Boyd Comes Around
Gianmarco Manzione | Tampa, FL USA | 08/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While many of Boyd's greatest moments have come in collaboration with his more celebrated cohort, Sherman Alexie, this incredible collection of songs confirms that Jim Boyd stands on his own with just as much grace and authority. Albums like "First Come, Last Served" suggest that a songwriting renaissance exists within the Native American community worthy of the glories that emerged from the American folk scene throughout the 60s and 70s. Boyd is one of those unusual talents who can express the private nightmares of his own heart in such an open and honest way that a much larger audience identifies with them. From "No Way's" biting and eloquent political angst to the flawless and poignant "Same Old Door," a song about turning one's back on drug and alcohol addiction, Boyd hits the notes that matter both with his words and his engaging musical arrangements. But for all his obvious discontent, Boyd's work celebrates as much as it laments. Songs like "Creator Way," for all their dour resignation, never lose sight of their hope in human fortitude, extolling the strength to "not fall apart." While overindulgences like the unlistenable "Powwow Highway 49" show that boyd is as capable of overproduction as he is of restraint, the album packs too much momentum for any one clunker to sink it. In "First Come, Last Served," Jim Boyd has served up a masterpiece -- clear and simple. Shame on Rolling Stone for failing to include Boyd in their "Rock 'N Roll Encyclopedia," when the man is writing some of the most sincere music to surface in a generation."
FIRST COME, LAST SERVED
Johnson Greene | Kotzebue Ak 99752 | 12/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THE ALBUM TITLE SAYS IT ALL..MY FAVORATE SONG ON THIS AWSOME CD IS -A MILLION MILES AWAY- A SONG ANYONE CAN RELATE TO THAT WANT TO ESCAPE REALITY. JIM BOYD IS ONE OF THE BEST NATIVE ARTIST OUT THERE IT WOULD BE AWSOME IF HE AND BILL MILLER, NEIL YOUNG MADE AN UNPLUGGED ALBUM TOGETHER IT WOULD ROCK..."
Jim's music really hits the HEART
jerseygirl2002us | Idaho Falls,ID USA | 12/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got this album from my brother who is a loyal listener to Jim and the music in it just hit home and hit my heart so much that I am now a loyal listener to.Jim's song Creator Way has REALY hit my heart in a special way!!!These songs are just to good and special to be able to be put into words and I can't wait for his newest album to hit the stores so I can get that one to!!!!!Keep up the good work Jim we Love you!!!!!!!!!"