The Mavericks - The Mavericks
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Free Music Notes for The Mavericks
Free Music Review: Very catchy and fun. Would be a 5 if not for the production
Hit: 4 Stars
As longtime fans know, The Mavericks were one of the most acclaimed country bands of the '90s and, at their apex, they were among the most popular. They never fit the mold of what people think of as "country" and some were very critical of their sound, but in my opinion good music is good music no matter where it originates from or where the company/the record industry chooses to try and place them because it seems like they think we are idiots and need to have our music in neat little packages. Some other musicians, like k.d. lang and Wynonna Judd, have been criticized for leaving their country roots behind, but in my mind their development as artists should take them wherever it takes them. Having said that, I too may be guilty of having some genre biases as I was hoping that this release would try and hit it out of the ballpark by roughing up the production a little. The guys sound better than ever, but the production and certain musical arrangements strips them of a certain liveliness that prevents this release from being the AMAZING homerun that it would otherwise have been.
There is no doubt that Raul Malo is an outstanding singer and that this release has some great and catchy tunes, but as I listened to it I wanted Raul and the band to let loose. I know that hardcore fans will think that I am crazy and go to town on this review, but I am not a Mavericks hater, but a fan was bothered by how distant the band sounds due to the aforementioned production and orchestration.
After hearing my critique some may think that I did not like this release, but that would not be correct as I think it's a pretty good effort. "I Want To Know" is a great anthem. "In My Dreams" is beautiful and although some criticize Raul for sounding like a poor man's Roy Orbison, I have to respectfully disagree as all artists show their influences and Raul is no different. If you listen carefully you can see that he has also listened to Chris Isaak, Patsy Cline, the Beatles, and Jose Feliciano, and k.d. lang, and Los Lobos just to name a few. "I am Wondering" is simply gorgeous and may be my favorite song on the CD. I love the guitar and harmonica. This song screams summer! "By The Time" shows the band's country waltz roots and has a quiet strength. "Would You Believe" is a catchy classic waiting to be stripped of the busy production that derails Raul emotive singing. "Too Lonely" is sumptuous and seductive.
At first I did not like "Time Goes By" because it seemed a little out of place and Willie Nelson did not quite convince me, but I have grown to love it and it's one of my favorites. I love the guitars and horns!! "San Jose" is the only wrong turn as it is almost killed by a mess of strings at the beginning and it does quite get back on course. "Because Of You" is a party waiting to happen! "Air That I Breathe" is surprisingly good as I was ready to hate it because I wanted Raul to break lose, but to my surprise he has made the song his own and it could become the definitive version of the song.
This CD easily earns 4 stars and I would raise it to 5 if it were not for the production. I've heard these guys live and I can tell you that this is tame compared to the energy in their live shows. Although I am generally not a huge fan of live releases, I would love for these guys to record an unplugged version of this CD or a live one that would show the world that Raul is more than a Roy Orbison sound-alike and that these guys can rock with the best of them.
Free Music Review: Repeat & Roy O.
Hit: 4 Stars
Two types of music, art, books, movies, etc. The ones you like, the ones you don't like. You gotta like the Mavericks. Ashamed to say, after all these years of listening to music, my first exposure. Catchy pop tunes, great talent, and you know, just keeps returning to my CD player.....
And good god, if you ever loved Roy Orbinson, you gotta pick this up. Don't know their history, don't know Mavericks lead singer..... but anyone who doesn't hear Roy all over this production ..... (hmmmm, "By the Time"... "San Jose"). And the first two tracks ("I want to Know" & "In my Dreams")... impossible to stay angry regardless of how bad a day you've had...
All in All.... a big time keeper. Don't know why, but reminds me of Peter Wolf's "Sleepless" (former lead singer of J. Giles), another CD that keeps finding its way to the top of the stack.
You gotta love quality. You gotta love the Mavericks.
Free Music Review: Welcome Back
Hit: 4 Stars
Their last album, Trampoline (1998), remains one of our most frequently played. So it is indeed a delight to salute the Mavericks' triumphant return, after a hiatus which allowed leader Raul Malo to indulge his penchant for Latin music on his terrific solo album 'Today'. Resuming right where they left off, The Mavs have honored us with another set of ear-catching tunes over a similar range of styles, from merengue to waltz, with the same range of influences, from Patsy Cline to The Beatles. Their sound is vintage-no trace of the hip or the hop, their spirit ebullient. Fronted by vocalist nonpareil Malo and backed by a studio full of talented musicians, this fillerless record is orchestral and Orbisonic (we're thinking of patenting that word). We welcome the Mavericks back.Free Music Review: The Mavericks...they just continue to rule!
Hit: 4 Stars
Not my favourite Mavericks' CD, but Im glad they have finally produced a brand new album. I have never liked all their songs, but I have always loved their style, and the singers' mighty vocals! To be honest, so far, only after listening to their new album a couple times, I admit I only truly like a few of the songs, with "In My Dreams" as one of my all time favourite tunes. Despite I have only learned to love a handful of their songs (out of their greatest hits CDs that I own) so far, as a 'Mavericks newcomer fan', they still have earned my top 5 place for my favourite country artists. They will never change their style of alternative country, which should be admired. I would see them live any minute. This album is still worth the money.Free Music Review: Good, but they get better with time
Hit: 4 Stars
I can't believe Amazon doesn't sell "Trampoline," a much better example of this band's talent.
The self-titled album, though, is good. Tight, tight, tight. These guys practiced. A lot. And they sound good.
The cover "Air That I Breathe" is a wonderful emulation, and exhibits a sense of understanding what is beautiful about the original. Great choice of a cover, too.
Their harmonies are to die for - as a gal you'll want to fall in love with Raul Malo - perfect perfect lyrics and harmonies. Pop-py, fun, comfortable lyrics.
Clean, fun, tight, sing-along-able music that precedes the best yet to come.