Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
The Thirty-Third of August
East Kentucky
Nights When I Am Sane
Heaven Help the Child
Genevieve
Easy Street - Mickey Newbury, Jones, Alan Rankin
Apples Dipped in Candy
You're My Lady Now
San Francisco Mabel Joy
Earthquake
Saint Cecilia
Four Ladies
What Will I Do
As a hard-to-classify country-folk-pop-cabaret singer who hates to tour, Mickey Newbury has often seemed more a rumor than an actual presence in the music industry. Nights When I Am Sane is divided between seven of his bes... more »t older songs and six new ones (plus a version of the old standard "Easy Street"). Because his earlier albums haven't resurfaced on CD (rumor has it the master tapes are lost), Nights serves as his introduction to a whole generation who may have heard of him but has never heard him. It fulfills this purpose admirably. The arrangements consist of nothing more than two acoustic guitars (Newbury's and Jack Williams's); Newbury's voice, much darker and smarter at age 54 than it was in his early 30s, has plenty of room to explore the nooks and crannies of these older songs. Few are the singer-songwriters who can evoke within the same song this inevitable torment and ultimate redemption as powerfully as Newbury does here. --Geoffrey Himes« less
As a hard-to-classify country-folk-pop-cabaret singer who hates to tour, Mickey Newbury has often seemed more a rumor than an actual presence in the music industry. Nights When I Am Sane is divided between seven of his best older songs and six new ones (plus a version of the old standard "Easy Street"). Because his earlier albums haven't resurfaced on CD (rumor has it the master tapes are lost), Nights serves as his introduction to a whole generation who may have heard of him but has never heard him. It fulfills this purpose admirably. The arrangements consist of nothing more than two acoustic guitars (Newbury's and Jack Williams's); Newbury's voice, much darker and smarter at age 54 than it was in his early 30s, has plenty of room to explore the nooks and crannies of these older songs. Few are the singer-songwriters who can evoke within the same song this inevitable torment and ultimate redemption as powerfully as Newbury does here. --Geoffrey Himes
CD Reviews
JUST DROPPED IN
K. H. Orton | New York, NY USA | 11/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If your looking for an introduction to yet another great songwriter,lacking a houshold name---you've come to the right place. Newbury's one of those oft covered talents cherished by more familiar names in the business. Willie Nelson to name a few.
The first cut, "Just Stopped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" is a prime example. It's been covered by everyone from the likes of Kenny Rodgers to Nick Cave. But here is the source, captured live at The Hermitage Ballroom. Pure and unadorned, just 2 guitars and Newbury's ragged voice belting out sentiments like "I could take a fourty-four pistol to me" (from the title track). Longtime fans will delight in the presence of six new songs sitting at the bar, alongside a few old aquaintances like, "Frisco Mabel Joy". No one writes a tear jerkering murder ballad like Mickey Newbury.The new material presented here goes to show, the years have not diminished his faculties, merely deepened his perspective. Those in need of some stark, mournful comfort on a rainy night can do no worse than putting this one on."
A must for die-hard Newbury fans!
K. H. Orton | 09/11/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately, for the true Newbury fans (from the early 1970's), you might find disappointment in some of the selections and re-creations on this CD. I love Mickey's words and his voice, but I yearn for the release of ANY of his earlier albums (of which I have all). The CD "Best of Mickey Newbury" is even better, as it captures his younger years and is more mellow, melodic and smoothy, unlike his "Nights When I Am Sane". I will be looking for this 8 CD Collection. I wish I could have the chance and opportunity to just shake his hand and say "Thank You" for his music."
Every Newbury cd should get 5*
www.MoisBenarroch.com | Israel | 09/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is more like being at a concert from the comfort of your home, but a very enjoyable one. Maybe for the newcommer "It might as well be the moon" is a better start, but once you are there you'll want them all. Each time Newbury resings or rerecord one of his songs he says something new, and he does this quite often, so even if you see that one of his cd's has songs you already have, you might get something new from his new versions."
A Night On The Dark Side
www.MoisBenarroch.com | 06/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unlike some of Mickey's brilliantly conceived and executed albums, this one has no interludes, segues or musical productions. Just a great voice, two guitars and some darkly beautiful songs to cut to your musical soul. It features some of Mickey's earlier classic songs, and some not heard until this CD. "Nights When I Am Sane" sets the mood and it carries through the entire album. This is for quiet, introspective listening, and it stands as part of the work of an American musical master."
Reality plus....
www.MoisBenarroch.com | 07/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mickey Newbury is most likely the most honest and open singer/songwriter alive. It's obvious he has lived or at least observed the things and events from which he fashions his music. Listening to Mickey Newbury is like coming home to loved ones. If you take the time to listen intently you will surely find a connection. "Nights When I Am Sane" is only one of his masterpieces. To fully appreciate the man and his music you must hear more. Go to his website, enter the chat board and speak when the man himself. Rick"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1