Disappointing vocals but great songwriting
I love Gordon Lightfoot music with a passion and have seen him perform in concert every year he has come to the Twin Cities since 1975. He is master of the written word in terms of composing. His music has long delighted and enchanted me, but this latest CD, with its rare and beautiful moments, is certainly lacking on a whole. Why did he record a couple of hackneyed sounding country songs (which he did not even write)like "Country Singer" and "Red Velvet"? I am saddened that his voice has lost much of its rich quality and I hope that he will take measures to strengthen and improve it if that can be done. His opening line on "Drifters" sounded so shallow and off that I'm surprised that line wasn't re-recorded. But I do love that song as well as "Boathouse", "Much to My Surprise", and "Painter Passing Through". That's the kind of writing that won him the title of "The Troubadour". I am, and remain, a faithful Lightfoot fan until the end. We Lightfoot fans are dedicated to our favorite artist and, therefore, have a duty to judge his works of art with respect, reverence, joy and with a critical ear. Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot, for all the beautiful music. Best regards and well wishes to all Lightfoot fans.
A Different Lightfoot
I am a younger fan of Gordon Lightfoot. The first album I ever heard of his was Gord's Gold Volume 1. This album is definately not like any of his former albums. His voice has aged, but the songs are enjoyable to listen to. I know that a lot of people don't care for the Ringneck Loon song on this album, but I believe it is just one of those songs he recorded to have fun (I do have to admit, I crack up every time I hear it.) Drifters is a great song, my favorite on this album. Boathouse is a different kind of song, depecting a more restless lightfoot, and I have to admit, some of the rhyms are a bit strange. Much to My Surprise is a great song about reminiscence for Lightfoot, and Uncle Toad is enjoyable as well. My Little Love is sort of catchy, but once again, some of the rhyms are not that great. This album really grows on you, it might not really grab your attention at first, but keep listening, and you will come to see it as a valuable edition to your Gordon Lightfoot collection. I enjoy this album and don't get tired of listening to it, I mean, come on, who else would write a song about a loon? Gordon is still the best in my book!
Lightfoot at his songwriting best
Yes, Gordon Lightfoot's voice has lost a little of its luster, but his songwriting skills are still top notch. I think some reviewers were put off by the change in his voice--it is still pretty good--just a little different.I find that the more I listen to the CD, the more it grows on me. Keep 'em coming, Gordon!
A truly satisfying CD!!!
I've been a fan of Gordon's for as long as I can remember, and
was understandably pleased to be able to buy a copy of this CD for my collection! Among the songs I particularly liked were the title track, and ''Uncle Toad Said''is also whimsical and entertaining. The only one I had a hard time getting into was
''Ringneck Loon''--simply stated, I just didn't care for it as much as the others! I don't think anyone who is adding Gordon's music to their CD collection should miss this!
disappointing
Gordon Lightfoot has crafted many wonderful songs over his long career. His albums were known for their consummate musicianship, lovely poem/songs, haunting arrangements, and great harmony. This album is nearly without any redeeming qualities. The lyrics are banal at best..."He's a loon and he don't care." His voice is fine and earthy and rich, though showing its age with the loss of his upper range and increased nasality. The arrangements are unimaginative. Once in a while an intro leads you to think that another brilliant heart breaker is on the way. Not so. Don't buy this album unless you want to give it away or unless you are such a hardcore fan that you want it just to say you have it.
The camps remain divided on Gordon Lightfoot, largely due to his love-it-or-hate-it 1976 hit single "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Those on the fan side of the line will find reasons to enjoy his 1998 album A Painter Passing Through; the naysayers won't. Lightfoot, nearing 60, has lost much of his lower register, but the tell-tale tics of his singing style are still in place, especially the catch in his voice on Steve McEown's appropriately-titled "I Used to Be a Country Singer." Lightfoot's songwriting skills, however, have not diminished at all, and "Drifters," "Boathouse," and "On Yonge Street" are among the winning tracks on Painter. Fellow Canadian Daniel Lanois guests on the latter two tracks. --Michael Ruby
