Obscure, but brilliant -- Far better than his reputation
bseymour@gte.net | Los Angeles, CA | 07/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album brings you to cool autumn nights, warm romantic longings and fond memories of your home town and the girl you left behind. It's free of schmaltzy, corny references, instead nestling comfortably in a mature, yet sentimental romanticism.Far better than his most popular LP "Partners in Crime", this 1977 effort contains a closing set of songs which captures the warmth felt when driving through an autumn night along the lonely highway which returns you to your home town. "Guitars" features the shimmering sounds of an orchestra of steel and nylon stringed guitars. "The Long Way Home" is just that - a wistful walk down tree-lined streets, past the old river to your parents' door and the family hearth within. "Town Square" is a midnight bus narrative which sounds like an environmentalist's plea until you realize that the small home town is a large part of the environment Holmes wants to preserve. "The Old School" is a heartfelt narration of your alma mater, destroyed in a "scream of brick and slate," which starts with a mournful, haunting passage by a flawless cello section.Don't hold "Escape (The Pina Colada Song) against Holmes. This album is more than worth the price, even at import prices. It's an all-time sentimental classic."
Outstanding
anthonylinsk@usa.net | New York | 02/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rupert Holmes is one of a handful of composers who can write a song on virtually any topic. Time and time again he has proven there are no stones unturned. He has written for Barbara Streisand, Barry Manilow, as well as the Broadway Stage. I highly recommend this CD as well Adventure, Epoch Collection, and Partners in Crime."
Outstanding endeavour and classic piece of art
anthonylinsk@usa.net | 06/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've followed Rupert Holmes for years...he possesses a most singular way with words...the song, "Guitars" is an awesome contribution to the music world... he has been blessed with a most unique ability to capture mood, and many times accompanies it with haunting music...he's a legend in his own time!"
