Balladeer Edwin McCain revisits his Jurassic period with his sixth outing, eschewing modern technology to return to an almost all-acoustic format he became comfortable with while gigging in the resort town of Hilton Head, ... more »South Carolina. But this album is a little less joyful than McCain's usual offerings, as he spins tales of missed opportunities, bad timing, and failed relationships. Even his cover selections seem dour. Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet" never sounded so tragic, and Buddy Mondlock's "No Choice" seems brittle and hopeless. Even the previously recorded "Go Be Young" is darkened by regret, while the gritty "Let It Slide" asserts, "You know Elvis said only two things were certain: hookers and Coupe Devilles." Perhaps being dropped by his long-time label has caused McCain to view the glass as half-empty; he cautions fans on "Alive" that "life's roller coaster, it ain't got no safety bar." This stark and compelling collection is one of McCain's best. --Jaan Uhelszki« less
Balladeer Edwin McCain revisits his Jurassic period with his sixth outing, eschewing modern technology to return to an almost all-acoustic format he became comfortable with while gigging in the resort town of Hilton Head, South Carolina. But this album is a little less joyful than McCain's usual offerings, as he spins tales of missed opportunities, bad timing, and failed relationships. Even his cover selections seem dour. Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet" never sounded so tragic, and Buddy Mondlock's "No Choice" seems brittle and hopeless. Even the previously recorded "Go Be Young" is darkened by regret, while the gritty "Let It Slide" asserts, "You know Elvis said only two things were certain: hookers and Coupe Devilles." Perhaps being dropped by his long-time label has caused McCain to view the glass as half-empty; he cautions fans on "Alive" that "life's roller coaster, it ain't got no safety bar." This stark and compelling collection is one of McCain's best. --Jaan Uhelszki
"I was lucky enough to catch Edwin McCain live in Boston earlier this year. Before that I wasn't very familiar with his music aside from his radio ballads, so I was really surprised how much he absolutely. rocked. the. house. Besides being an amazing vocalist, the music ranged from earthy roots-rock to his signature love songs. He is a sensitive, often hilarious, storyteller with his words and guitar. When I heard his latest cd was an all-acoustic set, I purchased it almost immediately. Since then it's quickly become one of my all-time favorites! Highlights include "Ghosts of Jackson Square," "Go Be Young," a heartbreaking cover of "Romeo and Juliet" and the new hit "I Want it All." To top it off, there's a multimedia extra in the cd which includes some clips from Edwin's DVD (Mile Marker), and a stirring performance of "I'll Be." This is pure Edwin at his best. I can't say enough good things about this cd. Buy it, hear it, love it."
Edwin McCain & his band are EXTREMELY talented
ggbeans | 11/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm one of those music fans that enjoys alot of different music....I simply appreciate talent, especially with all of the manufactured music and entertainment that goes on. I'm a HUGE fan of Edwin McCain, and in the course of listening to all of his music, and going to his shows, I've also realized how amazingly talented his band is. I simply love the Austin Sessions CD, perhaps because I am already a fan, but the sound, his voice, the songs.....I just can't say enough. I highly recommend Edwin McCains music, and the Austin Sessions is the cherry!"
Edwin McCain at his finest
ggbeans | 08/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always liked Edwin McCain, and I have a couple of his early CDs. But until I picked up this CD, I had no idea how absolutely talented this man was. I buy a lot of CDs, and this is easily the best one I've picked up this year. From "I Want it All" to "Beautiful Day" to an absolutely fabulous version of "Go Be Young," there isn't a single bad song on this CD. Just buy it, you will not be disappointed."
Never Disappointed!
klassite2 | Chapel Hill, NC United States | 03/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I anticipated the release date for this album for about a month. The day it came out I was at the record store to pick up my copy. When I got home to listen to it, I was not disappointed. All of the anticipation was not wasted. I have to say that this was one of the best albums that I've bought in quite some time (and I buy a lot of music). Usually when I buy an album I only hear three or four songs that I really like but I loved every song on this album and I've played it to death since I bought it almost a month ago! This album is full of excellence--musically, lyrically, and performance wise. It's well worth the adding to your collection today!"
Pure Edwin. It doesn't get any better than this except LIVE!
klassite2 | 03/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"_
This CD is the answer to the requests of Edwin's die-hard fans & friends for years! He never lets us down on content either! Want to hear what it is like to be there IN PERSON ... minus all of the crowd noise? This is it. Just turn the lights low and get ready for your heart to be touched over and over again. For all those elements of your life when you couldn't find the words... he's got 'em. And the humor sprinkled around shows you that this is PURE EDWIN. It will leave you with a smile you may have trouble wiping off your face!He is without a doubt the consumate singer, songwriter, lyricist, storyteller... The single "I Want It All" is haunting to anyone truly in love! "Wino's Lullaby" tugs on your heart strings; it has to be one of Edwin's best songs ever!!! "Beautiful Day" was co-written by Pete Riley [Treehouse]; a totally different sound! Romeo & Juliet has been a TREASURE to Edwin's oldest fans. We've been asking for this recording for years, and this version could not be more perfect. "Little Girls" ... Can't you just see the guys in the band sitting around writing this one? It's great fun! You won't just smile, you will laugh!!! Thanks for this one, Edwin, Larry, Pete & Phillip. "Island Song" is another favorite of the Edwin following. Only one listen will show you why it is Edwin's favorite song! "Ghosts," "Sorry to a Friend" & "Go Be Young" are even more beautiful than the original versions. "Popcorn Box" and "No Choice" will make you stop and think... and think. "Let Is Slide" is a true story about a recent Memphis visit. You'll be humming this for days! As always, Edwin has out-done himself. This guy needs more public recognition for his talent... He is sooo much more than "I'll Be!" You may rest assured that the fans that consider themselves his FRIENDS have known for years what the rest of the world just may discover with Austin Sessions. GO EDWIN!!! YOU ARE AMAZING! Amazing!!! Thanks for doing this one for us!A forever fan._"