"Even if this wasn't as fine a collection of blues as it is, you still should get it for "This Masquerade" masquerading as "The Same Old Song" with an upped tempo and new lyrics. This is good Russell, and that means good music. In an interview a long time ago Mr. Russell said, and I'm paraphrasing: When I want to hear a good song I sit down and write one.He's done a batch of them here."
Leon is Back!
Jack Grace | Berthoud, CO USA | 09/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally, Leon has cast his demons aside and made some great music. With the exception of "Legend in My Time", Leon Russell fans have had to endure some very mediocre CDs for a long time. Now Leon is back! Standouts include "Rip Van Winkle" (Leon's sense of humor is back), "Dark Carousel" (yes, Leon knows melody), "Strange Power of Love" (the blues), and "The Same Old Song" (big band jazz). I've always thought Leon to be one of the most talented musicians in the music industry. He just seemed to collapse after the breakup with Mary. Now, if you want to hear some great blues,rock,and jazz in one CD, give the old man a chance and listen to what he's playing."
Vintage Leon, an excellent CD
Michael Austin | Utica, NY United States | 01/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A solid recording from start to finish. Very reminiscent of some of the work from "Leon Russell and the Shelter People" era but sounds fresh and lively. Bluesy but not slow at all, great listening."
Does Anthony Have A Clue?
H. Brown | Omaha, Nebraska United States | 05/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Apparently, Tony just doesn't get it??? Leon records what he wants to and the results are, it sells! "How many days does it take to see the sun"? Borrowing that hook line from "Stranger In A Strange Land" puts things into prospective. When you go back through Leon's vast studio work with Phil Spector, Leon WAS the famous "Wall Of Sound". This disc isn't full of Robert Johnson songs that have been done over and over by everybody and his brother. When I saw him in 1969, I was shocked when I saw him leave the piano bench and duel with Don Preston of the famous "Shelter People".
I suggest the nay-sayers buy Leon's DVD, "A Song For You". It is a music biography of one of the finest musicians of our time. This CD is just another example of Leon etching his mark into yet another decade and he's enjoying it and the fans our STILL buying "The Master's" work."