Search - Robert Lee Castleman :: Crazy As Me

New Music From Nashville

Dan Golden | Nashville, TN | 08/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Lee Castleman is truly a great find for anyone wanting to hear a different sound. He is backed by some of the best musicians alive. Great songs and great production. I hope we can hear more from this talented artist."

Not One You'll Forget About

Marty | Memphis, Tennessee USA | 08/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Lee Castleman may have previously been known for penning "Forget About It," which appears as the title track of Alison Krauss's 1999 album (incidentally, the song also appeared on the less popular -- but also very good -- SIMPATICO by Suzy Boguss and Chet Atkins). This album, however, should change that.I was fortunate enough to see Alison Krauss in early 2000 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Robert Lee Castleman opened for her, and his set contained several of these songs. Their power live was undeniable, and it is not diminished on the album. If anything, they're stronger, more refined, and even more polished.What's stunning is the quality and depth of these songs, both lyrically and musically. And not only the songs I had heard before -- this is an album crammed full of great songs. Songs that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up the first time you hear them or songs that make you smile -- and sometimes, songs that do both. My only criticism -- and it's a small one -- is that I wish at least one of these songs were like he performed at the Ryman, and like Alison Krauss describes her first experience hearing him -- just him, playing a guitar and singing, with nobody else around. He's elemental that way, a force of nature. Not that these tracks are overproduced ... far from it. But Castleman's a good guitarist, too, though it doesn't always show on the album. One or two tracks of basically "un-produced" songs would have been a plus.Still, Rounder does it again. An amazing record. Give us more like this one. Highly recommended."

Lyrics

rusty | 08/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a great song writer! I love listening to the words of these songs, and while the grumble of a singing isn't technically stellar, it brings the songs to life - in the tradition of Johnny Cash. I thoroughly enjoy this record."