Kelly Willis

Kelly Willis

Kelly Willis

ASIN: B00000ENDJ

Track Listings
 
1. Take It All Out on You
2. Heaven's Just a Sin Away
3. One More Night
4. That'll Be Me - Kevin Welch, Kelly Willis
5. Whatever Way the Wind Blows
6. Get Real
7. I Know Better Now
8. Up All Night
9. World Without You
10. Shadows of Love

Kelly Willis,Kelly Willis,Mca,Contemporary Country,Country,New Traditionalist,Popular Music
Translated from Love
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Kelly Shines Again
 Translated from Love
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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  1. It Came from San Antonio
  2. Easy Tiger
  3. Balls
  4. Chinese Boxes
  5. At My Age

ASIN: B000J3FDPK
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

  1. Nobody Wants To Go To The Moon Anymore
  2. Sweet Little One
  3. Don't Know Why
  4. Teddy Boys
  5. Losing You
  6. Too Much To Lose
  7. The More That I'm Around You
  8. Sweet Sundown
  9. Success
  10. Stone's Throw Away
  11. I Must Be Lucky
  12. Translated From Love

Amazon.com

With her vocal twang and timbre, Kelly Willis will never sound anything but country. Even so, she's long been adventurous in her choice of material, and her first release in five years is her most expansive to date, as collaborations with producer/guitarist Chuck Prophet and songwriter Jules Shear (who also provides backing vocals) bring a freshness to her signature style. Half of these cuts could have fit on a previous Willis album; the other half wouldn't have fit on any of them--yet somehow they all fit together. The biggest surprise is a cover of Iggy Pop's "Success," with an arrangement that channels the Sir Douglas Quintet's Vox keyboards (with the Gourds contributing to the call-and-response). Other twists include the propulsive pop lilt of "Nobody Wants to Go to the Moon Anymore," the touch of Phil Spector girl-group grandeur in "Don't Know Why," the Chuck Berry guitar and gender reversal of "Teddy Boys," and the hint of Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" in "The More That I'm Around You." With results that transcend category, Willis sounds like an artist renewed. --Don McLeese

Album Description

Kelly Willis returns after five years with the much-anticipated Translated From Love. Produced by long-time collaborator Chuck Prophet, Translated From Love is Willis' most sonically adventurous album to date. Prophet says of Willis, "She's one of those singers who can make a track come alive. She's got that kind of charisma."

Translated From Love gives nods to five decades of rock, pop and country with `60s girl group drum sounds one minute and strings-drenched C&W angst the next. Its 12 tracks are comprised of originals, intriguing and unexpected covers (including a vintage Vox organ-fueled take on Iggy Pop's "Success" and Adam Green's retro-cool "Teddy Boys") plus collaborations with Prophet, acclaimed singer-songwriter Jules Shear and Kelly's husband, ace country songwriter Bruce Robison.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Kelly Shines Again.......2007-06-27

With Chuck Prophet at the helm, Kelly Willis delivers a recording that's worth the wait, and that is the equal of her superb and compelling live performances. One of 2007's best, by far.
Easy
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • In case you haven't noticed...
  • Easy Does It
  • Not easy at all
  • a unique and touching artist
  • Make that 5 stars, please...
 Easy
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. What I Deserve
  2. Translated from Love
  3. Wrapped
  4. Happy Holidays
  5. Eleven Stories

ASIN: B00006AAQX
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

  1. If I Left You
  2. Easy (As Falling Apart)
  3. What Did You Think
  4. You Can't Take It With You
  5. Getting To Me
  6. Don't Come The Cowboy With Me Sonny Jim!
  7. Wait Until Dark
  8. Find Another Fool
  9. Not What I Had In Mind
  10. Reason To Believe

Amazon.com

The complexities of love provide plenty of opportunity for rueful reflection on the deceptively titled Easy. Though Kelly Willis has shown that she can belt a country song with the best of them, she opts for a more intimate approach on this collection of midtempo ballads. The arrangements are primarily acoustic and harmony-laden (with Alison Krauss and Vince Gill among those providing vocal support), as Willis draws from the songbooks of husband Bruce Robison ("What Did You Think"), Paul Kelly ("You Can't Take It with You"), Kirsty MacColl ("Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sunny Jim!"), and Marcia Ball ("Find Another Fool"). The singer's own writing extends the artistic progression of her previous album, What I Deserve, with the bittersweet "If I Left You" and the melodic reverie of "Wait Until Dark" (written with John Levanthal) showing how much she has matured as an artist since her days as an alt-country ingénue. Willis saves the best for last with the shimmering transcendence of "Reason to Believe," a celebration of the everyday wonder a baby brings to her mother, providing redemption after all the heartbreak previously evoked. --Don McLeese

Album Description

2002 album for the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter includes appearances from Vince Gill, Union Station's Dan Tyminski & Nickel Creek's Chris Thile. Ten tracks including a cover of Kirsty MacColl's 'Don't Come The Cowboy With Me Sunny Jim!'. Rykodisc.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars In case you haven't noticed..........2007-01-04

You can buy two of Kelly's best albums (Easy and What I Deserve) for $21.98 right now. Easy is a great album and it's only shortcoming is it's over too quickly. I have all of Kelly's albums, have gone to her concerts, and I'm not what you might call a "country" fan (in one year I went to one of her concerts and one of Marilyn Manson's). She was once called the "Queen of Alternative Country" and it was appropriate, her music can touch anyone who appreciates music. Listen to the samples, even if you don't like country music. Click on "What Did You Think" and tell me that isn't sweet and that there isn't some day when you'll want to hear that.

2 out of 5 stars Easy Does It.......2006-03-25

Pretty woman. Pretty voice. Pretty dull. In my humble opinion, her earlier albums are a lot more interesting to listen to. I'd recommend "Kelly Willis" as the best one. If you want a little more twang, then "Bang, Bang" is the way to go.

2 out of 5 stars Not easy at all.......2005-09-01

When Kelly Willis first came on the scene in the early 90's, I was absolutely taken with her beautiful voice mixed with raw honky-tonk sounds; it just seemed right. Maybe she's getting older, maybe motherhood has changed her, or maybe she just doesn't care anymore. In any case, this is one lousy album that never ends. I've often encountered slow starting albums, and those that take a dozen or so replays to grow on you, but this one is just plain boring. I cant hear any enthusiasm, and any country influence is gone? I guess if you're a middle-aged, white, run-of-the mill, affluent, soccer-mom, this album may be your sort of thing. Reminds me of something I'd hear in a Boston or Hartford Coffee House with folks wearing LL Bean sitting around discussing suburban yard keeping or Martha Stewart; moreso than what I'd hear in a beer joint or diner in Texas or Kentucky among the working class. To each his own, but this is not fare for the blue collar or calloused-hand folks.

4 out of 5 stars a unique and touching artist.......2005-06-25

an intensely soulful, passionate and moving work that gives one hope for the younger artists working in country. Ms Willis' sound is a lovely contribution to the world of music. It's intelligent and deftly avoids the usual commercial trappings.

Catching her live when she opened for The Indigo Girls was a rare treat.

4 out of 5 stars Make that 5 stars, please..........2003-08-06

Originally, I only gave this one 4 stars. A year or so and 200 listens later, I have to say it deserves 5. It's different than her earlier stuff, and it took a bit to get used to. I was wrong to give it only 4 stars. Bad Frank, BAD Frank.

Having said that, Kelly has the voice of an angel and is a wonderfully talented songwriter. She shines on this CD and it is now one of my favorite CDs in my collection.

As pennance for my mistake of giving it only 4 stars originally, I hereby sentence myself to a trip to Austin, TX to see Kelly live. A harsh punishment, you might say, but justice must be served : - )))
What I Deserve
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • What you deserve - this CD now!
  • Fair, but not good
  • Quality country by a class act
  • This is a great album
  • One of the greatest female voice ever!
 What I Deserve
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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  1. Easy
  2. Wrapped
  3. Translated from Love
  4. Eleven Stories
  5. Well Travelled Love

ASIN: B00000I5EE
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

  1. Take Me Down
  2. What I Deserve
  3. Heaven Bound
  4. Talk Like That
  5. Not Forgotten You
  6. Wrapped
  7. Cradle Of Love
  8. Got A Feelin' For Ya
  9. Time Has Told Me
  10. Fading Fast
  11. Happy With That
  12. They're Blind
  13. Not Long For This World

Amazon.com

Kelly Willis's first full-length offering since 1993 is one of the better country records you will hear, alternative or otherwise. She covers tunes by the likes of Paul Westerberg, Nick Drake, and Paul Kelly, and cowrites with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris and John Leventhal. If none of the songs quite rises to the heights of the Steve Earle, Jim Lauderdale, and Joe Ely material on her 1991 masterpiece Bang Bang, it is still solid stuff nonetheless. Any new song by Dan Penn ("Got a Feelin' for Ya", cowritten with Chuck Prophet) is already worth the price of admission, but Willis herself penned what may be the best tune here, "Talk Like That," an ode to the comfort of a familiar accent far from home. What I Deserve was recorded on a tight budget without a record deal, which may be why the backing, though well played (especially by guitarist Prophet), verges on sounding unfinished--or, it may be the alternative-country sound she was intentionally seeking. Either way, Willis's sublime voice and delivery reside on a more sophisticated plane. If listening to her throaty warbling of Nick Drake's "Time Has Told Me" or her sultry rendering of the Penn tune doesn't give you "chicken skin," it is time to check your pulse. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars What you deserve - this CD now!.......2005-11-19

I discovered Kelly Willis a few years back while stumbling across her performance on PBS's Austin City Limits. Her beautiful and soft voice immediately captured my attention. I can honestly say that up to this point I've never had been a fan of country music. My impression of country was of dressed up "country-fied" pop stars retro-fitted with cowboy hats and shiny boots (i.e.: Shania Twain and Faith Hill). Kelly's performance on Austin City Limits and this CD changed that stereotype for me.

The music on this album is wonderful, down to earth, and pure. Many of the songs, such as "Talk Like That" are from the heart and autobiographical. Highlights of the album also include: "Not Forgotten You", nicely accentuated by a Hammond organ; "Fading Fast" which she had previously recorded with Jay Farrar of Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt; the cover of Nick Drake's "Time Has Told Me" with it's haunting fiddle is fantastic, albeit a little sad and somber; and "Wrapped" which was written by her husband, Bruce Robison. Alt-country guitarist Chuck Prophet also lends his support on the album. In fact, I don't think there is a bad song on the entire album, with the possible exception of her cover of The Replacements "They're Blind".

This is a fantastic CD that I continuously play in my rotation. In fact, my accidental discovery of Kelly has expanded my foray in "alternative country" and has lead me to "discover" and appreciate her husband's work, her brother-in-law Charlie Robison, her sister-in-law's band the Dixie Chicks, Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt/Jay Farrar, Chuck Prophet, Alison Kruass & Union Station, Nickel Creek, Slobberbone, and Drive-by-Truckers, to name a few.

Lastly, I have had the wonderful experience to see Kelly live at the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD. Kelly is one of those rare singers that sounds as beautiful live in person as she does on this CD, if not better. When she performs, the sound of her voice flows so freely that it is as if she barely has to try. Don't miss out on this CD or seeing her live! I highly recommend.

3 out of 5 stars Fair, but not good.......2005-09-10

Released in the late '90's, this album is the beginning of Kelly's mediocrity. In all honesty, I was a big Kelly Willis fan when she first hit the scene. She didn't seem to have her personal life together, she seemed to be coming apart at the seams, and she was rough around the edges; in other words, she was the perfect singer. Add a little wild and rowdy guitar (as in her 3d album), and Kelly was approaching perfection. Then, along comes "What I Deserve". This is a poor country album, and barely more than a good "Adult Contemporary/Easy Listening" album! However, there are a few bright spots here, and shades of "what was" Kelly Willis. "Wrapped" is an outstanding piece and should've been pushed to the Radio Stations as a Single (maybe the only single on the album?)....it is that good. "Talk Like That", while not very strong lyrically, is sung with wide-open sincerity. But, the rest of the album is either white bread bland, or just plain stinks (I've yet to hear a good word aout "They're Blind"). If you're a diehard Kelly Willis fan, this album is worth a listen; but it will quickly fall out of your rotation. Do yourself a favor, and buy "One More Time" instead.....or better yet, her self-titled Third Album.

5 out of 5 stars Quality country by a class act.......2005-05-25

Kelly Willis is sometimes classified as alt-country but that may simply be because she does her own thing. This album doesn't quite fit Nashville's idea of contemporary country, nor can it be described as traditional country, but it is certainly country music (albeit with other influences) of the highest quality. Kelly has a wonderful voice that she puts to superb use on a well-chosen set of songs, most of which she wrote or co-wrote.

The tempo of the album is varies between slow and mid-tempo - if you're looking for up-tempo, rocking songs, you won't find them here - but this album has plenty of variety in other ways. The regular instruments are acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass and drums but there are additional instruments on some tracks. Some tracks feature a Hammond B-3, electric lap steel guitar or percussion. Talk like that features a fiddle. Not forgotten you features a mandolin. Gotta feeling for you features a farfisa and bells a-ringing. Time has told me features a pedal steel guitar, fiddle and piano. So each track is played a little differently from the others.

Many of the songs are melancholy, showing that Kelly has plenty of experience of life's problems - however, listening to this album, one is left with the feeling that if anybody can overcome the problems, Kelly can - it's not all doom and gloom. After all, Kelly recorded this album without a recording contract, then looked for a record label willing to release it. That takes courage and a certain amount of self-confidence.

What Kelly deserves, on the evidence of this and other albums, is to be a major star. For whatever reason, that has not happened, but this album will provide plenty of pleasure for fans who are more interested in quality music than what's fashionable.

5 out of 5 stars This is a great album.......2005-05-04

First of all, for a "country" artist to cover both Nick Drake and The Replacements deserves kudos alone. What I Deserve is one of my all time favorite albums, one I would be happy to be stranded with on a desert island. Standouts include "Talk Like That", "They're Blind", "Not Forgotten You" & "Time Has Told Me".

Buy this album, artists like Kelly Willis, unpretentious and not bound commercially, deserve our support.

5 out of 5 stars One of the greatest female voice ever!.......2004-01-03

Like everyone else, I don't understand why Kelly doesn't get more radio play. She has such a great voice! In my opinion, this CD does not have a bad song. They're all terrific. Keep writing and singing, Kelly! I'll keep buying!
Happy Holidays
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Who wouldn't love this?
  • Best Holiday Album In Years!!
 Happy Holidays
Kelly Willis , and Bruce Robison
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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ASIN: B000H0M556
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

  1. Santa Baby
  2. A Winter's Tale
  3. In The Bleak Midwinter
  4. Baby, It's Cold Outside
  5. The Christmas Waltz
  6. Please Daddy, Don't Get Drunk
  7. Blue Christmas
  8. Shut In At Christmas
  9. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
  10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  11. Oklahoma Christmas

Amazon.com

This expanded reissue of Willis and Robison's 2003 EP does precisely what the best Christmas albums have always done: reinterpret, revive, and refresh the tradition, while remaining intensely musical. The rotating cast of players--including young Austin pals Andrew Nafziger, Eamon McLoughlin, and Warren Hood, as well as keyboard ringers Chip Dolan and Floyd Domino--serve every song with the right balance of grit and glow. The arrangements, even when stringed up on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," never cross the line into schmaltz and never overwhelm. The slowly swinging, jazzy opener, "Santa Baby," can't equal Eartha Kitt's definitive version, but Willis's restrained-but-sexy delivery comes close. While the band can't rock the twang quite like the Buckaroos, they still get a swampy romp out of Buck Owens's classic "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" and an elegant electric piano-driven waltz from "Blue Christmas," which Willis delicately transforms into a country-soul aria. Robison's lead singing has never been powerful enough to score on the charts; here, he's just playful and amateurish enough to undercut the cornpone of "Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk" and scratchy and sincere enough to redeem the bathos of Charlie Louvin's "Shut In at Christmas." The closing Robison original, a live version of "Oklahoma Christmas," may never become a standard, but its honest and hilarious satire of homestead piety is classic--as is the whole album. --Roy Kasten

Album Description

Happy Holidays is classic Christmas with a cool country twist. From standards like "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Santa Baby" to not so traditional tracks like "Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk," Happy Holidays is a musical Christmas card from Kelly and Bruce to their fans. They celebrate their favorite family season with "Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy," "Oklahoma Christmas" and the classic "Blue Christmas."

Stirring up visions of sugarplums and sightings of Santa on the roof, Happy Holidays from Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison is so festive it might just make it snow in Texas.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Who wouldn't love this?.......2007-01-09

Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison are amazing, as usual. Add this to your Christmas collection. You won't be sorry!

5 out of 5 stars Best Holiday Album In Years!!.......2006-12-17

I usually purchase 3 or 4 holiday albums each year. So far, I have barely listened to the other two new albums. Why? Simply put, this recording is excellent! The song selection is delightful ranging from up-tempo country to a "jazzy" version of "Have youself a merry little Christmas". In my opinion, this "jazzy" version is one of the best arrangements of the holiday classic. Also included is "Blue Christmas", of which Elvis' version sets the standard. Kelly Willis' version has to come in a close second to that of the King.

From a technical standpoint, this recording is fairly clean with limited background hiss or noise. Those songs recorded live maintain the live concert feel and are quite cleanly recorded as well. My only criticism is the total recorded time is only slightly over 38 minutes. Total play time aside, this recording belongs on everyone's CD changer!
Bang Bang
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An unsung 'Classic'!
  • A solid album
  • a Big Bang
  • One of THE Best Alt-Country albums ever
  • THEY WON'T LET ME GIVE THIS MORE THAN 5 STARS
 Bang Bang
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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  1. Well Travelled Love
  2. Easy
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  4. Translated from Love
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ASIN: B000002OFL
Release Date: 1991-04-16

Tracks:

  1. I'll Try Agian
  2. Too Much To Ask
  3. The Heart That Love Forgot
  4. Sincerely (Too Late To Turn Back Now)
  5. Baby Take A Piece Of My Heart
  6. Bang Bang
  7. Hidden Things
  8. Not Afraid Of The Dark
  9. Standing By The River
  10. Settle For Love

Amazon.com

Something of a latecomer to MCA's late-'80s/early-'90s stable of left-field country artists spearheaded by Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith, Virginian Kelly Willis ultimately floundered there despite cutting three critically hailed releases for the company. Bang Bang, the middle title in the MCA trilogy, is an ever-appealing 10-song outing that makes Willis's lack of commercial success all the more mystifying. Posited midway between the Nashville outskirts territory of Lovett, Steve Earle, and the other '80s insurgents and the mid-'90s y'alternative school (Willis mixes easily with both camps), Bang Bang shows off the singer's powerful pipes and nose for excellent songs: tunes by Earle, Australian folk-rocker Paul Kelly, Jim Lauderdale, and Joe Ely are among the standout selections here. Bang Bang reflected where one vital stream of country music headed in the '90s; too bad more fans didn't catch the boat. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An unsung 'Classic'!.......2007-02-14

This was the very first CD I purchased and I still have it and listen to it often. It's filled with an excellent mix of songs, tight musicianship, and Kelly Willis' absolutely superb voice! It is still as fresh and exciting today as it was in 1991, and I know it will always have a place in MY heart because it has "passion", something very few artists truly have. Don't confuse all the "smoke and mirrors" that pervade the music scene today with the 'real' thing. Just give this album a listen, and if you've got any blood in your veins you'll 'feel' what I'm trying to express! Somehow the 'marketing machine' at MCA failed with the three albums Kelly did for them. It's too bad because here was an artist that REALLY should have been a HUGE success, compared to a lot of mediocrity that somehow 'makes it' instead. FIVE BIG GLOWING STARS for this one!!!!!

4 out of 5 stars A solid album.......2006-03-31

This was Kelly's 2d Album, and it was a good one; in fact, it still stands the test of time. At the time of its release, Kelly's sound was considered unique, and in fact, it was. I'm not sure if I'd label it "Alt-Country" or even "Americana", because it still maintained grass-roots country. I'm guessing the Alt-Country label came into being since Kelly was never really successful, when compared with her peers of the time which included Garth Brooks and Clint Black. Nashville was definately pushing her sound and persona, as I recall her videos on CMT on a nonstop rotation, and even a VH1 "Country" Show where she was the cohost with Kevin Welch. She was indeed a media darling, but radio and records sales did not agree with the overzealous producers and publicists. But with all of that aside, this album contains Kelly's best piece of work ever, a Robert Earl Keen penned song, "Sincerely"; Kelly knocks this one out of the park. There are a few numers that should have become country standards: "Settle For Love", "Standing By the River", and "Baby Take A Piece of My Heart". At the same time, there are a few weak songs here as well, including: "Not Afraid of the Dark" and "The Heart that Love Forgot". There is no comparison between the lively and soulful sound of this early Kelly Willis, and the current "lifeless" sound of Kelly Willis. A good album.

5 out of 5 stars a Big Bang.......2005-09-18

Kelly Willis still doesn't get the attention she deserves. An incredibly gifted vocalist, and still one of the sexiest women I have ever laid eyes on, she could have been as big as Shania Twain. Terribly, sadly overlooked. This album beat the Sophmore Slump while covering more bases than most pigeonholed Country artists are bold enough to get near. Texas Swing. ALT/POP Country. Heartbreaking Ballads. The band is tight. The vocal performances are full of nuances. It sounds great too, the production and mixing is just slick enough without sounding fake or forced. A modern country classic.

5 out of 5 stars One of THE Best Alt-Country albums ever.......2003-07-31

This album still cooks - years after I first bought it. Kelly can rock with the best of them on one song - and then she can bring you to tears with the next song.

She's got an amazing voice, she's as beautiful as a woman could get, and she's got more talent than just about anything you'll ever hear come out of Nashville.

Kelly, you are a true talent and this one is nothing short of perfect!

5 out of 5 stars THEY WON'T LET ME GIVE THIS MORE THAN 5 STARS.......2002-10-17

YOU CAN NOT PLAY IT TOO MUCH.
GREAT ENERGY, GREAT SONGS, PERFECT VOCALS BY KELLY. YOU WON'T FIND A BETTER ALBUM AND THERE IS NO ONE WITH A MORE UNIQUE VOICE.
Dressed in Black - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • dressed in black-j.cash tribute
  • The best tribute (so far)
  • Straight A's 4 This Tribute Disc!
  • A Nice Tribute
  • Great Disc with one flaw
 Dressed in Black - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music
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  1. Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash
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  5. Johnny's Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

ASIN: B00006BN84
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

  1. Wreck of the Old '97 - Hank III
  2. Cry, Cry, Cry - Robbie Fulks
  3. Ballad of a Teenage Queen - Rodney Crowell
  4. I Guess Things Happen That Way - Raul Malo
  5. There You Go - Chuck Mead
  6. Get Rhythm - Rev. Horton Heat
  7. Pack Up Your Sorrows - Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis
  8. Ring of Fire - Billy Burnette
  9. Luther Played the Boogie - Redd Volkaert
  10. Big River - Rosie Flores
  11. Folsom Prison Blues - James Intveld
  12. I Still Miss Someone - Earl Poole Ball
  13. I'm Gonna Sit on the Porch and Pick On My Old Guitar - Damon Bramblett
  14. I Walk The Line - Dale Watson
  15. Train of Love - Kenny Vaughan
  16. Straight A's in Love - Eddie Angel
  17. Jackson - Mandy Barnett & Chuck Mead
  18. Flesh & Blood - Chris Knight

Amazon.com

As befits a release on a fledgling indie label, Dualtone's tribute to Johnny Cash celebrates the feistier fringes of the Man in Black's catalog, adding a few mainstream milestones. In what is plainly a labor of love for all concerned, highlights extend from the pop innocence of "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" by Rodney Crowell (formerly married to Johnny's daughter Rosanne) to the folkier strains and husband-and-wife harmonies of "Pack Up Your Sorrows" by Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis to the honky-tonk majesty of "I Still Miss Someone" by pianist Earl Poole Ball. Some of the more familiar touchstones don't fare quite as well, with Billy Burnette turning in a tepid "Ring of Fire" and Dale Watson singing in a lower than comfortable register on "I Walk the Line," though James Intveld rises to the challenge of "Folsom Prison Blues." The house band and the largely acoustic arrangements give the 18-cut album more unity than many such projects, as the collection shows why one of the most influential and commercially successful artists in country's history remains an icon of alt-country as well. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars dressed in black-j.cash tribute.......2007-05-27

not many tribute albums are worth a 2nd listen,not the case here however with the likes of hank III & rev.horton heat you can listen to this one over & over with out hearing a generic pop country artist murder a cash classic, most of the songs here are done quite well, some just stand out more than others,a must have for cash fans!

5 out of 5 stars The best tribute (so far).......2006-05-09

The whole spirit of this CD takes me back to my teenage years in the late '50s, when we listened to Johnny Cash's Sun singles (along with Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Haley) on the juke box. In addition to the excellent renditions of Cash's music, this collection introduced me to a few excellent singers who had somehow managed to slip by under my radar. In particular, I love Robbie Fulks' version of "Cry, Cry, Cry"--what a fantastic singer/songwriter! Surprisingly, the singer who sounds most like a young Cash (without seeming to imitate him) is the very Reverend Horton Heat on "Get Rhythm." Another is Chuck Mead's "There You Go." Hank III gives his own unique take on "Wreck of the Old '97." Sounding more like his own grandfather, it's certainly not the way Johnny Cash did it, but he nevertheless captures the bare tragedy and heroic spirit of the song. "Pack up Your Sorrows" was a favorite during the '60s, but I barely remember Johnny Cash singing it. The most familiar version was by Richard & Mimi Farina, and Kelly Willis and Bruce Robinson faithfully capture the spirit of their version. The other song that stands out is "Straigh A's in Love" by Eddie Angel. It's often forgotten that Johnny Cash was not primarily a country singer. Beginning with his classic work at Sun Studio, he pretty much invented the rockabilly sound, and it is this spirit that is well represented here. Get this CD and keep it in your car to brighten up those pesky commutes.

4 out of 5 stars Straight A's 4 This Tribute Disc!.......2005-03-26

There is some excellent music on "Dressed In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash." Chris Knight is one of those musicians that always sparks my interest; his version of "Flesh & Blood" is such a plaintive laid back reading of this song that it gives an emotional mix of loneliness, hope & desire. It closes the set, but is one of the highlights for me. Eddie Angel's rockabilly "Straight A's In Love" is a naughty little tune that puts a smile on my face each time it comes on the changer. :) Austin songwriter Damon Bramblett's take on "I'm Gonna Sit on the Porch & Pick on My Old Guitar" may not seem polished, but it does exude a warmth that brings me into the music. Chuck Mead from BR5-49 produced this disc and plays on every track. His lead vocals on "There You Go" set your toe tapping, "You're gone again, I should'a known I couldn't win...He's by your side, you're gonna break another heart, you're gonna tell another lie." The Mavericks' Raul Malo sounds a bit like Chris Isaak to me on the slow shuffle of "I Guess Things Happen That Way." Rodney Crowell has been recording a series of great solo sets as well as with the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Here he turns a straightforward reading of "Ballad of a Teenage Queen." Robbie Fulks' "Cry, Cry, Cry" booms with great energy. No one will ever replace Johnny Cash, but these artists do a great job with songs that he previously polished. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars A Nice Tribute.......2004-02-24

Hank III's "Wreck of the Old '97" makes this disc worth owning. His daring to break out of the mold that so many other artists have poured this song into, while still respecting the original, is reason enough to add this CD to your collection.

5 out of 5 stars Great Disc with one flaw.......2003-12-18

This disc is awesome! There's no beating Rodney Crowell, Redd Volkaert, and couple others. Now, I'm a Hank Fan also, and love what III does with his grandpa's music, but as for Wreck of the Old 97, he should be locked up. I wouldn't appear on anything rewriting a song that's been done for the past 75 years. Johnny, Hank Snow, all the ones I'd heard stuck very close to Vernon Dalhart's recording from the late '20s. III's almost made this disc a clay pigeon.
One More Time: The MCA Recordings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I have always loved Kelly's singing, always will
  • MCA Compilation
  • As good as it gets....
  • an excellent album
  • Great Compilation
 One More Time: The MCA Recordings
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Easy
  2. What I Deserve
  3. Well Travelled Love
  4. Translated from Love
  5. Happy Holidays

ASIN: B00004XSQ3
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

  1. Looking For Someone Like You
  2. River Of Love
  3. I Don't Want To Love You (But I Do)
  4. Sincerely (Too Late To Turn Back Now)
  5. Baby Take A Piece Of My Heart
  6. The Heart That Love Forgot
  7. I'll Try Again
  8. Hidden Things
  9. Little Honey
  10. Heaven's Just A Sin Away
  11. Get Real
  12. Take It All Out On You
  13. I Know Better Now
  14. Whatever Way The Wind Blows

Amazon.com

One word describes this overview of Willis's three years with MCA Nashville: maddening. Willis has everything: a flawless, classic country voice; a dreamy face; a shrewd eye for catchy but complex material; and a rock-steady band. Nashville and country radio should have been ready for her earthy sophistication and guileless talent; they weren't--she never cracked the Billboard Top 50--but neither was the shy, stubborn Willis ready to compromise. From 1990 to 1993, her MCA run left some fresh, exciting country music. Her biggest hit, "Baby Take a Piece of My Heart," only hints at the fiery "Little Honey" (written by Dave Alvin), the effortless swing of "Heaven's Just a Sin Away," the Bakersfield-flavored "Looking for Someone Like You," and the irresistible "Take It All Out On You" (cowritten by husband Bruce Robison). In her own way, and on her own terms, Willis has made it outside of the Nashville majors. These 14 songs are indelible reminders of just how much they missed. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I have always loved Kelly's singing, always will.......2006-11-04

he first time I ever heard Kelly sing was when her band, Kelly & The Fireballs opened for mine in a Washington, DC club called Penn Station. Never heard of them? I'm not surprised, they never recorded that I know of. There was a big rockabilly scene happening at the time, around 1984-5 or so, and Kelly's band was a part of it. This little slip of a girl (I don't believe she was 18 yet)steps up to the mike and what comes out of her mouth could only be described as Patsy Cline on steroids. I was floored. Not too long after that, She and Mas Palermo (The Fireballs drummer and Kelly's BF at the time (see credits on first album - I prolly spelled his name wrong) lit out for Austin to seek fame and fortune. Boy was I happy to see the first CD surface. I have really loved everything she's done from the first note I ever heard her sing. She may not remember me (Hey, Kelly - remember Timmy and the Love Hounds? I was their Drummer, Dave!) but I remember her quite fondly. I agree that MCA should have been able to turn Kelly into a household name - with that voice how could they miss?

4 out of 5 stars MCA Compilation.......2006-05-15

Here's an affordable and easy way to get a sampling of early Kelly Willis. This collection consists of selected songs from her first 3 albums, and an additional fair song "Little Honey". Since Kelly never really hit the charts in a big-way, it's kind of hard to figure out just why MCA released these specific songs. Sure, there are a few songs here that had accompanying videos in the early-90's, but Kelly Willis also had a few better songs on albums that are not included here; if you get a chance, you really should seek out and buy a copy of her third (self-titled) album. In any event, some of her best work is included here, specifically, "Sincerely" and "Take it All Out on You". I was glad to see that her version of the Kendall's "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" was included, as Kelly does a great job with this piece. A solid album overall.

5 out of 5 stars As good as it gets...........2003-08-15

I remember when Kelly's first three albums came out.

Stuff like "Bang Bang" and "Would You Settle For Love" - I ask you - is this Rock? Is it Honky Tonk? Is it Americana? It's all the above and MORE. Just like every other song on this compilation.

It's all powerful stuff - Kelly can rock out with the best of them on one song, and bring you to tears with a slow moving ballad on the next. A true talent, and one of the purist and brightest voices in Country Music.

This one is a must-have!

5 out of 5 stars an excellent album.......2002-08-13

When I got this album I only knew one of the songs on it (Little Honey) but I am very much pleased with it. One of the reasons I like it, is that there are not all ballads nor are they "naff" like some country records can be. I am new in the country music world because where I live (England) country music is not big but I think this album is great and well worth it. It is probarbly the most listened to out of all my music and I love it, I definatly recomend it.

4 out of 5 stars Great Compilation.......2002-03-12

Willis fans are celebrating with the release of this collection of some of her best from her trilogy of now-difficult-to-find MCA releases. "Bang Bang" is missing, a perky rocker from her sophomore effort, with "My Heart's In Trouble Tonight" from her stunning debut album (worth whatever it costs to obtain.) Some of her best is here, Steve Earle's "Sincerely, Too Late To Turn Back Now," "River of Love," Dave Alvin's "Little Honey" (a movie cut from 'Thelma and Louise') and her definitive Marshall Crenshaw-penned "Whatever Way the Wind Blows," a CMT video hit. Willis touched commercial success on her 1991 sophomore effort, with super-songwriter Kostas' "Baby Take a Piece of My Heart" climbing into the Billboard Top 60, but her stubborn preference for cutting edge, rocking material limited her chart runs. In the end, her sweet soprano, deft song choices, and slapping rhythm arrangements were probably too trendy for the docile female country scene of the early 90's, but her efforts produced a trio of CD's that need to be owned alongside this sampler.
Well Travelled Love
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The First Kelly Willis Album
 Well Travelled Love
Kelly Willis
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Translated from Love
  2. Easy
  3. What I Deserve
  4. Happy Holidays
  5. The Calling

ASIN: B000008MCZ
Release Date: 1990-05-25

Tracks:

  1. My Heart's In Trouble Tonight
  2. Hole In My Heart
  3. I Don't Want To Love You (But I Do)
  4. Looking For Someone Like You
  5. Don't Be Afraid
  6. River Of Love
  7. I'm Just Lonely
  8. One More Time
  9. Drive South
  10. Well Travelled Love
  11. Red Sunset

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The First Kelly Willis Album.......2006-04-21

I first bought this album on Cassette in 1990 (?) and I remember wearing it out to the point where the first and last songs "dragged" when played. Then I upgraded to CD, and I still have that one today. For a First Album, Kelly Willis did quite well....Maybe not so on the charts, but she made her mark and the album seemed to show promise for things to come. At the time, she had a completely new sound, when compared to her peers of Kathy Mattea or Pam Tillis, but after 2 more progressively better albums, she left the scene...only to return nowadays with a tired/lifeless sound. If you can still get this CD, do so. There are 3 "stand-out" tracks: "Red Sunset", "My Heart's in Trouble Tonight", and "I dont Want To Love You (But I do)". There's also her cover of "Drive South", which, in my opinion was a fine effort but not quite up to Suzy Boguss' standards.
Fading Fast
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Fading Fast
    Kelly Willis
    Manufacturer: A&M Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Well Travelled Love
    2. Translated from Love

    ASIN: B000LFW0XE

    Product Description

    4 tracks: fading fast - lp version (2:58) * what world are you liveing in? (3:08) * he don't care about me (2:32) * aren't i true (2:23)
    So You Say: hear music vol. 5
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		So You Say: hear music vol. 5

      Manufacturer: BMG
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD
      Similar Items:
      1. Reveal: Hear Music Volume 10
      2. Hear Music Volume 6
      3. Hear Music Vol 8
      4. Playlist - Volume 3
      5. Hear Music XM Radio Sessions, Vol. 1

      ASIN: B0002FZEC2

      Product Description

      15 songs by Shawn Colvin, PJ Harvey, Sarah McLachlan, Etta James, Annie Lennox, Madredeus, Jill Scott, Dar Williams, Sarah Harmer, Marianne Faithfull, Patricia Barber, Cesaria Evora & Pedro Guera, Erin McKeown, Kelly Willis, Delerium

      Album Review:

      1. Larry Gatlin with Family and Friends
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      3. Light at the End of the Tunnel
      4. Little Pretty One
      5. Live at Adair's [Live]
      6. Lonesome Tonight [Live]
      7. Melody of the Plains
      8. Nashville's Greatest Christmas Hits, Vol. 1
      9. New Looks
      10. No Holdin' Back

      Album Review

      Album Review