Thunder." John's rugged baritone has never been deeper or more gravel-rich.Nature's most powerful forces (fire, wind and water) run throughout the album tying the tracks with a cohesive theme. The timely Jimmy Carter song (Promise the Wind) fits comfortably in the middle. John's acoustic picking skills (The Last Hurrah) are topnotch.No guy could possibly resist the alluring descriptions of the ladies in these songs. Suzanne is the "devil's kin" (Fire In the Wind). John makes no bones about pursuing his love interest (On You Like the Wind), and he would cross the high seas to see his "Boston Lady." Although I enjoy both the ardent rockers and the romantic ballads, my favorite is a melancholy tribute to all those who face life's everyday tribulations. "The Runner" affirms that troubles must be met and conquered alone.Each time I listen to a John Stewart album, I'm reminded of times long ago while driving alone all night through desolate states like Kansas. I haven't the faintest idea why. Perhaps the music of John Stewart (including "Fire In the Wind") has a very personal, rather than popular, message. This certainly would help to explain why he is often revered by critics, but has failed to catch the public's ever-changing interests.Tracks 1 thru 10 duplicate the original album's format. I would have been well satisfied with these 10 tracks, but WRASSE Records choose to include an additional 5 tracks (11 to 15). The audio quality of the "bonus" tracks is not on par with the first 10. My guess is that these are "home recordings" made on a cassette deck: there's plenty of tape hiss and rumble. I would have preferred that the album ended properly with "The Wild Side of You."Still, "Fire In the Wind" is a solid "keeper" for John Stewart fans. Although a praiseworthy country-rock album, I regretfully doubt it will win many new converts."
Great Stewart
dev1 | 10/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always thought this was one of John's top 2 or 3 albums [Phoenix Concerts is 1st]. Glad to see it's available again. The transfer to cd is fine. Thanks John!! for putting it out originally and for seeing it came out again."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1