J.J. Cale - The Very Best Of J.J. Cale, (a,k.a. The Definitive Colleciton)
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Free Music Notes for The Very Best Of J.J. Cale, (a,k.a. The Definitive Colleciton)
Free Music Review: Brilliance Of Simplicity
Hit: 5 Stars
J.J. CALE epitomizes what is the brilliance of simplicity - that less is more, is best. CALE is, perhaps, one of the very few finer singer-songwriter craftsmen who can transport you to other worldly dimensions through his pure, raw, yet polished, finely executed recordings. He takes you by surprise, totally unexpected. I remember hearing him all over the radio during my early teens while his classic albums such as "NATURALLY" - "TROUBADOUR" - "OKIE" - "REALLY" were getting well deserved, cherry picked AM/FM Radio airplay for his definitive extraterrestialistic tracks such as "CRAZY MAMA" - "LIES" - "AFTER MIDNIGHT", among others. Cale's artistic legend grew by leaps and bounds, and he's not to be omitted from a music lover's library. His recordings will transport you to the stratosphere[and beyond]of your imagination. He leaves a highly memorable impression which, in turn, creates an unfathomed curiosity and intrigue even on the most casual listener of his mysterious vocals and guitar playing from his legendary recordings. "VERY BEST OF..." easily eclipses Cale's "SPECIAL EDITION" hits summary and his personal edition on the "20th Century Masters Millenium"[remastered]series, while it appears to be a pared down one disc version of CALE's expansive, stellar career overview 50 track, two-disc anthology, "ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS". None of the above mentioned compilations should be dismissed, as all four contain tracks that criss-cross one another, plus various tracks of importance from his almost four decade long catalogue. Any J.J. CALE retrospective is worth every cent and dollar you spend, because every disc flows with gems. Cale's personal versions of both his own 'hits' and famously 'covered' compositions are timeless.Free Music Review: Just Plain Fantastic
Hit: 5 Stars
I must confess embarrassingly that although I have known for a long time OF J.J. Cale, I had never gotten around to obtaining any albums. Well, that's what birthdays are for, to ask for things you normally wouldn't go out and buy. Since I received this CD, I'm having difficulty listening to anything else. I deeply regret having cheated myself for so many years before becoming educated on this wonderful singer/songwriter. If you are a fan of Clapton's mid to late-70's albums, and you, like me up until this point, have failed MISERABLY to expose yourself to Cale's music, please, please, please get this album. It's hard to imagine anything I'm going to enjoy tapping my feet to more than his music, with the added bonus of being able to listen to his great lyrics. I now understand why he has been called by many as one of the most influential musicians of the last 30 years. To put it plainly--these songs are just absolute fun to listen to. Beautiful, laid-back guitar, a dusty voice that fits perfectly with the album cover, subtle and appropriate harmonica licks. J.J. Cale's music has shot to the front of my favorites of all time in about one week time.Oh, by the way---DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THERE IS A CURE TO BEING ADDICTED TO AN ALBUM? I'm not saying I want it at this time, but maybe in a few weeks when this has been the only CD that's been playing in my house and car the whole time, I might want to check into it. Thanks.
Free Music Review: 5 stars for a true original
Hit: 5 Stars
J.J. Cale is one of those underrated artists, whose recordings are most appreciated by other musicians. Eric Clapton and Dire Straits are direct evidence of platinum selling artists love for the down home bluesy guitar grooves of J.J. Cale. The man wrote two of the most appreciated modern day blues rock songs, "Cocaine," and "After Midnight." What's interesting is hearing his original versions. They are more laid back and have a groove that cannot be easily replicated.
I find myself embracing J.J. Cale's versions of his tracks the most. He reminds me of Johnny Cash in a way. He is so real and raw in his recordings. This is music that warms the soul and invokes a certain comfort. Like other artists who have been covered and sampled to death, J.J. Cale stands above the heap of commercialism in music. He is a true artist. An Oklahoma road warrior. There are other examples, including a band called Cymande - on the album renegades of funk, where the power of hearing the true original voice of an artists' music is always a more authentic listening experience. This best of collection is highly recommended. I hope J.J. Cale knows that he is a true original in American music.
Free Music Review: the essence of laid-back
Hit: 5 Stars
I would venture to guess that more people know JJ Cale's work than have actually heard his own renditions. Obviously Eric Clapton's covers of "After Midnight", "Cocaine" and "I'll Make Love To You Anytime" and Santana's version of "Sensitive Kind" are well-known; I came to JJ Cale via way of Widespread Panic's covers of "Travelin' Light" and "Ride Me High" (from "Troubadour").This compilation is great from start to finish. Cale is straight-shootin' and to-the-point. Most songs clock in around 2:00, but don't think you're not getting a lot for your money. With Cale, less is definitely more! His vocal stylings (I would hesitate to term it 'singing') are raspy smooth and understated, his lyrics the counterpoint to a unique lyrical guitar style.
"Devil In Disguise" sounds like what every Steve Miller song wishes it was, while "Carry On" conjures up something from Johnny Cash's part of the universe. "Rock And Roll Records" is one of my favorite tracks on this disc; it is indeed a "real, funky deal". No mistaking that Cale is a 100% American original!
Free Music Review: Great Single-Disc Anthology Of J.J. Cale
Hit: 5 Stars
THE VERY BEST OF J.J. CALE (aka THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION) is a great 20-song anthology of Tulsa, OK's other famous export (Leon Russell is also from Tulsa). It includes his chart hits and songs made famous by other artists, such as "Call Me The Breeze" (Lynyrd Skynyrd), "After Midnight" (Eric Clapton), and "Cocaine" (Clapton again). It could be said that Cale deserves a more extensive retrospective, but the man himself doesn't seem to mind. Of course, you can hunt down the double-disc anthology ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS if you so desire, but this is a great collection of great music by a great artist.