Search - Jimmy Lafave :: Austin Skyline

This is the single best album I own.

B. Holder | 04/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My musical tastes are extremely eclectic. A four-hour session with the CD player might include a taste of Sinatra, Clapton, the Plimsouls, and Andrea Bocelli. But it would always include Jimmy.I first heard Jimmy as a rocker, leader of Jimmy Lafave and the Rave at The Hole in the Wall in Austin, TX. His first album left me disappointed. Indeed, it took awhile for the folkier side of Lafave to grow on me... but when it did, he has become my favorite artist.If you like Dylan, you'll love Lafave, for his interpretations of some Dylan pieces are amazing. But I'm not even a big Dylan fan. Lafave intersperses some driving Texas rock & roll with ballads of extreme tenderness, his quirky voice wrapped painfully around the lyrics like a road-weary but tender parent.I love all of his discs, but this one is the best by far. And his version of "Just Walk Away Renee" is one of the most emotion-filled songs you could imagine."

Makes me cry -- that's a GOOD thing!

B. Holder | Cedar Crest, NM United States | 07/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At Kerrville this year, a solo Kevin Welch rocked into "Kickin' Back in Amsterdam" -- a song that deserves a full band -- and suddenly this guy wearing a beret stepped out onstage and provided the fullness of an ensemble, and more. It was the highlight of my visit to Kerrville; but who WAS that guy? Turned out to be Jimmy LaFave, and since then I have purchased ALL his CD's. This one is my favorite, not ONLY for "Walk Away Renee" but for the delicious sadness of "When It Starts To Rain". Jimmy LaFave. WHAT a TREASURE! Does Dylan better than Dylan (mostly). His heart is right there in his voice, and may he share that with us for many, many years. I can't wait to hear him again live, but until that, I can make do with this CD."

Austin Skyline

Ryan Sarti | Chicago Il | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first few notes of the first Jimmy Lafave song I heard, I was hooked. Some years later I am still hooked on Austin Skyline.



One Angel is a sweet and tender song that exemplifies Lafave's plaintive voice and lyrical magic. The words aren't sophisticated, but they don't have to be. Songs aren't intellectual, they are written to feel. When Lafave sings "I have only one angel babe, my one angel is you." you feel and believe.



Lafave explores beyond the tender side with Desparate Men. Great hook, great melody, very well done. Who could ask for more?



Lafave also does an excellent job of showcasing Bob Dylan's material. He always manages to breathe some new spark into Dylan tunes (not that they need it). Hiway 61 and Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat are a couple of fine examples of Lafave's take on some classic tunes that defy you to stand still.



Lafave has a unique voice and his song selection is perfect for his style and vocal work.



You can't go wrong with Jimmy Lafave. The newest album, blue nightfall has some fabulous tunes on it. But, for classic Jimmy Lafave, there is nothing like Austin Skyline.



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