Search - Lucinda Williams :: Ramblin'

Genuine, exceptional CD!

scherf.com | Las Vegas, NV USA | 05/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in the late 70s, this is an excellent Blues-based album with a shot of traditionals. Lucinda does a phenomenal job with her acoustic guitar and a dobro at times, it's simple and pure -- no fancy arrangements. It's like the girl with a guitar joined at times by some fellow musicians in the living room and/or on the porch of a cozy home somewhere in the deep South -- even sounds like a nice evening around the camp fire. Great Americana! Her voice had already the edge on this CD which Lucinda fans have gotten to appreciate and treasure over the many years she has been around in the music scene. On this CD she also does "Little Darling Pal of Mine" as well as an excellent version of "Jamabalaya" and of all things the sweet "Great Speckled Bird" and "You're Gonna Need that Pure Religion."

I think every music fan in general will appreciate this really honest CD -- it's not easy to find good music like this anymore."

I find it odd...

T. Davis | Seattle, WA | 06/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...that several reviewers who seem to hate blues and folk music, who find them boring or worthless as genres, have tried to drag down the rating of this priceless early work in Williams' career. Yet this album is a delight in every respect, from the choice of songs to their spare, honest presentation, and it's especially worthy as a showcase for the artist's roots. Give it a try!"

An interesting beginning

Up The Stairs | Seattle, WA | 03/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this cd recently when I needed another purchase to get me over the $25 mark for free delivery from Amazon. I've been an avid Lucinda Williams fan for a couple of years, and I've heard all of her albums from the past ten years, so I was interested to see what she sounded like in the beginning. This is supposed to be her first album, and it is certainly different from any of the other albums by Williams that I have heard.



Ramblin' is a collection of folk and blues tunes by artists such as Robert Johnson. Playing 12 string guitar and singing with a beautiful voice, Lucina does some excellent justice to many of these songs. On the other hand, an entire album of other peoples music tires after awhile. It's rather an odd trip when you consider that most of these songs are traditional delta blues tunes, and hearing Lucina sing "Ramblin' On My Mind" is okay the first time. She even does an interesting version of "Stop Breaking Down," that while it won't rock with the Stones version, is still an interesting rendition. "Motherless Children" is perhaps the best cut on the album, and Williams sound so sweet singing it. She has a wonderful voice in these early recordings that isn't as easily heard in later albums such as the new West or Essence, which are much grittier. I could have done without "Jambayla," as she really offers nothing to it, and it is such an over covered song to begin with. It's almost like, why bother. Ramblin' has done something for me, if nothing else, it has me interested in hearing another of her early albums. So, the next time I need a second purchase to get me over $25, I'll be looking for one of hers."