Search - Kennedys :: Better Dreams

The best Kennedys CD yet

J. Passe | Charlotte, NC, USA | 02/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me say, right off, that it's by far their best album.



I was a bit disappointed with Songs of the Open Road, not for the performances (I love, love, love "This Moment!") but for the fact that there were no original songs. I thought the songwriting on Half a Million Miles was just superb and was hoping to hear more new ones.



This cd continues where Half a Million Miles left off. The Kennedys have (ahem) evolved into songwriters who have captured the mystical in their music. Between the jangling guitar chords, and the spiritual lyrics, the songs synthesize the yin and yang of music and words into a glorious evocation of our inner lives. I honestly believe that they've taken us down the path that George Harrison began to blaze all those many years ago.



Take "Breathe" for instance. It's supposedly about dreams, but to me it's a guide for living. There's so much wisdom we can draw from dreams, as Maura asks us to challenge our perceptions. I can't wait to hear this from the Falcon Ridge stage on Sunday morning.



"The Speed of Soul" just rolls along. I like hearing Pete's voice on the harmonies. That Rachael Davis giggle at the end reminds me of the various sound effects on the Beatle's White Album.



There are two love songs that make me wonder. Both are beautiful. "I Found a Road" and "Light My Way" could be dedicated to a lover, but also to some version of God. It doesn't matter which. After all, the best love songs capture the eternal essence of that emotion, which should transcend mortal souls. The sitar work creates the perfect ambience.



"No Mornings' is the masterpiece of the cd. First, there's the AMAZING vocal, maybe Maura's best ever. Then, there's the gorgeous melody. The guitar and violin work is just so sensitive and soothing. But what makes the song so special is the lyrics that require one to ponder. What does it all mean? As in a dream, one can never be sure. In the case of this song, we can keep coming back to listen.



The title song, "Better Dreams" is a treat because of the presence of the Strangelings. There's no band around that sounds quite like them, and it's a joy to hear them play something beside covers. (I imagine that, these days, Pete and Maura have to make a decision with each song, whether to make it a Strangelings, Kennedys or Stringbuster song. I suppose Neil Young used to do the same thing.) As for the song, I love the rhymes, and, of course, the message - "Put your faith in better dreams." Good advice, on many levels.



Then we get to the political songs. They change the mood, especially Sago Mine (which possible should have been saved for another disk.) As countless songwriters have learned, topical songs can get old in a hurry. But yes, do give me back my country. I want to give voice to the American Wish. I am very hopeful these days. You can say that I'm having better dreams.



The guitars on all three songs are great, especially the U2-like jam at the end of American Wish. Those extended jams are what first drew me to the Kennedys. I'm hoping to hear more of them in concert.



The cd winds down beautifully, with lilting, uplifting melodies and lyrics, gradually changing into ethereal sounds that are perfect for, what else, falling asleep. Or, in my case, I hit "play" again.



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A very enjoyable album

Jeffrey H. Epstein | Red Bank, NJ USA | 02/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really like this album. The Kennedys are always fun to listen to, and the brillant harmonies and jangle sounds of the sitar and electric guitar are still there, but they now write and perform with a little more substance and gravitas. It's quite becoming. (Anyone who has not heard them recently really needs to get updated.) "Better Dreams" shows a lot of finesse -- finesse in the writing, finesse in the production, finesse in the performance. Pete and Maura have mastered their craft, and it shows.



The opening track, "Breathe" is a reflection on birth and death, and the two political songs ("Give Me Back My Country" and "American Wish") are grounded in so much grass-roots patriotism that they seem more like dreams for a better country than for any specific political position. All the tracks are good, though.



"Better Dreams" is simply an outstanding album. We should all have such good dreams.

"

A Place of Peace: Classics from The Kennedys

Barry Ward | Auburndale, FL USA | 02/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, this magical twosome provides us with a musical feast that will leave you with a huge smile on your face and an uplifting feeling in your heart. Pete and Maura's journey from "River of Fallen Stars" to "Better Dreams" has provided their fans and friends with a bounty of sweet and passionate vocals by Maura and guitar/sitar/mandolin-hero licks from Pete. "American Wish," "Speed of Soul," "Better Dreams," "Sago Mine," and "I Found a Road" are instant Kennedy classics. So, find the road that leads you to "Better Dreams" and The Kennedys will bring you to a place of peace.



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