Slaw,
Do you think it's the material, the performance or both?
I am also a fan and wanted to like the release but something felt a little flat.
It's still far from a "bad" outing though. |
I agree with both of you. Just a little flat and non-inspiring. Good to be sure, but missing.. |
Rja, The magic or the stars just didn't align for them this time. I'm on the verge of saying that they were relying on the old formula without taking more risk. |
I've read several reviews that think this album is one of their best. I agree with the above and I'm a HUGE AKUS fan. |
I was just listening to "In My Hands" by wonderful fiddler Natalie MacMaster. Mostly instrumentals, everything from traditional Irish jigs to funky fusion. One song, "Get Me Through December" features Alison Krauss. Beautiful song, one of my favorite AK vocals. |
I agree 100%...I waited for what seemed an eternity for my two LP copies to arrive...Fired everything up Friday evening and I have to say Paper Airplane is a kind of a rehash of what has come before...Alison is one of the finest talents on this planet and I love her music and her voice..I will forgive my initial dissapointment here because her body of music and magical live performances make up for it...I just surmised that the LP was a bit flat. I assume it was pressed from a digital master? Who knows? |
I agree 100%...I waited for what seemed an eternity for my two LP copies to arrive...Fired everything up Friday evening and I have to say Paper Airplane is a rehash of what has come before...Alison is one of the finest talents on this planet and I love her music and her voice..I will forgive my initial dissapointment here because her body of music and magical live performances make up for it...I just surmised that the LP was a bit flat. I assume it was pressed from a digital master? Who knows? |
Just received my vinyl copy.
Lousy recording
Decent performance
Average material
Highlight is cover of Richard Thompson's "Dimming of the Day"
IMO |
I couldn't agree more. I was wondering just what it was that left me "flat" upon listening and even after repeated listening. Doesn't compare to "Lonely Goes Both Ways" even any of her really early stuff. |
The recording is significantly worse than her others. The music seems sort
of average by her standards, but i would still buy it again, but it is borderline. I would like to see her try something different. Maybe an album of covers only. Maybe folk jazz crossover. |
I just saw AKUS station live here in Calgary a week ago, and it was a magical experience! I had always thought that she should go fully solo, but after watching their performance, I now understand why they've been together 21 years! The synergy of all of the band members is simply amazing; they make beautiful music! I had only wished that she had performed "Looking In the Eyes of Love". It's my favorite AKUS song. Her version of "When you Say Nothing at All" for her first encore song was haunting! I agree PA was just ok. |
I also see AKUS in Portland a week ago & the performance was outstanding. Paper Airplane the recording might not be quite up to her others but the material in my opinion certainly is. |
While my comments stand regarding PA, I most definitely agree that live, they're musicianship, cohesiveness, etc. is incomparable. |
After reading this thread, I compared PA (which I agree doesn't quite grab you) to the excellent New Favorite. After doing so, I agreed that the recording on PA (CD version) was lacking, but couldn't say exactly why. What don't people like about it?
John
PS: AKUS fans may enjoy Sierra Hull, who I think Alison may have produced. |
I saw AK with US a few years ago. Top notch band with Jerry Douglas? What could be better? I recommend "Best Kept Secret" by Douglas with lots of guest talent. Follow to The Tedeschi Trucks Band. This is getting away from bluegrass, but great music.
Getting back to bluegrass, I really like Del McCoury's new release.
A really interesting mix of bluegrass and other styles are a couple favorites by The Duhks, the self titled, and "Migrations". Both cds offer nice production/sound.
|
Dear Alison,
I love you too and I disagree with the above posters. I was very excited when I heard that your latest cd was soon to be released. I didn't listen much until after I saw you and US recently in concert in Berkeley. The concert was excellent as is "Paper Airplane".
I appreciate others' recommendations. |
I am also a huge fan of AKUS, and first was relieved that
they brought out a new album. I like it and am not dissatisfied that it is similiar to earlier albums. I just read on their website an explanation of how and why the music was chosen, and "Paper Airplane" seems to be an excellent, intimate communication from the band to us. I am grateful and enjoy it.
I saw them in person on 9-1 here in Omaha and consider it one of my finest concert experiences. |
I would never say it is a "bad" release, it is not. The musicianship is top notch. But for me, it lacked a certain magic that some others had and for some reason seemed just a bit flat. I'm not sure I can explain it, perhaps it was the song selection I don't know but this is just my opinion Douger. If you like it and enjoy it that's all that counts. |
I agree it's not my favorite. There's really no way I wasn't going to try this one though so I don't regret buying it. I still find it listenable anyway. |
Thanks, Rja. I agree about personal taste and hope I did not sound critical. In their website, "Alisonkrauss.com" they
explain some of the circumstances they faced, it is under 'ABOUT'.
Lastly, Alison could sing the phonebook and I would marvel about it.
I'm easy... |
Blkadr, I rarely post here anymore but lurk on occasion. However, I wanted to take the time to stop in @ audiogon, and thank you for your comments about the beautiful song, "Get Me Through December" (with fiddler Natalie MacMaster). I had never heard the song before, went over to iTunes, and purchased it after 10 seconds of listening. I'm now on my fifth listen. It is hauntingly beautiful.
Thanks again,
M |
