Richard Shindell - south of delia (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Richard in his element

Eric A. Politzer | San Francisco | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having hear RS in concert a number of times over the years, it always has been a wonderful experience to hear him re-interpret his own songs. So it is an easy bridge to hearing his covers of some of the songs he likes best/has been influenced by most. As far as production and musical maturity, this project is miles ahead of the "Cry, Cry, Cry" CD, however enjoyable that was in places. RS clearly feels a close bond with these songs, and his approach is to cherish them and explore them as narratives. Arrangements are typically simple and unobtrusive, but playing throughout is exemplary. RS' voice continues to develop depth and richness, and this is a fine example of a top notch song writer pouring his heart into honoring those that helped pave the way for him."

A Wonderful Discovery on the Trail of Great Music

applewood | everywhere and nowhere | 08/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was my first intro to Shindell, having been led here following the trail of Richard Thompson's guest appearance... and I can't get enough! The song selection is great and the covers good to great, with production and muscial accompaniment top notch. Shindell has a reputation as a skilled songwriter but here he interprets other's songs (for the most part not adding much variation in the covering, just honest and personal feeling).

I love em all, but my favorites are Acadian Driftwood, The Humpback Whale, Born In the USA, Northbound 35, Sittin on Top of the World, Texas Rangers and Lawrence KS.

This last song has quickly become one of my top 10 favorites of all time, sounding like an old classic, but instead being a newish song from the young Josh Ritter, who I have now discovered...(Northbound 35 is another great song that led me to discover Jeffrey Foucault, who's own recordings are great)...and the trail goes on, Thanks Richard (s)"

His Best Work to Date

Jimmy Dodson | Beaufort, South Carolina | 05/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an extremely accomplished work of covers and I can't seem to get enough of this CD. It is a staple CD in my car and I listen to it on my commute to and from work. I never tire of it. This CD is thoroughly enjoyable and the musicanship, vocals, and choice of songs here is truely its strong points. I am fairly new to Richard's music, but I traveled 5 hours to Asheville, NC a short while back to see him in concert. I was not disappointed. I have since purchased "Vuelta" and "Paterson" and the "Cry Cry Cry" disc. All those are excellent as well and highly recommended. This I think is his best CD to date and you just can't go wrong with it."

Another great CD

R. Sleve | N. Kingstown, RI USA | 03/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been a fan of Richard for quite a while, I hesitated to buy a CD of covers. He is such a good storyteller that I thought I might wait for his next original work. But after hearing some selections at a few live shows, I bought the CD. His ability to tell stories translates well to his ability to retell stories. He changes some of the songs (making deportee much less twangy, and sharpening the edge on Born in the USA) and leaves some untouched (Northbound 35.) But he makes all of them unique. The input from world class artists Richard Thompson (who in the liner notes apprears courtesy of himself), Eliza Gilkyson, Larry Campbell and Viktor Krauss makes this a stellar addition to his discography. Can't wait for the next CD that includes parasol ants."

E Tu Brutus?

Sonny Saggese | Boston | 09/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I feel like a betrayer, because I too am such a big fan. This, at this time, will be the first and only non five star review. I have been longing for a covers album. I would always hear other songs sung by other artists and wonder "Wouldn't that song be awesome by Richard Shindell?"

And then here we are; he comes out with one. The problem is that I think only half of these songs really do showcase his talents. The other songs, though enjoyable enough, do not really hold melodies or attitudes that showcase his great talents of singing, and expressing a songs truer nature. This cd is awesome. And if you are a fan of Shindell you won't be dissapointed, and if you have never heard him before you'll like this album as well if you dig this kind of music, which I simply label Good Music. I just don't think that this album is going to have the same effect on poeple as his others did, his last excluded Vuelta, which I also thought was only a four star album. Before that Album though all of his albums are 100% five star albums. And this one is great as well. I love listening to this cd in my car. It's really soothing, and I have a new favorite song from the album each week. I'm definitely not dissapointed with this album, perhaps with some of the song selections; Sitting on Top of the World and Texas Rangers. Those two will never be my favorite on this album, and if those were replaced perhaps by Elvis Presley by Dave Carter, The Rose of The San Joaquin, and/or Blue Wing by Tom Russell, all songs I have dreamed about Richard Shindell singing then this would be a definite five star album."

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