tgfabthunderbird | York, PA United States | 10/26/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"You have to know the history of Charlie Sexton to know what made him tick, and that goes back a long ways.When this record came out, we got a copy at my college radio station, and we played the single "Beat's So Lonely" until it became radio and MTV fodder, then we worked the rest of the record.I don't know what Charlie was on when he let the record label and the imagemakers turn him into a 17-year-old, posturing, 80's hair boy. There are good songs here, but the record does not do justice to him as a guitarist, all-around musician, or songwriter.Better bets include Arc Angels, the superband with Doyle Bramhall, Jr., Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon...yes, Double Trouble.Things to know: Charlie was a renaissance kid. At 13, if the story he tells is true, he was going to school, working a job and in a band! Forget child prodigies and forget Hanson...Sexton was a true bluesman as a teen, he's lived it, breathed it and is STILL making great music. Now, if only he would get the proper respect the critics owe him!"
An Auspicous Beginning
silverapples | Santa Cruz, Ca United States | 05/14/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Why dig this record?? Well, if you're into Bowie, into Idol (Check the "Thin White Duke"-ish baritone vocals...) , and have a sweet tooth for slightly over-produced non-metal 80's hard rock , this cd's for you. Most of us know Charlie plays lead guitar for Bob Dylan now..what most people don't know is when he signed to MCA for this album in the mid-80's he was paid the most ever for an "unknown" (millions) and he was only 17. Sexton became a victim of what mainly the critics attacked him with...he was a "HYPE". But listen to this record today and you'll know....the talent is considerable....the songs are for real, and the soul is THERE. Dylan was already a fan before the record was released (Check out "Biograph" liner notes). Too bad the critics /cynics put the lights out on this one before Charlie got the chance he deserved....A+++++"
It depends on you
. | Chicago, IL USA | 07/22/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a fan of all that Sexton had done before this,(and after): virtuoso sideman guitar in his own high-energy version of a rootsy style, this cd will sound like different person. Fans of British pop-rock might like it, but I'm of the first persuasion, and I'm guessing that so is Sexton, as he abandoned this persona shortly afterwards."
His first release, his best release !
Javier Vazquez | Spain | 02/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I remember back in 1986 listening the new artists of the new wave's 2nd generation: Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Charly Sexton. Finally i found both CD's and let me tell you. First time a heard Pictures for pleasure, ai got dissapointed, because it wasn't the same thing i heard when i bought the sigle remix for Beat's so lonely, but in time, 2 months later, it was the song i was listening the less. Charly sexton has the Billly Idol power with an extraordinary vooice (i mean, for being a 16 y.o. boy), and the richness of each song. My favourites: Tell Me, Impressed, Beat's so lonely. It's a must have if you like 80's new wave, and most of it, if you like Billy Idol"
More mature than you would think
JHP2 | Apex, NC | 01/03/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Great early effort..where has he gone? Beats So Lonely was the hit but Impressed is by far my favorite. Surprisingly good lyrics for someone his age and the musicianship is great. I believe he played most of the instruments on the album. Give this one a try to satisfy your 80's jones."