Category: Stu’s Reviews

Stu’s Reviews- #237- Album- Loretta Lynn “Full Circle”

Genre:  Album

Grade  A++

Notable People:    Loretta Lynn

Title:  Full Circle

 

Review: What does one say. ‘Retta is back with a full album of her own songs. She has not lost a lick- her voice sounds better than ever. The Songs will make you cry in your beer. Check out “Fist City”…NOBODY does cheatin’ songs like ‘Retta. Duets with Willie and Elvis Costello. Crackerjack Nashville session band. The ghosts of Patsy, Hank, Ferlin, Farron and George are all joyful. So am I. Have even a tiny interest in the great country music tradition? Get this.

Stu’s Reviews- #236- Film- “The Lobster”

Genre:  Film

Grade  B+

Notable People:    Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Directed by: Lorgos Yathimos

Title:  The Lobster

 Review: Wow…this may be the strangest movie I’ve ever seen. I’m sure some people would really take exception to my rating- maybe giving it a D or even an F. Suffice it to say, not for everyone. But if you like very, very quirky, art-film, indie movies- this is worth the gambit. We did our usual drive of an hour to go to Dartmouth to see it (got a fine Indian meal in the bargain) and I’m not sure it merits the drive…but the acting was great, it certainty leaves you thoughtful afterwards, and the premise (if there is one) is pretty unique. Basic questions- should the world  only be populated by people who pair up, and convert the rest to some kind of animal? Really, this is the question. You may have to see the film to figure out the answer. If it is near you, maybe worth a try, but who knows. I personally liked it a lot

Stu’s Reviews- #236- Novel- March Violets- Philip Kerr

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: March Violets

 

Review: this is the fourth of Kerr’s Bernie Gunther novels I’ve read and the best yet. I started (mistakenly) with the later post war novels, then read a wartime version, but have now turned my attention to the original “Berlin Noir” trilogy. This series of classic detective noir initiates in 1936 as the Nazis are assuming full power. These books work in the great traditions of Dashiell Hammett and  the great James M. Cain. If you like that sort of thing- this is for you. Excellent read.

Stu’s Reviews- #235- Album- Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

Title: Poncho and Lefty

 

Review: Merle’s passing made me want to go back and explore some of the archive, so I ordered this 2010 collaboration between these two old friends. These guys are the real dal when it comes to outlaw country music, moving away from Nashville in the early 60s to Austin and Bakersfield, respectively. Over the years, they have done a number of collaborations. This one is a classic; their angelic voices shining through a set of standard lovin’, losin’ and drinkin’ songs- and their unique guitar styles shining throughout. The opener, Townes Van Zandt’s Poncho and Lefty is a definitive rendition of this masterpiece. Not much new here, but a beautiful and extremely soothing set of music by two national treasures.

Stu’s Reviews- #234- Novel- The Devils Cave- Martin Walker

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Martin Walker

Title: The Devils Cave

 

Review: You may have noticed that I am on somewhat of a repetitive run here, alternating between these books and those of Philip Kerr; both series of  I find fascinating. This one finds our relentless St. Denis Chief of Police, Bruno, in the midst of what appears to be satanic ritual murder, but indeed is another of walkers’ subtle remonstrations of the wealthy earthworms that try to suck the life out of the small person. Much of the novel takes place in the famous caves around the Dordogne region, with magnificent descriptions of the caves and the surrounding countryside. The books have the bonus of being gastronomic adventures what with being set in this area of France known for its outstanding food and wine. I had the chance to spend a week in the Dordogne/Perigord , with Tess some time ago, so those books really resonate the beauty and culture of this magnificent area in the southwest of France. Caves, chateaus, manor house, vineyards, patisseries, boulangeries, small cafes…and by the way, a pretty good murder mystery in between. Great series of books.

Stu’s Reviews- #233- Novel- Prague Fatale- Philip Kerr

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: Prague Fatale

 

Review: this is a the third in Kerr’s Bernie Gunther series that I have read, and by far the best. Gunther is a detective in Berlin before, during and after the Nazi takeover; a man trying to find the way between self-preservation and his moral compass. He hates the Nazis but is forced into the SS where he does his best to undermine the movement. This one takes place in Berlin and Prague in 1940, as the Reich is taking over France, Eastern Europe and mounting it’s massive offensive on Russia. Interwoven with the very real exploration of the Nazi culture is a murder mystery. Most of the charters in the books are real: Hitler, Goring, Himmler and so on) which makes it a fascinating read. The books are not for everyone- there is horror and unspeakable hatred aplenty…but very well written and totally absorbing. Leaves you shaking your head…how did this happen in our times?

 

Stu’s Reviews- #232- Album- Margot Price

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Margo Price

Title: Midwest Farmer’s Daughter

 

Review: this is a keeper! First album by this new Nashville darling that my daughter got of me as a birthday gift. Echoes of stylistic Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and early Dolly with crack band which I’m guessing are Nashville pros. sweet songs of love, loss and drinking…classic, classic, classic! Go get this one. First song is humdinger.

Stu’s Reviews- #231- Album- Graham Nash

Genre:  Album

Grade B+

Notable People:   Graham Nash

Title: This Path Tonight

 

Review: I guess it’s old home week-first Santana with a new album and now the folk rock legend. Nash has always been underrated song writer- both for his time in The Hollies and with CSN&Y. This album is a return to his late 70s melodic, sweet songs of refection and struggle. Not surprising, after leaving his wife of 38 years and totally distancing himself from longtime partner David Crosby. Definitely closer to the end then the beginning. Produced and supported musically by Shane Fontayne (Springsteen, Sting)- this fine album of classic Nash music. Nice tribute song to the late, great Levon Helm. Nothing earth shattering, but quite comforting if you are of a certain era.

Stu’s Reviews- #230- Album- Santana IV

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Santana

Title: Santana

 

Review: WOW…Amazing…43 years after they released Santana III in 1973, the original Woodstock ere band is back together, including the return of Neil Schon and Greg Rolle from their offshoot band Journey. To say, it’s like they never left is an understatement. This IS Santana as they were and should always be. Great rhythms, good tunes, classic organ, very recognizable vocals and off course the great Carlos set lose to do what he does best, after years of sharing the space with “featured vocalists”. The band is joined on several numbers by Ronald Isley (of the Isley brothers) on vocals, but it is the Latin infused rock and the twin guitars that make it memorable. Clearly they quite before their time to. It’s pure Black Magic.

Stu’s Reviews- #229- Novel- Field Gray

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: Field Gray

Review: Continuing saga of Berlin detective Bernie Gunther as we follow him into the Cold War. When last seen, he was hiding out with all the other Nazis in Argentina. This book picks up in 1954 with Bernie living the life in Cuba and then captured by the Americans, the Russians and the French in succession. Complicated book about a complicated time- Bernie is a tortured German policeman who was forced into the SS and lives with his demons. I have not yet read the original pre-war Berlin trilogy that Kerr has constructed, but it’s on  my list. The picture of post war chaos and suspicion is done to the highest standard and Kerr is a fine writer. Unique for the genre.