A Triumph for Roy and his fans!
Jonathan Lee | Atlanta, GA United States | 11/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My God! It's hard to put into words how amazing this album really is. The songs, the textures, the sounds, the playing and just the overall presentation.
I had already owned "Boulders" for about a year when I saw a vinyl copy of this in a record store in Montreal. I snagged it and studied the cover and liner notes until I could return to my turntable in the States. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had such strong feelings about "Boulders" (how could Woody top that masterpiece?). Well, to say the least, I was absolutely floored. From the opening USO-sounding vocal group/big band of "Mustard" right into the "Any Old Time Will Do", I knew that this was a special album. When I heard "The Rain Came Down On Everything" with its jazzy breakdown complete with rain and thunder in the background, I was totally sold.
This album has it all for Roy afficiandoes: complex vocal layering (listen to the Roy-choir during "The Song", every voice sung and recorded by Woody himself), Fifties-style Doo-Wop ("Why Does Such A Pretty Girl Sing Those Sad Songs?") and monumental instrumentation(again "The Song", Roy closes it with a classical waltz and check out his drum solo on the final album track).
The remaster sounds warm and alive and Roy's vocals come out very crisp. The additional bonus tracks on this CD reissue only sweeten the deal. If you are a Roy fan you absolutely NEED to own "Mustard"."
A beautiful record
gordon@ruraltel.net | 03/16/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I had this on vinyl, and I honestly haven't played it for at least, well, many years. It was, I thought, horribly produced.When I saw that it was recently released with extra tracks, I figured, what the heck, go for it. And while it still doesn't astound like Boulders or Shazam (The Move), it's a whale of a sonic improvement over the old LP, and the songs really shine with improved mastering. Lots of Phil Spector and Beach Boys influence. Very strong album, with the unfortunate exception of "Mustard," which has been flattened to sound like a '40s recording and "Get on Down Home," which goes on way too long, and has a lumbering drum solo. My suggestion: program that song out and you'll still have a great 45 minute listening experience. Would rate 5 stars if not for "Get on Down Home" and less than excellent sound quality. If you like the Move, like Roy Wood, and don't have this album, I'd strongly recommend it."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
