Well, here it is, the record that fans of Buddy's and Julie's solo albums have been eagerly awaiting. Of course, true fans are aware that every disc by either of them has been a de facto Buddy & Julie Miller record. He... more » plays all over hers, she sings and writes all over his--what's the difference here? Other than more equally divided lead vocals, not much--some studio versions of favorites from their live performances, some cool covers (Richard Thompson, Bob Dylan), a trio vocal with Emmylou Harris, and "That's Just How She Cries," a tune that demonstrates why Julie is one of our finest songwriters and Buddy is one of our most soulful singers. Buddy & Julie Miller may be a bunch of tracks thrown together to appease the throngs clamoring for a duo project, rather than the revelation some had hoped, but it still serves as an energetic simulacrum of their shows and will do just fine until the next Buddy and/or Julie Miller record. --Michael Ross« less
Well, here it is, the record that fans of Buddy's and Julie's solo albums have been eagerly awaiting. Of course, true fans are aware that every disc by either of them has been a de facto Buddy & Julie Miller record. He plays all over hers, she sings and writes all over his--what's the difference here? Other than more equally divided lead vocals, not much--some studio versions of favorites from their live performances, some cool covers (Richard Thompson, Bob Dylan), a trio vocal with Emmylou Harris, and "That's Just How She Cries," a tune that demonstrates why Julie is one of our finest songwriters and Buddy is one of our most soulful singers. Buddy & Julie Miller may be a bunch of tracks thrown together to appease the throngs clamoring for a duo project, rather than the revelation some had hoped, but it still serves as an energetic simulacrum of their shows and will do just fine until the next Buddy and/or Julie Miller record. --Michael Ross
"Still buzzing from seeing Buddy and Julie Miller's pre-Grammys show at the Roxy in L.A. A pack of alt-country stars made their way onstage to pay tribute to this great couple, the highlight being Emmylou Harris, who showed up to re-create her "Forever Has Come to an End" duet with Julie. The Millers got a big laugh out of their Grammy nomination (for this rocking album) in the folk category, and then went on to demonstrate how richly they deserved the award in the right category (rock, country?). Whatever. This is an addictive album, with great originals and covers that don't wear out their welcome. The opening version of Richard Thompson's "Keep Your Distance" is a high-energy blast of country honk that begins a breathtaking five-song run. Julie's "You Make My Heart Beat Too Fast" pilfers the big chords from "Wild Thing" and tops them with the love call of an alpha-female on the make. Even the cover of Dylan's pokey "Wildflower" shines. There's something to say about all of this songs, because this is one of those rare all-killer-no-filler albums. If you appreciate Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, mid-period Stones, Lucinda Williams and co. this must not be missed."
Roots music of surpassing excellence
Jerome Clark | Canby, Minnesota | 10/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Buddy and Julie Miller were just names to me till I bought this CD, though of course I knew Julie's often-recorded "All My Tears." Hearing this excellent disc, I want to hear more. To my new ears, they come across as an American Richard and Linda Thompson, by which I mean the highest praise. (Fittingly, they do a fine cover of Richard's "Keep Your Distance.") Like the Thompsons, the Millers have absorbed folk and rock sounds into their skin and bones; unlike the Thompsons, they've added Southern sounds -- at least in their harmonies -- of country and bluegrass. Julie, who wrote all of the originals here (with one co-write with Buddy), is clearly a composer of formidable talent. Her "Forever Has Come to an End" sounds like a long-lost Carter Family song, and the lyrics to "The River's Gonna Run" are almost poetic enough to stand on their own, even before you've heard the melody and the performance. There's also a good choice of covers, including a powerfully rendered version of Utah Phillips's most famous song, "Rock Salt and Nails." Their passionate, old-timey inflected version of "Wallflower," a distinctly minor Dylan composition, makes it sound like a far better song than it is."
Get this one
Ric Siler | New York, NY United States | 10/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the best of a recent batch of great new CDs that I've come across. Hiatt, the Drifters and Dylan are no slouches, but this inspired set is my favorite of the bunch - the yin and yang of Julie Miller's writing and Buddy Miller's inspired playing (and their vocal teamwork) make for an intoxicating whole. A great balance of rockers and more introspective pieces, this album is either a great introduction to these two talents or an affirmation of their place alongside musical compatriots Earle/Harris/Hiatt/Williams et al. Great stuff and a welcome addition to any collection. The three covers are delights: Richard Thompson's Keep Your Distance, Utah Phillips' Rock Salt and Nails and Dylan's Wallflowers; however, a testament to Ms. Miller's writing is that her songs are as good as any of them. And whoa . . . Buddy plays with an abandon that is a wonderful thing to behold. Get it."
Still great after many listens this last year
C. Heinrich | Oyster Bay, NY USA | 11/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"....I can proudly say that after probably 100 listens to it, and one Buddy and Julie Miller concert, this album still holds up tremendously well. I can't belive it. I just haven't tired of it. I even have it on my MP3 player now, still listening to it like a fool. As soon as "Keep Your Distance" starts up--I don't know, a great feeling just fills me. Not that this is a "fun" album by any means (I'm usually not into those), but there's something about the opening to the album that immediately reminds me that I'm in for a wonderful treat, even though I know it backwards and forwards by now. The entire album is solid from start to finish. Many of the songs are downright transcendent. As I said, the opening "Keep Your Distance" is so irresistable and catchy. "You Make My Heart Beat Too Fast" is sexy and raucous. "Forever Has Come To An End" seems inappropriate (since it obviously doesn't reflect Buddy and Julie's marriage, plus features a third vocal by Emmylou Harris--albeit a glimmering one, as always), but it's gorgeous. "Little Darlin" will be a classic rocker; it's also sexy and raucous, with Buddy taking his voice to heights that will make you want to marry him. Ditto for "Dirty Water"--another great rocker, with a spookier edge to it. They are both great songwriters. While Julie's beautiful but girlish voice isn't for everyone, Buddy is easily, without a doubt, one of our greatest soul singers today. He can really let it go. I just love him! Don't miss this one. It's a mystery--it just never gets dull."