Search - Charlie :: Lines

ANOTHER HORRENDOUS "RE-MASTER" by Renaissance

charlie bear | Big Sky Country | 10/22/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is probably the second best of the CHARLIE albums but once again that notorious label RENAISSANCE has ruined it!

This is one sorry mess sonically. This label would be wise to fire all their existing "techs" in their so-called studio's and replace them with some people who have a clue.

As is, LINES sounds like it was dubbed from an old cassette on a 1975 Montgomery Wards cassette player."

Quality or nostalgic appeal?

Scott B. Saul | COOPER CITY, FL USA | 09/04/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I will always have a place in my heart for this band b/c it reminds me of growing up in Chicago in the 1970's. Progressive radio staitions like WXRT would play bands on the fringe (like Charlie!)



They never became popular although their albums were always prominently displayed in record stores b/c they featured such hot, hot girls on the album covers. It was a good gimmick (just ask Roxy Music).



"Lines" I think, were their standout work. The best song "She loves to be in love" did receive a little airplay. Other good songs off of the cd are "LA Dreamer", "Lifes So Cruel" and "I like to Rock and Roll". "Watching TV" is enjoyable b/c of references to (for the time) contemporary tv shows. A younger listener will have no idea as to the mention of the shows.



Charlie was made up of studio musicians. They had the chops but the songs did lack the a certain degree of heart and soul of a conventional band. Their music is in the same vein as mellow Steely Dan.



The music is certainly of fine quality but I do not think that anyone unfamiliar will be turned on to this group. If you are a 40 something, avid music fan that tried different music when you were young, then this will be very nostalgic sinse I am sure that the albums have been out of print for decades.



When I listen to this cd, I do not know if I dig the music or if it just makes me feel 16 again. You always will have an affinity for music from your youth!



"

Charlie - band review, not the product

Kevin R. Moore | 02/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was turned on to Charlie by my friendly local record store owner, who would ask me what I was looking for when I came into his store. He would then play music he thought I would like, while I was browsing! When he played Charlie, I was blown away. I then coordinated a massive road-trip w/ 12 friends to a concert 90 miles away in Milwaukee w/ hotel rooms, tickets, meal, & most important of all - buzz. After the show we bumped in to the band in the men's room, asked if they wanted to party, and embarked on a 2-day/2-show party that is one for the record books! They had 2 drummers in concert, Steve Gadd & Shep Lonsdale. Rumor has it that Shep went on to invent some computer component & is a zillionaire living in upstate NY. They were so impressed that anyone, let alone 12 people from Oshkosh, WI, (w/ xcellent party substances), knew who they were, that they invited us all to the next day's show, w/ free champagne, backstage passes, the works! I have all vinyl, original ticket stubs."