Encores
Posted: May 18, 2010 5:08 pm
When I first heard about this album, I thought it was a cool idea - unplugged versions of classics from the vault and other geographic-appropriate songs for various venues. But after a few listens, I think the concept wears out very quickly. Way too much banter which may add to the ambience but gets very annoying for repeated listening. Plus the repetitive sign offs after each song start to grate after the first listen.
Jimmy is so-so voice on these, but hey...he just sang a 2 hour show so it's to be expected. There are some nice versions...Come Monday and Reggabilly Hill are very well sung...to name two standouts.
The other issue is the sound of his guitar. Jimmy plays awesome Martin guitars - his trusty D-28 signature model and his Martin Koa Shellback, but they sound thin and rubbery on these tracks. One would expect a much fuller and robust sound from these guitars than what was recorded here - a real dissapointment.
So, without sounding too negative (I'm still hoping for a great "unplugged" album), I would say this double set is for fans only and more of a keepsake than a frequent spinner. A valentine from Jimmy to all the venues and fans from the last tour.
Cheers,
Ukulele Jack
Jimmy is so-so voice on these, but hey...he just sang a 2 hour show so it's to be expected. There are some nice versions...Come Monday and Reggabilly Hill are very well sung...to name two standouts.
The other issue is the sound of his guitar. Jimmy plays awesome Martin guitars - his trusty D-28 signature model and his Martin Koa Shellback, but they sound thin and rubbery on these tracks. One would expect a much fuller and robust sound from these guitars than what was recorded here - a real dissapointment.
So, without sounding too negative (I'm still hoping for a great "unplugged" album), I would say this double set is for fans only and more of a keepsake than a frequent spinner. A valentine from Jimmy to all the venues and fans from the last tour.
Cheers,
Ukulele Jack