Got a two-for-one treat last November when I attended the Austin Family Music Festival with the family (how apropos). Two, yes two, new Bruce Robison CDs.
The first one I expected to get -- "The New World" which had been out about a month or so. I was busy the week it first came out and managed to not get it because apparently the one copy available in Waco was bought early. Multiple trips to multiple music outlets only gave me resolve to eventually find it somewhere in person without having to order it on the Internet. I eventually got it in Austin.
Having heard the new songs previewed on Bruce's website before the release, I wasn't as excited about this one. Based on initial listens, there was only one song I was sure I liked. So there was no rush for either the one song or the mystery of newness that had already been given away.
In this case, first impressions were wrong. There are several songs I'm now very fond of - they just took a few listens to realize it.
The second CD -- and the purchase that was most satisfying -- was a greatest hits compilation called "His Greatest" which basically includes the songs that basically made him professionally successful and paid a lot of bills. The ones most people who haven't heard of Bruce would have heard of... Wrapped, Desperately, Traveling Soldier, and that one that probably was his biggest ... Angry All the Time.
What makes "His Greatest" very special is that the songs are recorded fresh for this CD -- and the arrangments are mostly new. Gives them all at least a slightly different sound than either Bruce's own previous recordings of these songs or those of other artists. The result is way different.
Bruce described them in a brief conversation I had with him after his Austin show that day as having "more of a live sound" and that's certainly true. One of the most noticeable differences here than on his own original recordings is that his own vocals are quite natural. In some ways, it's much more honest, like seeing him live. On the other hand, it sometimes contrasts greatly with the album versions of the same songs and makes you long for the Bruce you hear there.
Maybe it's his aging voice or, more likely, just an indifference to the notion that he's supposed to be a singer when songwriting is really what comes first. But where the vocals may disappoint some, what I'm stricken by are some of the lavish acoustic intros on songs like "My Brother and Me" and "Rayne, Louisiana" that make you think this is a musician's delight. Other songs just feel like jam sessions.
I read that "His Greatest" isn't technically supposed to release until after the first of the year. All the more special it seems for this fan who finally got to see Bruce after a several month hiatus due to personal schedules and budget.
Returning to "The New World" -- I've got to say that it really has gotten better with each listen.
Favorite song was originally "She Don't Care" -- a great heartbreak song that I'd heard Bruce sing on several occasions. Apparently Garth Brooks recorded the song and placed it in obscurity on one of his boxed sets available only at Wal-Mart. Yet, trying to determine which set that was without buying them was nearly impossible as the sets at my Wal-Mart didn't include song lists on the outer covers. It's a catchy, banjo-laced song. I've come to love the banjo.
"The New World" is said to be a mix of American music styles. OK. I'll leave that to the music people. As an uneducated fan, it's quite different from some of Bruce's previous work. But the songwriting remains an obvious strength.
My favorite is "California '85" which has some of the most clever lines I've heard in a while. A particularly rich verse includes "It's not the fall that breaks your heart so it won't mend; but it's the quick stop at the end."
The gender-crossing "Bad Girl Blues," which we had the treat of hearing prior to the album's release earlier this year is an excellent song, though the slow, bluesy pace requires patience. Conjures the spirit of a smoky lounge and Bruce's knack for writing in the female voice is so good it's bad (weak pun intended).
"Larosse" has gotten a lot of buzz from other listeners who've written about it on the web. It's well done, but just not a song that I will skip over others to hear. Nice subtext as a man tries to sell his trusty horse after many hard years together.
"Only" brings the banjo back in and harkens to some of Jerry Reed's hits with a story unfolding in a song. An ode to the singer's newest "only one" -- it's infectious. Then again, another song perhaps about the same girl is "The New One" which is a little different style. Little more traditional Bruce style of future country pop hit. Catchy lyrics and hooks throughout - this one could be a George Strait song in the future.
Last of the songs I'm really fond of is "Hanging on Hopeless" which has a very desolate feel, like the subject matter, accentuated with a nice hang-dog steel guitar and acoustic guitar.
Other songs include the opening "The Hammer" a stomp, I've read, and decent enough. Sounds kinda like "Sanford & Son" theme song mixed with a dash of southern funk. It's smooth but Bruce's vocals don't mesh with this one like perhaps another singer might.
"Echo" got a lot of discussion because Bruce noted in interviews how he was intrigued that both Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan had girlfriends by that name. It's nice and has very lavish accomaniment throughout. He imagines what a girl named Echo might be like.
"Twistin" is my least favorite on the album. Harkens back to the 50s era when "The Twist" was popular. Just seems a little hackneyed in the approach and the name is a little too derivative. The style is fun, almost rockabilly, but more miss than hit to me.
All that said, "The New World" is rock solid. "His Greatest" is an incredible collection and worth it just for the new arrangements. One of his better designed album covers, too, with some excellent photography. Quite a contrast to the whimsical cover of "New World" which puts a cartoon illustration of Bruce's head amidst several cartoon Earths. Like Bruce, never figure him to take the safe route.
