Search - Edwin Mccain :: Nobody's Fault But Mine

Real soul, Real voice...great album!

groove daddy | 06/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's always a dangerous game with cover albums. Either you really have a new take on great songs or you "really don't." Thanks to Edwin McCain, we REALLY do! From start to finish, this album delivers like crazy. If you're a fan, you probably knew deep down that Edwin really always did have a soulful voice, but until now, we have not heard it full stop. It's almost as if he was born at the wrong time. If he were of age in the 60's, he would have been doing his thing with Otis and the rest of the gang. Well, he's certainly doing it now. It sounds like he has truly put his own spin all these amazing classic soul tunes. At the same time, it doesn't sound planned, which is probably why it's so good. Back in the day, none o these artists planned anything. It just came out. That's certainly what happened here. It's raw, unadulterated, perfectly produced (in that it sounds like the producer just let it happen as it happened) and so fun on top of it all.



This is the perfect album to take on a Summer's drive, top down and wind blowing your hair back. From the very cool New Orleans vibe of "Can I Get a Witness" to the feel-good "Good Times" and the amazing touching ballad with Joan Osborne. "Dreams To Remember," this album does not let down. Most of the time, you just wanna dance and be happy.



Now for the band: Eddie Bayers, typically known for his country stylings, is an amazing soul drummer...never too much...always tasty...always in the pocket; Manny Yanes seems to be perfectly simple and laying it down - never too much; Ivan Neville...well, what can you say? The keyboards never sounded so sweet!; Larry Chaney plays a mean guitar! - and he's just as soulful as the legendary Steve Cropper, who also rips on the album; Finally, there's Edwin. It was like he was born to sing this music. If you read the liner notes, you will see a great story of how Edwin really got started in music as a child and his early soul influences are finally recognized on this masterpiece!



With all the almost amateur efforts of other veteran artists out there, this album never lets down! It's pure, soulful and timeless."

Edwin's tribute to Southern Soul - Yes, he COULD have been i

O. Vespucci | Atlanta, GA USA | 07/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been a while since Edwin has given us an album that showcases the rasp and rage and rumble of his voice and the depth of his musical roots. Born in Greenville, SC and steeped in his early performance days in Charleston, SC (with friends like Darius Rucker of Hootie and The Blowfish hitting the radio airwaves about the same time), Edwin has gone back to his roots and the music of his heart with this CD, and it shows in the final product.



Ed is more than a balladeer and more than a "two trick pony." This is the perfect album for a summer drive, a quiet night at home with someone you like, or as background music for a late summer barbeque or beachside bonfire. If you aren't swaying in your seat or bouncing around the family room with your kids by the fourth track, turn it up! All of us raised below the Mason-Dixon line (and many above!) will appreciate the production of this album, its mix of pop hits and little-known gems, and the unique but subtle re-working of these southern soul classics.



In this effort, an accomlished singer-songwriter has looked in the rearview mirror and honored those songwriters that gave him roots and wings. Pour the sweet tea (or Southern Comfort!), take your shoes off, and wiggle your toes in the warmth of this musical gift. It will be one of my favorites for years to come.



Thanks, Edwin, for making this ride as sweet, sweaty and soulful as ever."

Goove Daddy has it right!

Debra A. Watson | West Columbia, SC United States | 07/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't agree more with what Groove Daddy has said about "Nobody's Fault But Mine". Read his review for the best details about this album. Those of us who are ole timey fans of EMB know all too well that Edwin has been grooving soulfully for years, but this particular album affords him the opportunity to spotlight the very music that sparked the musician in him from the start. What a gift, to be able to rejoice, revisit, and revive the creations that first gave you life! In this, Edwin does these treasures justice, and all those involved do their best work. If you say you are disappointed, you ain't got no soul baby! This is SOUL at it's best, but of course, we have been spoiled by EMB for years. We expect no less from our guys. They have out done themselves, thanks guys! If I were the original artists I could not be more honored by what these talented folks have put together. I can't help but say, if you aren't an Edwin fan, there MUST be something wrong with you. Drop your preconceived notions, close your eyes, open your ears, your mind, your heart, and you can't help but enjoy!!!"