Search - Mose Allison :: Way of the World

Still Going Strong at 81

Robert Szarka | Norwich, CT USA | 03/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a Mose Allison fan, you're probably as happy as I that we have one more album from this great musician. If you haven't bought it yet, don't hesitate. But if you're new to Allison's work you might be wondering whether this is the place to start. Well, you can't go wrong with Allison Wonderland: Anthology, which contains too many great songs to list here; but you might do as well to start with Way of the World.



None of the new songs here quite rise to the level of Allison's very best work, but the acerbic "Modest Proposal" and the weary "The Way of the World" (co-authored with Joe Henry) come close. Most of the other material--a combination of new originals, re-recordings, and covers--is also strong. Loudon Wainwright's "I'm Alright" and Amy Allison's "Everybody Thinks You're an Angel" in particular are well-chosen, Allisonesque compositions that fit in perfectly with Allison's own work. (Allison's daughter Amy, an artist in her own right, also contributes vocals on a cover of Buddy Johnson's "This New Situation". She sounds like a cross between Victoria Williams and Blossom Dearie, and the effect of their unison singing is downright eerie.)



What truly distinguishes this album, though, is that producer Joe Henry has created what may be the best-sounding Allison album yet. The warm, clean sound is a lot like that on Henry's own albums, but it fits Allison, too. And Henry has assembled a cast of professionals (including the ubiquitous Jay Bellerose on drums and percussion) who enhance Allison's performances without ever getting in the way. Just compare the versions of "Ask Me Nice" and "Let It Come Down" included here with older recordings of the same tunes to hear the difference. We're all indebted to Henry for coaxing Allison back into the studio, but doubly-so for his tasteful production work."

Young Man Mose stole the Blues, Old Man Mose still has it!

M. Liberton | The Netherlands | 03/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At last! New work from the often much underrated artist Mose Allison. Mose stands for strong lyrics (always with a witty touch), unique colored voice and own style piano playing. His songs make me happy, smile, think and sing. All you need in life. He is genuine and so is his music. This new album has all of this "Moseness" but also sounds remarkably fresh with a lot of little musical surprises to be discovered while listening. The album also has a nice sort of calm over it and is even in the large catalogue of Mose Allison again a unique work. The sweet and intelligent songs will make you happy! One of Mose's best!"

Just a little short

A Reader | Newark, DE United States | 04/07/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"So far this is a minority report. The music is good. I have several of his records from about twenty years ago. He still sings and plays just as great as he did back then. His lyrics have a wonderful bite that reminds me of a comment about Kurt Vonnegutt--a bitter coated sugar pill. So listen and enjoy.



But not for long. The liner notes say this is the product of five days in the recording studio--and they came out with only 35 minutes of music. Not one cut that would not fit on an old 45rpm single. I know from hearing Mose live in Philadelphia about a year ago that he has no trouble sustaining a musical idea for lots more than four minutes. But you will not find any of that on this recording."