When the Smoke Clears
L. B. Wisner | Knoxville, TN | 06/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record largely relies on material that Kinney's band, drivin n cryin, scratched from their 1993 hard rock offering "Smoke"--whether through the label's decision or their own it's hard to say. Mostly, this record plays as desperate reaction to "Smoke"'s riff-mongering and rock wailing.
For the most part accompanied only by his guitar, Kinney spins his usual collection of story-songs in a meditative, plaintive mood. The title song tells us of a homeless former rock star living the Townes Van Zant lifestyle (another concealed personal song), while "Shindig with the Lord" reprises the humor of Kinney's earlier album "Macdougal Blues." "Bird," "Chattahoochie Coochie Man," and "So Take a Look at Me Now" broaden the album's musical palette, evoking meditation music, John Lee Hooker-style blues, and weird mandolin folk respectively. "Tell Him Something for Me" is typical in its impressionistic story-telling. When we reach the album's end, Kinney parodies Kerouac, fulfilling his promise on "MacDougal Blues": "I think next time I'll go to San Francisco and be a beat poet." In all, Kinney ranges pretty broadly throughout, delivering a strong, varied, contemplative folk record."
A MASTERPIECE
corbin | 06/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"kevn kinney is a true genius ,this album is one of the best of all time. Any fan of dnc or the great state of georgia couldn't help but love it. Every track is felt deep in your heart,and stays with you forever. Do yourself a favor and buy this!"