Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Funk 50
If there is anybody that likes The Confessor, I'd love to know, what it is that I'm missing.
I talk a bit about this on the first page. I'm not saying it's the best thing he's ever done - far from it - but I think it has more pluses than minuses.
The thing is, though, that people have such different tastes in what they like that what appeals to me may really turn off others. I can't convince somebody to like it when they don't. I can only explain why I do.
I find "Slow Dancing" to be the hottest song Joe's ever released in terms of sexiness, but maybe someone else isn't that impressed with his throaty overtures. I think "Rosewood Bitters" is moving and has a lovely melody, but that's all subjective. The title track is bound to be controversial; I like its epic scope and the sophistication of the well/water imagery, but it's quite a departure for Joe, and that might be unappealing to some. "15 Years" is simple but cool. "Good Man Down" is catchy and more traditional Joe material, and I enjoy that as well - lots of energy overall and a bit of wildness when he shifts to the "the boys just love it" and the similar shifts later (ie, "the boys stop talking", "the boys start shaking" etc.)
Even "Problems", which can get annoying, is a bit of an ear worm. "Bubbles"... again, a little annoying, but at least he's trying to say something. "Dear John"... somewhat dull, but there's some real emotion behind it.
"I Broke My Leg"... well... OK. This one is awful.
However, there's more to like than not on this album, I think.
I wonder if the track listing contributed to the disappointment of some fans. He led with the three weakest songs. Not the best way to engage the listener! I can see a lot of people getting bad first impressions that influenced the perception of the rest of the album. Nowadays it's not such a big deal, but back then, waiting eagerly for the new record to hit stores, buying it as soon as it's available, rushing home with it, excitedly putting it on the record player, and then hearing "Problems" followed by "I Broke My Leg" and "Bubbles" as the first cuts... yikes.
Quote:
If The Confessor was the first Joe Walsh album I'd bought, I'm sure I'd never have become a Joe Walsh fan.
That's fair enough. This album is not the Joe of the 70s that most people fell in love with. I still don't think the album is bad, though.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Slow Dancing is a great song but do you realize it's a cover? I know everyone knows Rosewood Bitters is a cover song. I had no idea anyone liked this song until I started reading this website. I hate that song. I think it's one of the main things wrong with the album.
I like the story of 15 Years more than I like the song itself. Problems & Bubbles is awful as is I Broke My Leg. An embarrassment.
I do like the title track. It's easy to see why the album was called The Confessor.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Spurred on by your replies, Sodascouts and Midnight Visitor (thanks), I Googled Loz Netto's Slow Dancing. In the past there's been little info. Loz was a guitarist in Sniff 'n' The Tears. On this occasion, information's been a little more forthcoming. :)
http://secondhandsongs.com/work/124317/versions
There is a clip of Loz's original on his website.
http://www.loznetto.co.uk/HTML_files...ttos_bzar.html
I think Joe's version is closer to the original than Chaka Khan's.
Slow Dancing is one of Joe's best vocals imho.
Believe it or not, I quite liked I Broke My Leg. Totally unpretentious. I prefer the lyrics of IBML to the lyrics of the title track. Pretentious twaddle.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE CONFESSOR!!!
I'm a little late to the party but, it's unbelievable that this album is 30 years old. I am one who likes this better than Joe's 90's albums. It's not my favorite, but to me, it's one of his better efforts.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
This must be longest article about The confessor I've ever seen! although not much is dedicated to the actual grooves;
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/joe-walsh-the-confessor/
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Funk 50
Not to mention inaccurate. Life's Been Good was NOT a hit before Joe joined the Eagles. It wasn't released until well after HC.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Once again, happy birthday to The Confessor!
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Yep - I'm playing a little 'catch up' on the board, so I wanted to wish a belated Happy Anniversary to The Confessor as well.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Happy Anniversary to The Confessor! I first listened to Rosewood Bitters only about half a year ago and it's my most-listened-to song on Spotify. Just a freakin' amazing song on a great album.
Re: Celebration of The Confessor
Here's a fun video of Joe promoting the record on Letterman in 1985. Apparently he was "moving some of these boys". I wonder why he never talks about the actual records in these late night interviews. Or even perform songs from them!
Anyway...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-3xOLVQ6k