By subduing some of his trademark acoustic ferocity, Keller Williams has come up with a markedly more cohesive collection than past efforts. Rather than showcasing the technical wizardry that has earned him acclaim, here W... more »illiams melds his formidable skills with Tye North's restrained bass and Dave Watt's unerring drumming to create a more integrated work that backs away from the series of glancing blows and showy displays of instrumental prowess found on some of his earlier works. His stream-of-consciousness lyrics are still intact, but these wry observations and travelogues from the road show a greater depth and insight. The overriding theme here--the importance of honoring one's own eccentricities and remaining psychologically and intellectually free--are best expressed on the rather droll "Alligator Alley," a play on the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil," in which he wades deeply into the shoals of paranoia before proclaiming, "I set Willie free / Yeah, that was me." Indeed, his covers further amplify Laugh's keynote theme: both Ani DiFranco's "Freakshow" and the Michael Hedges's "Spring Buds" applaud the importance of following your own path. Which is exactly what Williams intends to do, laughing all the way. --Jaan Uhelszki« less
By subduing some of his trademark acoustic ferocity, Keller Williams has come up with a markedly more cohesive collection than past efforts. Rather than showcasing the technical wizardry that has earned him acclaim, here Williams melds his formidable skills with Tye North's restrained bass and Dave Watt's unerring drumming to create a more integrated work that backs away from the series of glancing blows and showy displays of instrumental prowess found on some of his earlier works. His stream-of-consciousness lyrics are still intact, but these wry observations and travelogues from the road show a greater depth and insight. The overriding theme here--the importance of honoring one's own eccentricities and remaining psychologically and intellectually free--are best expressed on the rather droll "Alligator Alley," a play on the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil," in which he wades deeply into the shoals of paranoia before proclaiming, "I set Willie free / Yeah, that was me." Indeed, his covers further amplify Laugh's keynote theme: both Ani DiFranco's "Freakshow" and the Michael Hedges's "Spring Buds" applaud the importance of following your own path. Which is exactly what Williams intends to do, laughing all the way. --Jaan Uhelszki
"Keller Williams blows my mind. Being a fan since back in the day, I was really looking forward to February 19th so I could get the new CD. The day couldn't have come any sooner. As soon as I bought the CD, I had to listen to the Studio version of Kidney in a Cooler (he rocks the live version on 'Loop'). Wow. He really brought that song up a few notches with a studio recording of it. Along with the help of a bass player and a drummer, the Keller Williams [Trio] sounds super! The only negative thing I can say about this cd is that Keller doesn't get AS loose as he has been known to on other albums. Maybe that cuz he recorded with 2 other guys and not just himself, but the sound still rocks. The best songs on the album are Freeker by the Speaker, Kidney in a Cooler, and Bob Rules!! Gotta love a song dedicated to the Price is Right!! And throwing in a little "happy gilmore" tribute was nice too.... if ya wanna know what i'm talking about, go out and buy this amazing cd. Totally worth everything!!"
One of the best studio albums ever
Mike Young | Hampstead, Maryland United States | 08/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album overflows with the following:
1) Innovation
2) TALENT
3) Cool tunes
4) FUN!
I think the most important fact to mention is that there are so many different styles of music represented on "Laugh", funk, jazz, bluegrass, and not to mention signature Keller Williamsjust to name a few. If you are a newcomer to Keller, buy this album first, it really gets you into his unique style. Afterwards, in the likely event that you can dig it, your attraction to the music will tell you what to do from there.
If you've never heard Keller before, but are generally a music lover, pick up a used copy for real cheap. It is definitely a must have for anyone who can appreciate music in it's purest form."
Keller is the coolest man on the face of this planet. period
E. F. Dassing | Caldwell, NJ | 07/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The only way to put this CD into words is to throw in a short lyric from "Kidney In A Cooler":
...When up walked the mechanic with the perpendicular teeth
Perpindicular teeth (repeat repeat, etc.)This is a fun album. The coolness overflows. Like one other reviewer said- it has a way of staying with you for the entire day. Especially the verse on kidney where he is describing his double decker double wide!"
Please do yourself a favor....
Josh Perry | Alabama, United States | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Please do yourself a favor a listen to something by Keller Williams. This man is one of the most talented people out there right now. His songs are fun, and you can tell his is having a great time on every album he has done. The current album "Laugh", is a album I can put in the car get to where i'm going, and when I get there... I'm a different person. It just makes you happy. A couple of the songs... "Freeker by the Speaker" is just this nice little song that stays with you all day... just a great one to start off with. "Hunting Charlie" was a song trying to sound like Charlie Hunter... and Keller if you ever read this. "Pretty damn close man" it's a great instrumental song. "Bob Rules" is the story of The Price is Right dream... I always loved the Price is Right... and "Kidney in a Cooler" kind of like Freeker by the Speaker, just one of those song that is just amazing, and stays with you. Hope you enjoy it."
Groovy, funky and entertaining
It's really Hot | Austin, TX | 09/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A great compilation of a variety of music styles. As usual Keller keeps both ends of the deal with great lyrics and accompaniment.
You will laugh and get down at the same. Each song has its own legs and you'll will be happy there is a whole album and not just one good single."