ONE MORE GOODNIGHT KISS

A cd that I have enjoyed listening to over and over again. I never tire of the songs and the artistry behind them.

Greg Brown is a particular kind of folk singer who before I listened to his "Greg Brown-The Live One " album reviewed elsewhere in this space I had not really paid attention to since the days of my early youth when I listened intently to Woody Guthrie whose songs were seemingly forged from the very heart of Americana. As a child of the urban folk revival of the 1960's I got caught up in listening to the more political message songs provided by the likes of Bob Dylan or Phil Ochs. As a poet/singer/songwriter Greg has come out of the heartland of America, like Woody, in a fury to write and sing his tales of love, remembrance, tragedy, desperation and, on occasion, just pure whimsy. He is thus in very good company, and belongs there.His songs evoke, under more modern conditions to be sure, the days gone by when the community spirit of small town life meant something. A strong bass voice grainy with the trials and tribulations of life lend authenticity to his words, as does strong guitar playing when necessary. Needless to say the variety of topics covered in his songs speak for themselves from Grandma's food cellars to vanishing Iowa family farms to sweaty nights of lovemaking entwined with the up and down battles of love and, of course, the ubiquitous bouts of fishing that gain more than a nod in his albums.Outstanding here are the songs of childhood remembrance like "Say A Little Prayer" and "Walking Down To Casey". The struggle just to survive that I can, although a mere city boy, relate to in "Cheapest Kind". The ode to everyone's grandmother, city or country, farm or tenement, in "Canned Goods". Can't you just smell Grandma's cooking as you listen , if only as an alternative to the routine at home. As a bonus the eerily beautiful lyrical poetry in song of "I Wish I Were A Painter" makes me wish that I could put some lyrics like those together, once.

I've always been a fan of great songwriting, and it was inevitable that Greg Brown's marvelous work would cross my path at some point. I've heard about 3/4 of his albums, and this is one of the best. If you want fine music matched to brilliant lyrics from someone who actually has something important to say (rare these days, I'm afraid), this is worth exploring, and Mr. Brown is well worth supporting. At the very least you'll be chipping in toward one of his fishing trips, where he'll write more great songs!

I have owned and enjoyed this album for years. Take time to listen to his words. It may take a couple of times through to hear him growl out his lyrics. When you are done and you have heard his heart, ask yourself, "Did Mama put it all in the jar..." Enjoy!

This cd hits close to home. I grew up in a small Iowa town in the 60's and 70's. We have all heard of those "Speed trap Boogie" towns, I got tickets in them. "Canned Goods" reminds me of sweet corn direct from the fields. We moved out of "Our Little Town" when the tractor plant closed. I have never tired of this cd, all the songs are of real life, growing up in any small town America.

This is my favorite work. These songs are moving (I wish I was a painter, & wash my eyes). Some are sweetly nostalgic (canned goods is solid gold). The Cheapest Kind speaks eloquently of family love in hard times. Speed Trap Boogie is an absolute hoot! A true picture of the many small towns that live off their radar guns.