Acquired Taste is the thirteenth studio album in the career of Texas roots music legend and Grammy® winning artist Delbert McClinton. The album is produced by Grammy® winning producer Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob... more » Dylan, Bonnie Raitt). It is the first new studio recording by McClinton in over four years.
McClinton doesn t change the musical formula on Acquired Taste, (a juke joint blend of country, blues, soul and rock n roll). This time, the subtle change from his last album, 2005 s Cost Of Living, are the reflective lyrics providing one of the wisest and most introspective albums of his 50+ year musical career.« less
Acquired Taste is the thirteenth studio album in the career of Texas roots music legend and Grammy® winning artist Delbert McClinton. The album is produced by Grammy® winning producer Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt). It is the first new studio recording by McClinton in over four years.
McClinton doesn t change the musical formula on Acquired Taste, (a juke joint blend of country, blues, soul and rock n roll). This time, the subtle change from his last album, 2005 s Cost Of Living, are the reflective lyrics providing one of the wisest and most introspective albums of his 50+ year musical career.
"First, I have to confess I am a BIG Delbert fan. But, this Cd shows why. Delbert performs with humor, experience, sadness in that seasoned voice.
These songs are well written; and well presented by DICK50 (Delbert's road band). Listen to "Wouldn't You Think..." and you will SEE a stood-up guy in an empty bar. "Starting a Rumor" will make you wonder if this relationship is for real. "Never Saw in Coming" reveals the simple side of most guys. "When She cries at Night" feels like a confused older guy about to lose his younger girlfriend. Delbert will make you laugh, cry and wonder why.
There is only one thing better than listening to Delbert on this CD... seeing him and the band live!! RICK"
Actual Music Startled Everyone
Quiero Cafe | South Texas | 08/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thought I had just gotten too old to appreciate anything new. But it turns out that if somebody writes actual songs and performs them with people playing actual instruments then something new and great can still be produced. The title must be irony, because if the samples here don't motivate you to immediately click Buy It Now then you probably need to run out and acquire some taste, stat. I did make sure to listen to the actual album before coming back to try and give this 5 stars - now I wanna give it 10. If it was 1.99 for physical copies I'd buy as many as I could afford and hand them out randomly, just to spread the gospel. As it is, this is the best 2 bucks you will ever ship over the Interslice, because in return you will get renewed faith in the power of music."
The first time is the best...
Rock Carolina | NC, USA | 08/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've heard the odd song from Delbert McClinton, but this is the first time I've ever felt inclined to pick up one of his records. If this is par for the course, then I've been missing out.
Delbert slides as easily into country, blues, jazz, gospel, and folk styles as anyone I've ever heard. He does this so naturally, that you could easily miss it if you weren't paying attention. This record rewards close listening, but can also be enjoyed at a party. It will get the attention of anyone with a taste for any of the above mentioned styles, but has an appeal far beyond the average purist. Each song has its own identity, but not so much that you find yourself saying "Oh, here's the country tune." The stew has such a fine mix of ingredients that you're apt to hear a blues vocal turn within the context of a country tune or jazz piano on a blues tune. Or a little bit of all of the above. This is done rather seamlessly; it is never distracting or jarring for the listener. All is in service to the song, and his remarkable voice, which other reviewers here have described perfectly as weathered. I liken it to a perfect cup of coffee - bold and smooth, with a bit of a kick. You won't have any problem hearing or understanding the words, that's for sure.
Try it. My bet is that you'll take to it like your favorite shirt or pair of shoes.
"
Such a disappointment!
L. Bulmer | 10/24/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I am a HUGE Delbert fan. I thought about listening to some track samples before I bought this CD, but figured: Why bother? It's Delbert. It's got to be good! Unfortunately, it's not. It's just too talky -- way too heavy on lyrics and not nearly enough music, not enough of the band. The good old rocking Texas blues is missing. One of the songs made me feel like I was sitting in Country Bear Jamboree. There's a couple of tracks I might listen to again, but then I'd have to punch through the rest of the CD and it's just not worth it."
Delbert and Dick50 Never Let Us Down
V. MacClements | south | 08/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a long-time Delbert and Dick50 devotee, I awaited this one with happy anticipation and a bit of fear that it couldn't possibly measure up to all the Delbert classics of the past. Two listens later, smiles, laughs, chills and tears, I'm glad to know I was wrong. It's all here; it's all Delbert: the voice that ages like the best wine, the humor (lots of that Delbert-talk we female fans love); the sadness and straight-to-the-heart lyrics in numbers like "Wouldn't You Know" and "Out of My Mind." And it wouldn't be a Delbert record without those great story songs we love. "Willie" and "Cherry Street" fit right in. We hear the hand of Gary Nicholson in this writing.
And Dick50: Now the secret is out that all of us Delbert folks have known for a long time. These guys are the best, the most talented, tightest band you'll ever hear: Kevin McKendree (keys, lead guitar on "Cherry Street" and co-writer on several of the songs), Rob McNelley (guitar), Lynn Williams (drums), and Steve Mackey (bass). They'll spoil you for any other music; it's a fact.
I don't mean to insinuate this is "same old, same old." Far from it. The new version of "Do It" puts an end to that notion, and there are layers of jazzy sophistication here that are new.
Endless praise here for the creative Don Was production and turning that piano UP! He knows where the good stuff is, and the piano intros and solos sprinkled throughout this work are a piano-lover's dream."