Search - Brian Setzer :: Knife Feels Like Justice

Outstanding

MIssy Marie | Michigan, USA | 09/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in '86, I picked up the cassette version of this recording and promptly wore it out. This is one of my all-time favorite recordings and I can honestly say that every cut is a keeper (how often can that be said in this day of cd's with one or two good cuts and packed to the rafters with junk filler?) The title track is the gem among gems with "Chains Around Your Heart" and "Haunted River" other standouts. This music really defies pigeonholing into any one particular genre (and isn't that refreshing these days), coming closest to pure, American roots rock. The music is ageless, sounding as fresh and new today and it was in 1986. The guitar work by Setzer is top-notch, as is usual of him and his voice has the perfect blend of smooth and grit for these songs. The music will quickly embed itself in your head and not let go. I have enjoyed his work throughout his career, from the Stray Cats to his foray into swing music, but in my opinion, this is his crowning achievement (so far) and I hope he strays back into this style of music."

Decent effort that got no support from the record company

William J. Eichelberger | Ft. Thomas, KY | 12/19/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Having followed Brian Setzer's Stray Cats career from a somewhat bemused distance, I didn't expect all that much from his first true solo effort. Back then I used MTV as background music when I was down to crunch time on whatever paper I had due, and it was during one of these marathon typing sessions that I first heard and saw "The Knife Feels Like Justice". Expecting more along the lines of the Cats, I was shocked to find that he'd jettisoned that image and sound for more straight ahead rock. Like I said, shocking, but by the first guitar break I was hooked. Bought the album later that afternoon. The rest of the album doesn't quite live up to the title track, and there isn't anything I'd consider a must have for Setzer fans, but only on "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" does it fall flat. A decent album and a surprisingly tough find in cd form."