Search - Various Artists :: Inner Flame: Rainer Ptacek Tribute

One of the ten greatest albums of the 1990s

Adam M. Miles | Nashua, NH | 03/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is absolutely the most cohesive tribute album ever assembled, no doubt a result of Rainer's playing on most of the tracks. Throughout the album, Ptacek's National Steel slides and plunks along so thick you can almost taste it, and it's delicious. Brought together by Robert Plant and Howe Gelb, the album's contributors all do a magnificent job of adding their own souls to Ptacek's deeply personal music. Rainer Ptacek passed away a few months after the album was released, and this only adds to the haunting aura of the music. The last line of his statement of thanks in the liner notes reads, "I AM STILL REMAINING", and thanks to this collection, he will always remain a part of the heart of anyone fortunate enough to hear his songs."

The Best Tribute Album I've Ever Heard

daniel sumrall | St. Paul,MN | 09/03/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is perhaps the most amazing tribute album, but chances are that most people have no idea who Rainer Ptacek is. From hearing the songs on this album it's a damn shame. This tribute was put together by Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, along with help from Roger Plant. The songs on here are performed magnificently, and I would imagine that Rainer was quite proud of the out come. Giant Sand perfrom with Rainer on the track "The Inner Flame" that meshes Gelb's guitar methods perfectly with Rainers steel guitar, Plant & Page deliever an powerful version of "Rude World", Emmylou Harris gives us a preacher's ode with "The Good Book" that should be played in all Sunday schools, and Evan Dando of the Lemonheads delievers a heartwarming cover of "Rudy with a Flashlight". The album does stagnate a little towards the middle. However, PJ Harvey/John Parish/Eric Drew Feldman slam you awake with their thundering version of "Losin' Ground". The Drovers, in essence, become the song they do, "Worried Spirits", as they play misty and haunting melodies. The surprise tracks are LK with "I am a Sinner" and Jonathan Richman with "Broken Promises". This album is a great buy even if you have no clue who Rainer Ptacek is and if you're a fan of Rainer's you'll be happy with what the kids do with the songs."