CD Details
Synopsis
Amazon.comSince its first release (in Europe in 1993), Richard Buckner's debut has stumbled in and out of print much as his characters drift in and out of love, and waver between hope and regret. This reissue is remastered, with five previously unavailable tracks appended. More direct and accessible than its artful, allusive follow-ups (1997's Devotion + Doubt and 1998's Since), Bloomed introduced a breathtakingly talented songwriter in the West Texas tradition of Townes Van Zandt and Butch Hancock (who guests here on harmonica). Throughout, Buckner's remarkable voice--weathered, big but not blunt, intimate--stands starkly against a rich backdrop of mandolin, fiddle, and steel. One quibble: the bonus tracks should've been issued on a separate disc. Recorded by Buckner alone in a separate session, sans band and producer, they're not Bloomed outtakes. But they're all fine songs, from "Emma," a spare lament inspired by the James Agee tome Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, to "Settled Down," a verbose ballad of intricate detail. --Anders Smith-Lindall
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CD Reviews
Stop reading this and go buy Bloomed 02/08/2001 (5 out of 5 stars) "I bought this CD while wandering around the record store completely overwhelmed and discouraged about what might tickle my fancy and stumbled upon Bloomed. Not being hip to Richard Buckner I took a look at the cover, turned it over, saw that look and gave it a shot. From the first notes of Blue and Wonder I knew there was no going back. I must listen to that record almost every day and never tire of it. I wouldn't call it country, I would just call it divine. He is all about exquisite acoustic guitar playing with honest well crafted, beautifully sung lyrics that anyone who has had a little heartache or had to hit the road will dig. One of my musician friends hates every CD I buy but everytime I get in his car I hear Bloomed coming at me as sweet as my old dog when I've come home." Brilliant and sincere - A must have! 02/16/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "While Richard Buckner could easily be tagged as country, to do this would be a discredit to his songwriting. However he is everything country music wants to be. Gone here is the typical cheap drivel and phony twang of contemporary country songs and in it's place is an authenticity and sincerity that is not only lacking in today's "country" songs but in music in general. Buckner spills his guts for us delivering his emotions and thoughts via beautiful songs filled with his powerful voice and great acoustic guitar playing accompanied by mandolin, steel guitar and accordian among other instruments. These songs will not only get your attention but they will become a part of you giving you sad joy. Even when it's not playing in your CD player it's playing in your head. It's been a long time since an artist moved me like Buckner does. If you appreciate the songcraft of muscians like Mark Eitzel and Paul Westerberg this disc is a must have. By the way, while you're at it pick up all the Buckner titles, they're that good." Beautiful teresa ruggles | olathe, KS United States | 05/29/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "Richard Buckner is a true lyricist. his vocals always ring true and he is a great musician. this album is more on the country side of things, but don't let that scare you off. it is incredible."
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