Word Of Mouth

Linda Tanaka, Artistic Director, Salmon Arm Folk Music Society
"A teasure to have him in our backyard".

Product Description:
RedWyng is a Canadian independent record label based in British Columbia. It has distribution outlets in Whitby, Ontario and Salmon Arm, BC.

Established in 1976, it was originally called Aerie Records and was formed to assist emerging artists developing their craft in Canada. Aerie's first release introduced Alberta singer / songwriter Dan Reeder with his debut album "Honky Tonk Ladies, Gypsies and Babies" in 1981. The vinyl recording (a few may still be available) was produced by Reeder and Murray Nelson for Fox Fire Productions.

During the next 18 years, Aerie was active in numerous small budget recording sessions that ended up on cassette but were never distributed. Some of these recordings feature vintage peformances by a collection of very talented Alberta singer / songwriters and musicians.

To celebrate the closing of the century Aerie took on a new look and name in 1999. RedWyng Records celebrated its inaugural release in 1999 with the debut CD by its creator, Ted Crouch. "Word of Mouth", an eclectic work presenting original blues, folk, jazz and swing tunes has received national airplay in Canada and is starting to gain interest in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. RedWyng is currently in pre-production for Crouch's next recording due out later in 2000.

The RedWyng logo symbolizes sound and communication. It draws from the Zhia or Navajo sun as a source of motivation.

Also in 1999, RedWyng was involved in an exciting project that led to the release of Toronto based band No Such Luck's debut CD "Good Intentions, Bad Perception". Working with the ska-rock sounds of this band proved RedWyng's ability to find great artists regardless of the genre.

Word Of Mouth

Word Of Mouth,Ted Crouch

Average customer rating: Good, but needs God Worst John Reuben Album yet This album is simply amazing.... Fantastic

Word of Mouth John Reuben Manufacturer: Gotee Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Christian Rap | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Boy vs. The Cynic The Yearbook Portable Sounds Redemption Are We There Yet? ASIN: B000MG2LSQ Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

1. Sing It Like You Mean It
2. Trying Too Hard
3. Make Money Money
4. Focus
5. Word Of Mouth
6. Miserable Exaggeration
7. Universal
8. Curiosity
9. Cool The Underdog
10. Good Evening

Customer Reviews:

Good, but needs God.......2007-05-13

I bought this CD because I am a huge fan of John Reuben. This CD, however, isn't his best. I liked the beats and several of the songs, but the lyrics in this one are Godless. It seemed to me like John is trying to make people like him?
So It's a OK cd, but you'd better add it to your "lukewarm" or "secular" collection, because it spoke nothing of God or Jesus.

Worst John Reuben Album yet.......2007-03-20

John Reuben, why did you leave Jesus's name out of your album? You didn't even mention HIM in your credits. Are you still a Christian rapper? Come to think about it you didn't metion HIM in the "Boy VS the Cynic" album either. Will Smith raps about Jesus. Your album "The Professional Rapper" was awesome and is one of the best Christian Hip Hop albums ever released. I have all your albums, you're a great rapper with loads of talent.
Word of Mouth gets 1 star for no cussing, and 1 more star for the song "Sing it like you mean it" which rocked! Too bad there weren't any other good songs on the album. The rest of the album is just a group of filler emo songs that are so depressing they would make Robert Smith of The Cure cry. The beats however are sweet, as to be expected when Toby Mac is involved.
John, you need to make another "Professional Rapper", get rid of the sad emo lyrics, and give Jesus his due praise. Your fans are waiting.

This album is simply amazing...........2007-02-16

to be perfectly honest, I've never been a big fan of john Reuben's...His music has never done much for me..>But this album is off the charts...Its so freaken awesome...The beats are tight, and the lyrics make you think...This is a great great album....Great way to start out 2007....

Fantastic.......2007-02-16

John Reuben fans will certainly not be let down by his latest effort. Word of Mouth may have a seemingly short runtime but it left no room for filler. Every track is fantastic, especially the single "Word of Mouth".
As usual, the lyrics are direct and meaningful, and the sound is excellent.

Check out the animated video for Word of Mouth, as well as some of John's latest "altered reality" videos. Funny and entertaining stuff!

Average customer rating: Dylan/Rotten/Clarke Evidently Chickentown Sopranos Episode 79 Stage 5

Word of Mouth: Very Best of John Cooper Clarke John Cooper Clarke Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Poetry | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Snap, Crackle & Bop Disguise in Love Ou Est La Maison Du Fromage? Zip Style Method Reasons to Be Cheerful: The Very Best of Ian Dury & the Blockheads ASIN: B000067CHX Release Date: 2002-08-12

Tracks:

1. (I Married A) Monster From Outer Space [Album Version]
2. I Don't Want to Be Nice [Album Version]
3. Valley of the Lost Women [Album Version]
4. Postwar Glamour Girls
5. Kung Fu International
6. Psycle Sluts [Album Version]
7. Twat
8. Marjorca
9. Gimmix! Play Loud
10. Beasley Street [Album Version]
11. Evidently Chickentown [Album Version]
12. Conditional Discharge [Album Version]
13. Limbo (Baby Limbo) [Album Version]
14. It Man [Album Version]
15. Thirty Six Hours [Album Version]
16. Midnight Shift
17. I Wanna Be Yours
18. Day My Pad Went Mad
19. Heart Disease Called Love
20. Night People

Album Description

2002 compilation for Britain's poet laureate of the punk movement. 20 tracks including 'I Married A) Monster From Outer Space', 'I Don't Want To Be Nice', Kung Fu International', 'Beasley Street' & 'A Heart Disease Called Love'.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Recordings of the Original "Punk Poet" Whose Acidic Rhymes and Other Worldly Instrumental Backup Pre-dated the Streets by a Couple of Decades. With his Wiry Frame and Mop Top of Hair, Clarke's Mancunian Jive Set Him Apart from the Pack Cos He's Thinkin' with Both Sides of 'is Brain. He's Playful, Serious, Mocking, Emotional, Sardonic, Funny as Hell and Many Other Things...but Most of all Entertaining with a Mere Utterance from his Lips. The Backing Tracks were Helmed by the Late Uber Producer Martin "The Martian" Hannett (Joy Division. Buzzcocks, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses) and Players on the Non-verbal Only Tracks Included Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe), Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks), Vini Reilly (Durutti Column...uncredited) And Paul Burgess (Camel).

Customer Reviews:

Dylan/Rotten/Clarke.......2007-07-14

John Cooper Clarke was part of the last great eruption of brilliance in British music, circa 1976 - 1980. The big front end that touched America was the Pistols, Clash, Costello, Pretenders, but behind the more popular faces of British punk/independent were all kinds of one-of-a-kinds like Ian Dury, X-Ray Spex, Stranglers, Jilted John and John Cooper Clarke. John Cooper Clarke came on like a punk/electronic poet with a Dylan circa BlondonBlond era hairdo & shades. He never hit as big in Britain as other lyrical geniuses like Costello and Dury, perhaps because he was wierder, more psychedelic and also more street. Elvis Costello has written a glowing review of Clarke here on Amazon, so he is obviously a fan. Including JCC's "Chickentown" on one of the last Sopranos episodes may ignite more American interest; it's well deserved. Beasley Street, Cycle Sluts, Chickentown, there's no-one else who rhymes quite like JCC on these gems. JCC was streets ahead of the "Streets" way back in '79. Just buy this, you won't be sorry.

Evidently Chickentown.......2007-05-08

The song 'Evidently Chickentown' - played on the closing credits of The Sopranos on April 15th, 2007 is a track from John Copper Clarke's 1980 Album 'Snap Crackle & Bop' - now available as a remastered CD (on Amazon). If you liked the song and want to hear more from England's original Punk Poet, I would definitely recommend 'Snap Crackle & Bop'. Read the Amazon description of the CD to get a sense of what JCC is about... politically and socially savvy, sarcastic, wickedly humorous, great beats. I have loved this album since the 1980's, when he was hugely popular with the British punk crowd.

Sopranos Episode 79 Stage 5.......2007-04-17

This isn't so much a review just trying to help people find the song evidently chickentown. This is the song that played at the end of the sopranos episode 79 stage 5 april 15th during christophers babys christening. It's not on itunes i did find it on [...] it's the only song i know from these guys 25 bucks is alot of money to spend for one song, i just bought this hopefully when i get it i'll like the rest. I figured though it being different and unique sounding which is pretty rare maybe its worth the money.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan one of the best recordings of shape note I've heard The Shaped Note Singing is TOO Polished Lovely and Haunting Shape-note perfection

Rivers of Delight (American Folk Hymns From the Sacred Harp Tradition) Word of Mouth Chorus Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sacred Harp Singing The Shapenote Album Southern Journey, Vol. 9: Harp Of A Thousand Strings - All Day Singing From The Sacred Harp Early American Choral Music, Vol. 1 American Angels ASIN: B000005IVY Release Date: 1992-05-07

Tracks:

1. Northfield
2. Soar Away
3. Cowper
4. Evening Shade
5. Windham
6. White
7. Eternal Day
8. Sweet Prospect
9. North Port
10. Greenwich
11. Wondrous Love
12. Peace And Joy
13. Parting Friends
14. Weeping Mary
15. Alabama
16. Milford
17. New Jerusalem
18. The Better Land
19. Kedron
20. Idumea
21. Morning

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-11

American shape-note music with its freshness and durability, is the product of circumstances different from our own. It still survives and flourishes today in a variety of styles and places across the continental United States.
Shape-note music evolved with the 'singing school', an American institution dating back to the early 18th century. In Colonial days, traveling singing masters taught part-singing to townsfolk in a community activity that combined sacred and secular values.
The singing-school music was usually sung a cappela and in 3 or 4 parts-tenor(or melody), bass, treble, and usually alto or counter.
By the early 1800's, the music of New England tunesmiths-William Billings,
Daniel Reed, Justin Morgan, and others-had spread throughout the Southern and Central states. There , together with folk hymns and camp-meeting songs, it formed the basis for a sturdy tradition of community singing and religious expression.
The 'Sacred Harp', first compiled in 1844 by two Georgians, Benjamin Franklyn White and his assistant E.J. King, is one of the richest collections of tunes; it is also one of the few shape-note books from that era still in print today.
The sound of Sacred Harp singing has several elements: The surging beat, the intonation of the singers, the minor-modal melodies, and the open harmonies. In the Sacred Harp tradition, mens's and women's voices double the tenor and treble parts, with men and women alone singing the bass and alto, respectively. Dynamics are sacrificed for a uniformly strong sound.
This disc does indeed fulfill all the requirements of shape-singing and therefore is an invaluable contribution to the historian, the teacher of many subjects especially in the arts and humanities. To sit down and listen to it in its entirety is not too enjoyable, unless you are involved with a specific activity that makes it necessary to do so. As a voice teacher, it annoys me with the type of singing it demands such as chest-tone most of the time. But, as I stated above, this is really not for entertainment purposes. The 'Word of Mouth' chorus is to be commended for keeping alive this very important segment of our Musical History and tradition.

one of the best recordings of shape note I've heard.......2006-01-31

Like many, I was first introduced to Sacred Harp music through the music on the Cold Mountain soundtrack. While those recordings are probably my favorites, Rivers of Delight has some excellent recordings of popular, as well as obscure, songs. Although the album lacks the raw energy present in Sacred Harp sings, it gives the listener a good idea of how the different parts sound (sometimes the older rural recordings just sound like caterwauling), without being extremely formal. The album also has a couple renditions of shape note classics in 2 and 4 person arrangements, rather than the larger group. All in all, this album is worthwhile, especially if you're just discovering Shape note singing and would like a good, comprehensive introduction.

The Shaped Note Singing is TOO Polished.......2004-02-04

I was first introduced to shaped note or sacred harp music by listening to the music in the movie Cold Mountain. "I'm going home" recorded at the Liberty Church in Alababma is an extremely powerful song. I immediately bought Southern Journey, Vol 9 & 10- sacred harp music recored by Alan Lomax in 1959. Its almost too crude to enjoy with a lot of people singing off key but there are some really good songs on them too. I also bought "In Sweetest Union" recorded in 1999 again at the Liberty Church. THAT is a great album that has real church-goin singers, mostly on key, singing with all of their hearts. That is what is missing from Rivers of Delight. No one is off key and I just don't hear the heart that makes sacred harp music so powerful.

Lovely and Haunting.......2004-01-08

Words cannot explain the power of this recording. There is something beautiful about shapenote singing, yet it is also a little eerie and unsettling in its deliberate atonality. If you look at the tombstones in any historic cemetery and see how lovely the old carvings are on them - how they are works of art in themselves - you will appreciate that there can be beauty in the most simple of earthly things. That, to me, defines shapenote singing - it is beautiful like old tombstones are beautiful. However talented the singers, shapenote singing should never lose touch with its earthiness. It should be heavenly and yet tied to mortality. The Word of Mouth Chorus are wonderfully talented and polished, yet they sing with an emotionality and spirit that sets this recording apart from so many others. I have several shape note CDs in my collection. All of the others are either too professional, belying shapenote's roots, or too rustic. If you only buy one CD of shapenote music, it should be this one. To this day, the hairs stand up on the back of my neck every time I hear "Windham" - and that is how it should be.

Shape-note perfection.......2002-07-30

The Word of Mouth Chorus, from Vermont, started out as a "normal" choir, doing standard church choir repertoire. They started singing "shape-note" music shortly after their founding, but the performances sounded like a normal church choir. A few years later, some of the choir members were inroduced to the "real McCoy" at a singing convention in Georgia. The "performance practice", for lack of a better term, of the folks in Georgia had a profound effect on them.

The result was that they completely rethought and relearned how to perform this music. They don't sound like a normal church choir here; they sound raucous and untutored, with loud nasal voices sticking out of a group of other loud, raucous voices. The effect is exhilerating; the drive and energy are like nothing you've ever heard. Other recordings of the shape note music of the Sacred Harp tradition of the American South take the brash rough edges off the tone. Not here -- you get the real deal; raw, edgy, unabashed, and a lot of fun.

Average customer rating: I love this album Arrangements and motifs hurt the ear.... Incredible and incredibly odd realization of jaco's compositional possibilities Word of Mouth, better then ever...

Word of Mouth Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jaco Pastorius The Birthday Concert Heavy Weather Invitation 8:30 ASIN: B000002KM3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Crisis
2. 3 Views Of A Secret
3. Liberty City
4. Chromatic Fantasy
5. Blackbird
6. Word Of Mouth
7. John And Mary

Amazon.com

In 1981, while still with Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius amassed this unremitting, topnotch big band into which he threads anything that appealed to his vast jazz imagination--from the bell-clanging Caribbean to the burning soul of R&B to the jaunty European boulevards. On board are Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine, Jack DeJohnette, Michael Brecker, Don Alias, and others. The result is skirmishing, scurrying, all-in slabs of sound that suddenly give way to fluid quietude with chorus and strings and, most wonderfully weirdly, to harmonica features from Toots Thielemans. Pastorius is always close to the front, a fretless-bass phenom who out-guitared most guitarists. He also wrote and arranged well, taking care not to let vim and pepper do all the talking. --Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

I love this album.......2007-02-20

I actually didn't buy the album because all of the tracks, except one (crisis) are found on the "punk jazz" Jaco's collection, which I do have.
I listened to those tracks once and put the CD aside. I completely ignored those tracks; It took me 3 years to finally give it another try! I came to a period maturity in my life; I just used to love tons of notes, played as fast as possible, crazy solos... and this album seemed boring and confussing. But now I just think it's brilient! Every note is right where it should, the musicians are second to non! I listen to it all the time now! I recomend it highly. You'll love it (sooner or later ;)

Arrangements and motifs hurt the ear...........2007-01-09

I found it hard to enjoy - I miss melody and don't care for strange arrangements and jazz motifs.

Incredible and incredibly odd.......2006-12-12

Jaco Pastorius, the self-proclaimed (and just about rightfully so) best bassist in the world, was a huge star in 1980, when this album was recorded, thanks to his tenure in Weather Report. Thus, the recording company saw fit to give him nearly unlimited resources to see what his imagination could come up with. The result is "Word of Mouth," one of the most bizarre yet oddly likable albums I have ever heard. There is no list of musicians on the project (very frustrating) but we do know that harmonica player Toots Thielmans was heavily involved, as was drummer Peter Erskine, and pianist Herbie Hancock (I'm about 90% sure of this), and there are also significant contributions from Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker. In addition, there are probably about 25 other musicians in the orchestral role in various places, and not just traditional big band instrumentation; I can hear french horns, tubas, steel drums, some strings, and various other colors. Jaco clearly had the green light to go nuts, and he does.

The album begins with "Crisis," a five-minute journey into the avant-garde in a way I've never heard before. Jaco plays a pulsing, throbbing fast eighth note bass line and various other soloists enter, contributing single note lines. Both Shorter and Brecker are present. "Three Views of a Secret" is a beautiful Jaco tune of Weather Report fame (my favorite track on "Night Passage") treated here as an orchestral piece with harmonica lead. I personally don't like this version as much as the WR version (Thielmans plays the melody a LOT straighter than Zawinul and especially Shorter) but it still has some cool moments in orchestration. Next is "Liberty City," my favorite tune on the album. It begins with an absolutely kickin' ensemble statement by just the horns before Jaco comes in with one of his signature grooves. The tune feels really good in this happy groove and there is some great piano soloing between ensemble statements. Jaco would continue to play this tune with his working big band and it got tighter every time; check out the version on "The Birthday Concert" to hear Michael Brecker go nuts.

From there, the album takes a left turn into even more wacky experimentation. Jaco redoes Bach's "Chromatic Fantasy" in a brilliant show of bass technique before settling into a groove which segues into an almost country-sounding version of Lennon and McCartney's "Blackbird," which in turn transitions into the title tune, which alternates between Hendrix-inspired heavily distorted arena rock and uptempo swing. The last tune, "John and Mary," is long and has several parts, including a couple of interludes with strange vocal whispering. One part sounds very much like Weather Report world fusion but with about ten instruments fulfilling the role that Joe Zawinul's synthesizers would take on (shows you just how busy the guy was). About two thirds of the way through there is also some chanting and wordless singing in a carribean type of groove, and the ending is reminiscent of a dramatic film score reaching its climax in glory. An interesting trip to say the least.

The first time I listened all the way through, I wasn't really paying attention, but then I listened a second time and found myself asking "what the..." every four minutes or so. I played it for about two weeks in my car at high volume levels and it began to give me symptoms of mild schizophrenia, but at the same time it grew on me. Actually none of my musician friends like it that much ("That's so weird, dude..."), even my Jaco-loving bass player, and once when I was playing it in the car on a long trip home at night, my dad woke up during "John and Mary" to comment "What is this? It sounds like Chinese birthday music!" Thus, I would not recommend this album to most people, especially beginners to jazz and to Jaco. Since the album concentrates more on Jaco's arranging and writing than on his playing, I wouldn't even necessarily recommend this to fans of Jaco's playing. Maybe I would recommend this to people who are extremely eclectic or perhaps a little insane. If this album does indeed sound interesting, check out the more accessible "Invitation" and "The Birthday Concert," Jaco's other big band projects. The latter in particular is a fantastic album and might shed some light on whatever it was Jaco was doing here. Don't get me wrong, I like this album a lot, but then I have strange taste. If you do too, go ahead and buy this for kicks.

realization of jaco's compositional possibilities.......2005-12-30

This is the expression of Jaco's musical talent at its best and under his own direction and with the best of sidemen.

"Crisis" is experimental, testing, and edgy. constructed around the forward charging, thumping bassline, the other musicians recorded seperately, each only able to hear the bassline. Can sound a bit abstract, but dont let this fool you. a very interesting way to hear the different ideas being expressed.

"Three Views of a Secret" is a masterpiece of Jazz composition. This is possibly Jaco's best compositon, and played here as it should be, with full accompaniment of a big band. simply excellent.

"Liberty City" is also another great composition, excellent dialogue between the band and jaco's bassline. clever use of inverted double stops.

"Chromatic Fantasy" Jaco's arrangement of Bach's Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue... A simply stunning and utterly beautiful display of Jaco's technical abilities on the bass. Perhaps even more impressive than his performance of "Donna Lee" Flows into Asian rhythms and orchestra work which flows directly into...

"Blackbird" Jaco's version of the Beatles song. Interesting dialogue between Jaco's bass and Thieleman's harmonica. First Jaco song I ever heard. needless to say, is special to me.

"Word of Mouth" raucous, wild, overdriven bass work. represents Jaco's Hendrix influence. a bit repetitive at times but is technically speaking nothing to shake a stick at.

"John and Mary" Beautiful composition with haunting piano, lyrical, dynamic and legato bass work, and an upbeat and fascinating theme. a gem.


Word of Mouth is an excellant display of Jaco's abilities as a musician. His wild side, his sensitive side, his incredible technical abilities, his wonderful compositional skills, all are represented well on thsi work. If you are a Jaco fan buy this album and give it many serious listenings. This is an incredible collection of music.

Word of Mouth, better then ever..........2005-12-09

Word of Mouth, Jaco Pastorius' second solo release from 1981, at the time was a eclectic collection of work that met with mixed reviews.
Since his untimely death, where the listeners at large have delved into his recorded past, live and in studio, to satisfy the obvious void of not having him here today, this collection of work has grown into its own and what was once eclectic or odd to one's ears is now commonplace and dare say, has become my genrrations jazz "standard".
Pastorius' background and influcences validate and solidfy this work. Jaco's big band original/arrangments such as Three Views of a Secret and Liberty City are direct products of his discovery and love for this style of music as a young boy listening to either tv show soundtracks and music as well as his Father's love for Sinatra's music growing up, to name a few. Combine that with his time periods Beatles, James Brown etc etc and one can understand "where he was coming from".
The jewel here is "Three Views of a Secret" , hands down the most beloved Pastorius original by his collegues, friends, family and fans, whether they are casual, one time or fulltime fans.
If there is once song to define where his career matured to or was heading, "Three Views" is it.
If you enjoy this tune then check out the 2 CD set called "Twins-The Jaco Pastorius Big Band Live in Japan", this is the completed unedited versions of the Big Band live. I highly recommend avoided the badly edited versions better known as the US release "Invitation".
"Twins" is worth its higher price tag and the search to find it.
Jack Frisch

Average customer rating:

Speechercise - A Musical Workout For Your Mouth Twin Sisters Manufacturer: Twin Sisters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 5 to 7 Years | Age Range | Toys & Games 8 to 11 Years | Age Range | Toys & Games Learning & Education | Categories | Toys & Games | Early Development Toys | Electronic Learning | Foreign Languages | Geography & Globes | History | Math & Counting | Reading & Writing | Science Boys | Gender (target_audience_browse-bin) | Browse Refinements | Refinements | Toys & Games Girls | Gender (target_audience_browse-bin) | Browse Refinements | Refinements | Toys & Games Unisex | Gender (target_audience_browse-bin) | Browse Refinements | Refinements | Toys & Games Similar Items: Speechercise Level 2: A Musical Workout for Your Mouth (ages 5-9) Time to Sing! Phonics Time to Sing! II Little Language Songs for Little Ones Product Features: Ages 5-9 Targets tongue and teeth placement ASIN: B00028PW3A Release Date: 2004-05-01

Tracks:

1. Jaw Drops
2. Tongue Pushups
3. Tongue Slides
4. Tongue Circles
5. Lip Press
6. Silly Faces
7. Vowel Circuit
8. Consonant Intervals
9. Basic Consonant Drill
10. PA PO Song
11. POP BOP Drill
12. AT, IT, EAT, EIGHT, OUT
13. ADD, EDD, ODD, ID, ODE
14. The TEE-DEE DRILL
15. Crazy K Sounds
16. Hard Sound of /g/
17. /k/ & /g/ Combination
18. Silly PATAKA Song
19. B0-DOE-GO Drill
20. CVC Drill
21. Saying Sentences
22. Silly Tongue Twisters
23. Billy Baboon
24. Dancing Deer
25. Goofy Goats
26. Katie Kissed
27. Little Ladies Laughed
28. Pesky Pirates
29. Royal Red Robots
30. Silly Sallys Sister
31. Thank The Turtles

Average customer rating: Wonderfull! extremely good, but falters on 'side 2' Overlooked Album! Underrated gem! Not one of The Kinks stronger efforts...

Word of Mouth The Kinks Manufacturer: Velvel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: State of Confusion Give the People What They Want Sleepwalker Low Budget Preservation: Act 1 ASIN: B0002PUH92 Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Do It Again
2. Word Of Mouth
3. Good Day
4. Living On A Thin Line
5. Sold Me Out
6. Massive Reductions
7. Guilty
8. Too Hot
9. Missing Persons
10. Summer's Gone
11. Going Solo
12. Good Day (Extended Edit)
13. Summer's Gone (Extended Edit)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfull!.......2006-09-05

A year or so into my Nitty Gritty record cleaning machine revitalization of my long neglected lp collection , I rediscovered this gem. It really is one of the most overlooked lps in the Kinks Kataloge. I'm embarrassed to say I hadn't listened to this in forever and a day. Call meself a Kinks fan.....It really is one of the last great Kinks lps. $$$ well spent then and now.

extremely good, but falters on 'side 2'.......2006-03-18

The "Word Of Mouth" era was a tension-filled period for the Davies brothers Ray and Dave. Ray was coping with his breakup from Chrissie Hynde, Dave was greatly frustrated at the lack of promotion by Warner Brothers for his 1983 solo album "Chosen People", the relationship between Ray and Dave was on shaky ground, and Dave was growing increasingly intolerant of drummer Mick Avory.

Three of the songs here--"Sold Me Out", "Missing Persons", and "Going Solo"--were written by Ray for the film "Return To Waterloo" (which Ray also directed and wrote the script for), and each of them would subsequently reappear on its soundtrack album the following year (with "Sold Me Out" appearing in an edited version); these are the three songs on "Word Of Mouth" that Mick Avory appears on, and not so coincidentally, Dave Davies wasn't present when the basic tracks for these were laid down and it seems that he doesn't play on them at all. With the relationship between Mick and Dave having come to a head, Avory was fired from the band and replaced by Bob Henrit who drums on all of the remaining tracks. Henrit's arrival to the Kinks reunited him with bass guitarist Jim Rodford who had formerly been band members in the group Argent.

"Word Of Mouth" was originally released in November of 1984, and it's extremely good. This time around, the track listing includes two Dave Davies-penned songs, and Dave's also credited as the album's associate producer. Of course, Ray is credited as the main producer and wrote the rest of the songs.

There's lots of great stuff here. The rocked-up pop-rocker "Do It Again" is undeniably crafty and catchy, with an introductory ringing guitar chord a la "A Hard Day's Night", and a chorus melody that's highly reminiscent of Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door". The title track is an infectious rocker with a highly-distorted opening riff that's rather reminiscent of the Stones' "Start Me Up". "Good Day" is a splendidly tuneful pop-rock tune with an upbeat feel to the music and an optimistic chorus that contrasts with the bleak lyrics on the verses, and notice Ray's superbly elegant vocal inflections on the verses. The main album portion ends with the wonderfully catchy and bittersweet pop-rocker "Going Solo". The main song portion of "Massive Reductions" totally kicks--a cathartic, synth-spiked rocker with a "Summertime Blues"-ish riff about being laid off due to decreasing budgets and increased technology. Both of Dave's songs are gems as well--"Living On A Thin Line" is a wistful, anthemic ballad with an understated lead vocal from Dave and terrific counterpoint backing vocals from Ray on the choruses; and "Guilty" is an exciting fast-paced rocker stuffed with ultra-catchy hooks, with cautionary lyrics that condemn greedy power hogs and plead for an increase in the consciousness of people.

Unfortunately, the album is problematic enough that it just can't quite be ranked as a masterpiece. The fast-paced punky rocker "Sold Me Out" is fun, but somewhat thin. The aforementioned "Massive Reductions" is frustratingly watered-down, with an overlong sound collage-ish intro and an even draggier coda. "Too Hot", with its sarcastic yuppie workout-themed lyrics and a music hall-tinged arrangement a la "Come Dancing", is annoying--it feels forced, with strained attempts at humor. The ballad "Missing Persons" has a tediously disjointed arrangement, and beyond that, it's too melodramatic and underdeveloped. "Summer's Gone" is another botch job--the music is disappointingly slight, with a sugary party-time feel it, and the reflective lyrics are badly out of place in this context.

I also kind of question the very idea of including the three songs written for "Return To Waterloo"--I mean, they were written specifically for that project, and it's easy to see how they fit the thematics of the film. The film was totally Ray's baby, and the soundtrack album would be credited to him alone opposed to The Kinks. When you take the "Word Of Mouth" and "Return To Waterloo" albums in conjunction with one another, plus the closeness of their respective original release dates, the redundancy of songs is kind of head-scratching, especially considering that the versions are all either identical or only mildly different. Maybe Ray was uncertain if the "Return To Waterloo" soundtrack was even going to see a proper release, and in that case, I can understand, especially in the case of "Going Solo" which admittedly does make for a great album closer for "Word Of Mouth".

The bonus tracks on the Velvel reissues from 1999 and 2004 add virtually nothing to the proceedings--we get an "extended edit" of "Good Day" which gets dragged out with a needlessly extended fade, and an insignificant "extended edit" of "Summer's Gone".

All in all, "Word Of Mouth", despite the gripes, is often terrific--it's another must-have for any Kinks fan.

(P.S. One gripe I have with the 1999 Velvel reissue is with the printed lyrics for the song "Guilty" which, appallingly, contain a handful of bracketed question marks and even go so far as to mockingly print the words "mumble mumble" at one point. Geez, couldn't they have just had Dave clarify the lyrics in question??)

Overlooked Album!.......2005-08-04

"Word of Mouth", which is probably one of the most overlooked albums by the Kinks, was recorded at a very difficult time for the band. Both Ray and Dave were very much involved with their own solo projects - "Return to Waterloo" and "Chosen People" - and the band-members had personal disagreements which led the the firing of original drummer Mike Avory during the recordings.

Surprisingly they managed to come up with one of their most satisfying albums of the 1980's.

First impression may be that the album comes close in feel and mood to their previous 3 albums; hard-rocking with more or less desillusioned lyrics, blended with a few beautiful / melodic ballads.

The opener, the single "Do it Again", shows the rocking side of the Kinks, but still melodic and clearly among the most viable of Kinks rockers of this period. "Summers Gone" belongs to the same category, perhaps even better. Great lyrics and vocals from Ray Davies. "Too Hot" is also great - perhaps a little too much like "Come Dancing" from their previous album.

The next single "Good Day" shows the softer side of the band. Catchy tune with dark desillusioned lyrics, clearly written at a time when the nuclear threat was very much present. Dave's "Living on a Thin Line" is more or less of the same theme. Slightly folkish tune, and one of Dave's strongest contributions to a Kinks album. His rocker "Gulity" is also a fine track.

3 songs come from Ray's "Return to Waterloo" soundtrack. The heartfelt "Missing Persons", and the extremely catchy "Going Solo" both describe the difficulties of accepting your children growing up to live their own lives. Both favourites of mine. "Sold Me Out" is as close to "punk" music as the Kinks ever came.

The title track and the re-recording of "Massive Reductions" are the weakest tracks on the album, both quite forgettable.

The two bonus-tracks are extended versions of "Good Day" and "Summer's Gone" - a typical feature of that period was to release maxi-singles with extended mixes of album tracks. I remember buying both "Good Day" and "Do it Again" as maxi-singles at the time - great covers, both shown in the booklet.

Underrated gem!.......2005-05-25

"Word of Mouth" is a great album (the last great Kinks album, in fact) that for some reason is consistently overlooked in favor of the Kinks' other Arista efforts. Sure, there are a couple of throwaways here ("Too Hot," "Massive Reductions"), but the highlights more than make up for them. "Do It Again," "Good Day," and "Summer's Gone" are some of Ray's very best '80s compositions, and "Living on a Thin Line" is, in this Kinks fanatic's opinion, the best song Dave Davies ever wrote.

The album gels together wonderfully, and it has an upbeat, summery mood in stark contrast to the hyper-bleakness of "State of Confusion" and "Give the People What They Want." If you are new to the Kinks' '80s output and have been scared away from "Word of Mouth" by bad word of mouth, I'd urge you to give it a chance. It's one of the most underrated albums in the Kinks kanon.

Not one of The Kinks stronger efforts..........2005-04-06

Word Of Mouth is not one of The Kinks stronger efforts. Ray Davies sounded like he was thinking radio rather than from the heart or soul while writing these songs. But there are still some good tunes such as "Do It Again" which borrows the opening chord from The Beatles "Hard Day's Night", and the very catchy pop songs "Good Day", "Summer's Gone" and "Going Solo". But easily, the best song on the album is the gorgeous sounding Dave Davies track "Living on a Thin Line". The rest of album sounds pretty generic.

On the plus side, BMG did a great job remastering this with extensive liner notes that give some great background info on "Word Of Mouth" and what was going on with the band in 1984...a lot! WB signed Dave Davies to record a solo record only to purposely stiff it for a tax write-off. In turn, Dave fired long-time drummer, Mick Avory and replaced him with the former drummer from Argent, Jim Rodford. Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde were going through their break-up. And I learned a bit of surprising `to me' Kink trivia...Ray writes everything on the piano, even "You Really Got Me"!

This release also includes two bonus tracks...extended versions of "Good Day" and "Summer's Gone"

Average customer rating: This mouth is always in motion.... Hey, I liked it! Good for the most part, but not entirely.:P Not bad, but not his best A Dud

Mouth in Motion Mark Lowry Manufacturer: Word -- Word -- ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Comedy & Spoken Word | Miscellaneous | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Remotely Controlled The Last Word Mark Lowry - My First Comedy Video But Seriously On Broadway ASIN: B000003170 Release Date: 1994-10-07

Tracks:

1. The Date Adventure
2. Paw Paw's Chin
3. Face in this world
4. Exit Row
5. First Class, Wrong Flight
6. Every Teacher
7. Some Other Time, Some Other Place
8. Open Heart Surgery
9. This too shall pass

Customer Reviews:

This mouth is always in motion...........2003-07-06

Mark Lowry has made a name for himself, a sort of a Christian Weird Al. No artist or song is safe from Mark Lowry. If he can find a way to make it funny, he will.

Stephen Curtis Chapman's "The Great Adventure," Michael W. Smith's "Place In This World," and Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" are all fodder for Mark's comedy and rewriting.

The best is the parody of Wayne Watson's and Sandi Patti's "Another Time, Another Place," called "Some Other Time, Some Other Place." Somehow, Mark managed to rope Sandi to join him on this duet, creating what is probably the funniest parody of all time.

This comedy album pretty much follows standard Mark Lowry fare, in which the first three-quarters are pure comedy, with the last quarter of the album, while still funny at times, contains his message. For non-Christians, this will be enough to avoid the album all-together. Even many Christians will avoid it, or at least the "message" part of the album. This is a shame, since Mark really has something to say.

Mark has many albums and videos out to enjoy. This is as good as any to start your collection with.

Hey, I liked it!.......2000-06-30

The duet with Sandi Patti, the spoof on Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat," Mark and Steven Curtis Chapman's "The Date Adventure," Michael W. Smith's "Place in this World" Mark Lowry-style... I loved everything about this video! I also appreciate Mark's serious side as well. His commentary along with the song, "This, Too, Shall Pass," has been a reminder to me many times that God sees all things, and the troubled times always have an end. This video is definitly one to own.

Good for the most part, but not entirely.:P.......2000-05-16

I have seen Mark Lowry in concert on March 11, 2000, (in Louisville, Kentucky) but this cd is good, but the last 2 songs on this cd are terrible. Mark can sing really good, yes, but those last 2 songs were not as good as the first few songs were. Even Mark's jokes when he talked on the cd were HYSTERICAL. I just wish that Mark hadn't put those other 2 songs on the album, but had put something else on, like him singing with the Gather band, (which he is a member of, by the way), or him telling more jokes. "Open Heart Surgery" was the best part of the whole album, because it's funny.

Not bad, but not his best.......2000-04-14

Well, I have seen all of Mark Lowry's videos, and I love 'em all. I have to say that this one is his worst, but it isn't too bad. While all of his others get a 5 star rating from me, this gets a 4. It has some rediculous parts, and "The Date Adventure" is really stupid. I would not recommend this to someone who just wants one or two of Mark's videos, but if you have the rest of them, I'd add this to your collection. This would be my last choice, but it's still worth it.

A Dud.......2000-04-14

Believe me, I am a huge Mark Lowry fan. I've seen "Remotely Controlled" and "My First Comedy Video" and loved them. I couldn't wait to see this one. I wish I had waited. This is a big dud. 90% of this movie is just stupid. The rest is dumb. Now I know stupidity is a big part of comedy, but not like this. The best song on the movie is at the end with an old clip of him singing as a child on some old TV show (at least, that's what it looks like. If not, they did a good job of making the kid look like Mark). "Face in This World" is ok. The rest are too dumb. The short clips of concert footage is much worse than in his other videos. The only time I really laughed at something for a reason other than how stupid it was, was when he says what he does when people greet him in the morning. If you are looking for an awesome Christion comedy video pick up "Remotely Controlled" right now. That is by far the best. All the music videos on this one look low budget and stupid. I wish I could like this movie, but I can't. Please don't let me make it seem that Mark Lowry isn't good at comedy. I would give "Remotely Controlled" a 6 out of 5 if I could. "My First Comedy Video" is great too. Please get those instead of this one!

Average customer rating:

Speechercise Level 2: A Musical Workout for Your Mouth (ages 5-9) Twin Sisters Manufacturer: Twin Sisters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Speechercise - A Musical Workout For Your Mouth Speechercise Ages 5-9: Level 2 Teach Me How to Say It Right: Helping Your Child With Articulation Problems ASIN: B0009IB5XE Release Date: 2005-04-20

Tracks:

1. Advanced Jaw Drops
2. Voiced And Voiceless Coordination
3. Advanced Lip Presses
4. Advanced Tongue Pushups
5. Consonant-Vowel Movement Game
6. FA, VA, SHA, LA-LA
7. The Tongue Twister Song
8. AFF, EFF, OAF, IF, OFF The Craziest Sounding Thing
9. Say The "V" Sound Now!
10. "F" and "V"
11. It's All About Sally
12. Can You Say ZA?
13. The "S" And "Z" Drill
14. Chee, Chow, Chaw
15. Ja Ja Ja Joe Jammin'
16. S and SH...There Is A Difference
17. This, That, Those!
18. ARE, OR, EAR, AIR, IREWe're Tired!
19. The LOW, ROW, Woe Song
20. Saying Sentences

Product Description

Level 1. Ages 3-6+. Developed by a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist, the songs and drills in this CD focuses on mouth movements, basic vowel and consonant sounds--p,b,t,d,k, and g--complex consonant-vowel transitions, and advanced word level strings. The CD includes a Parent Guide with over 30 printable worksheets and information on common childhood speech and language problems.

Average customer rating: A hidden gem from Mike and the Mechanics Baffling why this Album wasn't more successful commercially sin paliativos An Overlooked Gem From The Mechanics A somewhat disappointing effort you may grow to love...

Word of Mouth Mike + the Mechanics Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beggar on a Beach of Gold The Living Years Mike + the Mechanics Mike + the Mechanics Rewired ASIN: B000002IQV Release Date: 1991-03-26

Tracks:

1. Get Up
2. Word Of Mouth
3. A Time And Place
4. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
5. The Way You Look At Me
6. Everybody Gets A Second Chance
7. Stop Baby
8. My Crime Of Passion
9. Let's Pretend It Didn't Happen
10. Before (The Next Heartache Falls)

Customer Reviews:

A hidden gem from Mike and the Mechanics.......2007-06-07

Now my Mike and the Mechanics collection is complete with this album... I held of on buying this one as I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it turned out to be... I was pleasantly surprised and have found myself listening to it repeatedly. I purchased this based on the Hits album and have found that my favorite songs are those that are not on the Hits album, especially Track 5 "The Way You Look At Me" Track 9 "Let's Pretend It Didn't Happen" and my favorite on the album (and one of my favorite Mechanics songs now) Track 10 "Before (The Next Heartache Falls)" - an amazing song that builds and is very energetic, with a great beat.

This album is a must for any Mechanics fan and by anyone that appreciates highly technical music that is slickly produced and with amazing vocals by the late Paul Yound and the groovin' Paul Carrack (whom I am collecting all his stuff now).

Baffling why this Album wasn't more successful commercially.......2005-12-15

A trend that emerged in the mid 1980s was the emergence of the Supergroup. The term Supergroup refers to a group that is formed by multiple members that have achieved success in other groups. Probably the most popular of the Supergroups was The Power Station (Robert Palmer, Tony Thompson of Chic, John and Andy Taylor of Duran Duran). Other examples included Asia and the Traveling Wilburys. However for all practical purposes, it was The Power Station that put the term Supergroup on the map. Supergroups are formed for many reasons: Supergroups such as The Power Station and The Traveling Wilburys were basically formed to be (originally) one time efforts. Other groups such as Asia were formed following the demise of other bands. And yet others are formed as "side projects". Some people tend to forget when it comes to Mike + The Mechanics that they are a Supergroup. The band was formed as a side project by Genesis Guitar and Bass player Mike Rutherford. This side project would lead to commercial and critical success. Mike + The Mechanics first album, the self-titled album "Mike + The Mechanics" would have some commercial success - including three Top 40 hits. Their second album "Living Years" produced a #1 song and Record of the Year candidate in the title track - as well as commercial success. However, Mike + The Mechanics would run into the problem that many artists have when they try for that third consecutive commercially successful album - they strike out. That third album "Word of Mouth" wasn't quite at the creative level of the first two albums - yet I'm still amazed how this album was the commercial failure that it was.

Mike + The Mechanics retains the original lineup that was on the first two albums for "Word of Mouth". This includes the co-lead vocalists of Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze) and Paul Young (formerly of Sad Cafe), Keyboard player Adrian Lee, Drummer Peter Van Hooke, and of course, Mike Rutherford himself on Guitar and Bass. Christopher Neil returns again to co-produce the album with Rutherford. Russ Titelman also is a co-producer on 6 tracks. In addition Carrack and Lee make some songwriting contributions. While the first album had more of a classic rock feel, it was on "Living Years" where Mike + the Mechanics started to incorporate some Adult Contemporary sounds. For "Word of Mouth", the Adult Contemporary influence will be the dominant sound.

As for the lead vocals, the rule of thumb for the first two albums was that Carrack delivered the intense vocals while Young focused on the passionate vocals. There are still examples of Carrack and Young carrying out these styles, but I think the intensity and passion are turned down a slight notch because of the softer Adult Contemporary sounds that are on this collection.

The standout song on the album is the 8th track - "My Crime of Passion". The title of this song says it all as it deals with losing control during the heat of the moment. Paul Carrack takes the lead on vocals for this song and delivers with laser focused intensity. However, I've always felt that there should have been more duets between Carrack and Paul Young. It's pleasing that Paul Young provides some terrific vocals to supplement Carrack's vocals. Listen to how well that Young blends in with Carrack's vocals. This was the song that had songwriting contributions by both Carrack and Lee from a songwriting perspective. The result is a song that clearly sits on top of the Mike + The Mechanics portfolio.

The title track, "Word of Mouth" is another very good track. This is a song that deals with having faith in getting information from "word of mouth". This song is sung as a quasi-live song. A studio audience was brought in to help add to the "live" effect. Ultimately the command of this performance comes from the passionate vocals of Paul Young who does a terrific job.

The last track, "Before (The Next Heartache Falls)" is a very good track. This is one of those songs that does a heck of a job at "switching gears". Carrack handles the lead vocals on this song. This song starts out as a soft synth pop song, but then the tempo picks up and the guitars and drums begin to fold in. The London Community Gospel Choir provides some subtle background vocals.

Other songs worth checking out are "Get Up" - featuring Carrack delivering passionate vocals more in the mold that Young typically does. "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" has the hardest rock edge of any of the tracks - and Young delivers the vocals perfectly. "Everybody Gets a Second Chance" is a song that everyone can relate to and Paul Carrack's vocals make the message very believable. "The Way You Look at Me" has more of a synth pop feel, but it is highlighted by Carrack's trademark intensity in his vocals.

This album does fall slightly below the 5 stars I gave to the first two albums. I do feel there are three weaker songs in "A Time and Place", "Stop Baby", and "Let's Pretend it Didn't Happen". They aren't bad songs, but certainly not up to the level I heard on the first two albums. Certainly, I can't see those songs as the reason why "Word of Mouth" didn't do well commercially.

The liner notes include the lyrics for all of the songs as well as the songwriting and production credits. Overall, this is a very good album - and I'm completely shocked it didn't do well. In fact, Genesis would release "We Can't Dance" a few months later and achieve great commercial success, so it certainly wasn't due to the fact that the public was tired of Mike Rutherford. It seems like this album only was embraced by core Mike + The Mechanics fans - and that's a shame because this album has a lot to offer. Highly recommended.

sin paliativos.......2004-03-03

En otros comentarios se dice que no se entiende como este disco pudo no vender tanto como los dos anteriores. Yo diría que no se como llegaron a vender tambien los dos anteriores. En ambos se incluía un único tema que podía servir de gancho mientras que los demás eran pop de relleno. Probablemente este disco se ve lastrado porque, ni tan siquiera ofrece ese tema. Es un mal disco de cabo a rabo. Desde luego no tiene nada que ver con Genesis, pero no se trata de si se parece o no, sino de que lo que ofrecen es muy poco. Solo un montón de canciones insustanciales.

An Overlooked Gem From The Mechanics.......2004-01-27

The third album from Mike + The Mechanics, 1991's "Word Of Mouth," *should* have been a commercial success. Mike Rutherford's band outside of Genesis had had two hit albums in a row, including a #1 smash on the singles chart with the achingly beautiful title song from their second album, "The Living Years." Instead, "Word Of Mouth" sank like a stone---no hit singles at all, and the album didn't even chart. What happened? I can only guess that it was simply a case of bad timing. Since the late 70's, the members of Genesis had usually done one solo project apiece inbetween Genesis albums. But with "Word Of Mouth," Mike Rutherford got to make *two* solo projects, delivering another Mechanics album at a time when many fans were truly hungry for a new Genesis album, having not had one in five years. Rutherford quickly bounced back by rejoining Genesis for the highly successful "We Can't Dance" album, released later in the same year, but in the process, "Word Of Mouth" simply disappeared without a trace.It's a terrible shame that "Word Of Mouth" was neglected, because there are several songs on this wonderful album that could've been potential hits. The catchy opener, "Get Up," nicely sung by Paul Carrack, could easily have been a radio hit. The title song is an awesome, energetic sing-a-long rocker (complete with a cheering, sing-a-long audience), and brilliantly sung by the late, great Paul Young. "A Time And Place," sung by Carrack, is a beautiful ballad. Carrack also takes the mike for the very bouncy, finger-snapping "Everybody Gets A Second Chance," featuring a great guitar hook from Rutherford. Paul Young delivers more excellent vocals on the heartfelt "Stop Baby," and the passionate "Let's Pretend It Didn't Happen." There's even an excellent duet for the two Paul's on the fine popper, "My Crime Of Passion," and "Before (The Next Heartache Falls)" is a powerful closer, featuring a top-notch vocal from Carrack, and fine accompanyment from the London Community Gospel Choir. The songs, co-written by Rutherford, Carrack, B.A. Robertson and co-producer Christopher Neil are all excellent, the musical performances are strong, and the production is bright and sparkling.Unfortunately, "Word Of Mouth" is now out-of-print, but I'm very happy to see that many used copies are available here at Amazon, AND at good prices, so please don't miss out on adding this great buried treasure from Mike + The Mechanics to your CD collection. It may not have sold diddly back in 1991, but nonetheless, "Word Of Mouth" is a marvelous pop-rock offering from Mike Rutherford & company. Don't let this album pass you by!

A somewhat disappointing effort you may grow to love..........2002-09-20

Mike + the Mechanics burst out of the gate in 1985 with their self-titled, mega-hit debut album, erasing once and for all the notion that Mike Rutherford played only a minor part in the success of his "other" band, Genesis. Mike can write music, some very nice music, in fact!

Beyond establishing Mike Rutherford as a household name, the Mechanics' first album also established impossibly high expectations for their follow-up release. The Mechanics rose to the challenge, and in 1988 they released their second album, In the Living Years, an accomplishment that equaled - some say exceeded - their first effort. Amazing.

Could we reasonably expect this superband to three-peat? In a word, no. Not that their third third album, Word of Mouth, was anything to be ashamed of, but it simply didn't have the consistent quality of the first two wonders.

There are some gems to be found on Word of Mouth, particularly the title track sung by Paul Young, which is closest in form to the most popular Mechanics hits from their first two albums. Other pleasing pieces include The Way You Look at Me, My Crime of Passion and Before, all sung by Paul Carrack in his characteristic fashion.

Unfortunately, the rest of the album will appeal only to true Mechanics devotees. Nevertheless, I find myself more attracted to the album with each new listening, and I suspect that anyone willing to give it the time will be as well.

By itself, this album could have been a solid top 40 release...maybe even Top 10. But we were spoiled by the first two Mechanics chartbusters, and since we've seen better from Mike, this album quickly faded from the charts. Ironically, had Mike and the Mechanics released their first three albums in reverse order, they likely would have built a chart-topping dynasty to last well into the 90s.

Bottom Line: If you're building a Mechanics collection, then be sure to include this album. Otherwise, go for one of the first two releases or perhaps the Hits compilation.

Average customer rating: More please The soul of everyday life ... Over and Over Best CD of the year Best CD of the year

Word of Mouth Mac McAnally Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: No Problem Here Mac McAnally Live and Learn Knots Cuttin' Corners ASIN: B00000J7R2 Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

1. Looking Back
2. Cold Day In Hell
3. Things To Do Today
4. The Ass And The Hole
5. Pop Top Hop
6. Better Than The Good Old Days
7. Out The Window
8. The Way It Goes
9. Just One Forever
10. Against The Odds

Customer Reviews:

More please.......2003-03-11

Were it not for the fact that this CD was only 34 minutes long it would earn five stars. I waited years for this and you can only spare me a half an hour Mac? I hope you're spending the rest of the time remastering "Nothin' But the Truth" and "Finish Lines" for CD. Please. Mac is one of the truly wonderful singer songwriters alive today. His lyrical insight and his deft touch on the guitar are enough to make you cry. He's on heavy rotation on all my CD players at home. At any price, these are 34 minutes that you must have if you appreciate true talent in acoustic/folk style of music, but let's get on Mac to give us a full sixty next time. Waiting for the next Mac release (whatever it may be, or however long, regardless of my kvetching I'm hooked) as soon as it comes out.

The soul of everyday life ..........2001-11-30

Saw Mac at the House of Blues in Boston on Labor Day weekend, he was so-o-o great! Anyone who has listened to his lyrics finds he has great insight to the soul of everyday living. If you can find any of his music, or him in concert, its a must have/must go! His southern style reminds you of a spring Sunday on the porch with family and friends, thoughtful and fun, no frills. A member of the Coral Reefers, JB has even does some of his tunes.

Over and Over.......2000-06-03

Loved this cd. Heard one of the songs on Radio Margaritaville (Out the Window) and thought I'd give this CD a try. Didn't expect much but was completely surprised. Macs a classic storyteller. Don't miss this one.

Best CD of the year.......1999-09-12

I'm assuming that anyone who rated this CD at less than 4*'s did not listen to the same CD that I did. Mac writes excellent songs with definate storylines. Songs that stir up emotions, be they good or bad. You don't just hear his songs, you listen to them. Good music, good lyrics. Did I mention he has a good voice too? It's all here for the listening. Every song for me is a reminder of where I've been and where I hope to be. He is not hardcore, party-hardy country. He has something to say, be it through been there done that or humor, he writes it and sings it. Just give it a listen, if this is what you look for in a CD, you won't be disappointed.

Best CD of the year.......1999-09-12

I'm assuming that anyone who rated this CD at less than 4*'s did not listen to the same CD that I did. Mac writes excellent songs with definate storylines. Songs that stir up emotions, be they good or bad. You don't just hear his songs, you listen to them. Good music, good lyrics. Did I mention he has a good voice too? It's all here for the listening. Every song for me is a reminder of where I've been and where I hope to be. He is not hardcore, party-hardy country. He has something to say, be it through been there done that or humor, he writes it and sings it. Just give it a listen, if this is what you look for in a CD, you won't be disappointed.

Music Album:

1. 20 Best of Bluegrass
2. A Million Miles Away [CD-single]
3. Acoustic Workshop
4. Across the Blue Mountains [Enhanced]
5. Are You Now
6. Beneath the Sheltering Sky
7. Blue In, Blue Out
8. Boys of the Town [Import]
9. Breakfast Anyone?
10. Celtic Moods [Box set] [Import]

Music Album