Search - Oysterband :: Here I Stand

Stands Alone

K. A. Levine | Stow, MA, USA | 01/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After a slight pause in the momentum with "Deep Dark Ocean", Oysterband is back with what could be their best effort to date, a classic-bound agglomeration of celtic influenced rock. In keeping with recent history and with the overall trajectory of the band, "Here I Stand" starts a bit slow but gets stronger as the disc wears on. Raunchier than its predecessor and about as much so as "The Shouting End of Life", this release again features several monumental cuts and no shortage of very significant and catchy tunes, all played with unembarassed enthusiasm, impeccable musicianship, and ever improving vocal talent. This go-around the most stunning tracks are "I know it's mine", an anthem for the millenium, and "Time of Her Own", a gentle lilting love song. "After Rain" is redolent of Runrig's mid tempo work and is a fine ballad, "And As For You" features great organ and a lot of bite, two mysterious and rich slow numbers, "Someone you might have been" and "She's moved on" are separated by an equally haunting instrumental. The lightest entry is a great country and western influenced song called "This Town" that will have you humming and toe-tapping. And I have to mention "This is the Voice" which would probably be a standout on a normal release, but we'll never know for sure, because "Here I Stand" pretty much stands alone. Given the artistic windfall wrought by these men in the last 5 years, Oysterband may well be closest to meriting the titles of both best folk group and best rock band actively recording today."

Let the spirit shine...

R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 04/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can understand why some of the music I love is not more popular -- free improvisation has been known to empty rooms. But the Oysterband has everything going for it -- strong melodies, a great vocalist and instrumental craft, graceful lyrics, intense emotion ... even the upsurge of interest in celtic music. Maybe it's the politics. These guys stand (as in the title) against the world of money and power. If you do too, then by all means, what are you waiting for?



The Oysterband's "moment in the sun," so to speak, was in the late '80s, but they've just been getting better through the 90s. HOLY BANDITS ('93) and THE SHOUTING END OF LIFE ('95) are also 5-star recordings, but HERE I STAND is as good as any they've done.



"We followed an unlikely star, never thought we'd get this far... love and anger, got to let the spirit shine, in my time that's all I've got, but I know it's mine!" ("I Know It's Mine")"

They Move In A Time Of Their Own

bourgdemer | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has got to be the Oyster Band's finest achievement - the lyrics are superb ; political and philosophical insights mixed with a good deal of poetic talent. The music is absolutely beautiful,with very varied tracks ranging from the sad and beautiful to the burning and raging. Absolutely captivating with a good re-listening potetntial. It'll take you forever to get tired of this CD.Bottom Line: If you've heard and enjoyed previous Oyster recordings, get this NOW ! . If you are new to the Oysters or just have an interest in rock/folk/punk/hybrid-music (and this is not a very good description, the Oysters are HARD to classify), this is a great place to start. I'll wager this CD appeals to just about anyone."