Live Close by, Visit Often

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
K.T. Oslin's 1996 release, the woefully underappreciated My Roots Are Showing, honored her own eclectic musical underpinnings. This time, Oslin and coproducer Raul Malo of the Mavericks mix Oslin originals with pop standards. Oslin's sharp, focused voice deftly navigates the funky Memphis R&B arrangements framing "Live Close By, Visit Often" and "Somebody's Leavin' Somebody" and on the autumnal "I Can't Remember Not Loving You" conveys sensuality without artifice. Her acting talent transforms the story-song "Neva Sawyer" into a nearly six-minute minidrama. Though somewhat out of place, the pop standards "If You Were the Only Boy in the World," "Mean to Me," and "What Is This Thing Called Love" are all worthy, mature performances. In that context, they had to be kidding with the closing track, a bizarre techno-rap version of the 1951 Rosemary Clooney hit "Come On-A My House." If not meant as a joke, it reeks of pandering. That stumble aside, in an increasingly youth-oriented market, Oslin--who turned 60 in 2001--remains an oasis of hip, knowing class. --Rich Kienzle

Live Close by, Visit Often,K.T. Oslin,Bna Entertainment,Contemporary Country,Country,Country & Western,Country-Pop,Pop
Live Close by, Visit Often
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ditto on LOVE IT!
  • Visitation Awelcome
  • K.T.'s possible swan song is a moment to savor....
  • Love it!
  • K.T. why did I leave you?
Live Close by, Visit Often
K.T. Oslin
Manufacturer: Bna Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. My Roots Are Showing
  2. K.T. Oslin - Greatest Hits: Songs from an Aging Sex Bomb
  3. Love in a Small Town
  4. RCA Country Legends
  5. 80's Ladies

ASIN: B00005KBC9
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

  1. Live Close By, Visit Often
  2. I Can't Remember Not Loving You
  3. Somebody's Leavin' Somebody
  4. Drivin', Cryin', Missin' You
  5. Neva Sawyer
  6. A Moment Of Forever
  7. Mexico Road
  8. Maybe We Should Learn To Tango
  9. If You Were The Only Boy In The World
  10. Mean To Me
  11. What Is This Thing Called Love
  12. Come On-A My House

Amazon.com

K.T. Oslin's 1996 release, the woefully underappreciated My Roots Are Showing, honored her own eclectic musical underpinnings. This time, Oslin and coproducer Raul Malo of the Mavericks mix Oslin originals with pop standards. Oslin's sharp, focused voice deftly navigates the funky Memphis R&B arrangements framing "Live Close By, Visit Often" and "Somebody's Leavin' Somebody" and on the autumnal "I Can't Remember Not Loving You" conveys sensuality without artifice. Her acting talent transforms the story-song "Neva Sawyer" into a nearly six-minute minidrama. Though somewhat out of place, the pop standards "If You Were the Only Boy in the World," "Mean to Me," and "What Is This Thing Called Love" are all worthy, mature performances. In that context, they had to be kidding with the closing track, a bizarre techno-rap version of the 1951 Rosemary Clooney hit "Come On-A My House." If not meant as a joke, it reeks of pandering. That stumble aside, in an increasingly youth-oriented market, Oslin--who turned 60 in 2001--remains an oasis of hip, knowing class. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ditto on LOVE IT!.......2007-02-19

The combination of K. T. Oslin and Raul Malo is absolutely fantastic!

5 out of 5 stars Visitation Awelcome.......2004-01-20

Prime Cuts: Maybe We Should Learn to Tango, Live Close By, Visit Often, I Can't Remember Not Loving You

Though in her 50s, thanks to genius of lighting, Oslin looks like Shania's rival. Indeed, she is musically. "Live Close By," Oslin's "comeback" CD, finds her at her creative best. Every song has an identity of its own. The CD opens with an upbeat latino influenced title track. Here Oslin sings about the life of a single woman weathered by the trials and tribulations of romance. Backed with the occassional horns and an infectious melody, it's just a breathe of reality as she sings about independence and the unreliability of romance.

Another gem from this album is "Maybe We Should Learn to Tango." In terms of emotive uctions, this song ranks high up there with another Oslin classic "Hold Me." "Tango" recounts the tale of a desperate wife trying to salvage her marriage by giving it another goal through tangoing together. Sung with so much emotion, you could hear the pain ringing through Oslin's voice. "Drivin' and Cryin'," another heart wrenching ballad, comes close to being another favorite. "Drivin'" reminds me alot of Oslin's hit "New Way Home."

Despite being scarred by romance, not all hope is evaporated. Oslin does celebrate the power of love in "A Moment of Forever," a tender a tender ode to forever love. This song could easily be used as a wedding classic.

Moving away from romance is "Neva Sawyer"--a vivid story song about a barroom brawl. Oslin paints such a picturesque scene that you can't help but listen. Though the song runs above 6 minutes, you can't help but want to hear more episodes of Neva Sawyer. On the other hand, "Mexico Road," with its latino inflenced beat, is an upbeat decalaration of indepence.

Raul Malo, Oslin's co-producer, has never allowed himself to be pigeonholed. His own solo records and those with country group the Mavericks are testaments. With Malo on the helm, Oslin veers into unconventional territory as she gives us three short (almost medley like) standards. Her rendition of "Mean to Me" showcases Oslin's wit and sassiness that she brings to this pop standard. My only complain is that Oslin should sing all the verses of these standards, rather than singing excerpts of them all running just within a couple of minutes.

Though there are some very strong country songs ("I Don't Remember Not Loving You," "Tango,"), there's a surprise at the end. Oslin closes the CD with a dance version of Rosemary Clooney's "House." Ironically, the song became the biggest hit from this CD. While country radio shun Oslin from their playlist, dance clubs embraced "House" and has placed Oslin on the rungs of Billboard dance charts. Oslin on the dance chart, that's almost unheard of. But that's what this diva is capable of and lots more.

This CD has been one of my most played CDs. Every song is different and they are always interesting. With songs like this and talent so enoromous, I would echo Oslin's title track, please "live close by and visit often."

5 out of 5 stars K.T.'s possible swan song is a moment to savor...........2003-07-15

Not even a week after this cd was commercially released, Oslin stated that this would "more than likely" be her last album. With that said, she apparently chose to go out with bang. Was Nashville ready for this album? To answer that, I'll have to ask another question...Was Nashville EVER ready for K.T. Oslin and her music? The answer is simply, no. No one in Nashville was prepared to let a classy, intelligent, independent woman come in and take over-which is exactly what Oslin did in 1988 when she released the now classic "80's Ladies" album that spawned several number one hits and garnered Oslin a couple of Grammys to say the least. No one in Nashville knew then or even now how to compete with true artistry and a no-nonsense attitude for the business side of show business. Oslin does it her way or no way at all, and has made this very clear in her songwriting, producing, vocals, and personality that is put forth in each track of every album she's released. Charming, witty, and comedic, Oslin has "done it again" with "Live Close By, Visit Often". Culminating originals with a trio ensemble of pop standards, Oslin has once again proved her talent status to the rest of Nashville that keeps pushing cookie cutter material out to the bored mass of radio listeners. Radio ignored "Live Close By" because it was different, as is all of Oslin's music. In example, what other female country artist would have the guts or the brass to record a techno cover of Rosemary Clooney's 1951 hit "Come On-A My House", throwing in a "X-Files"-like spy guitar with India-influenced rhythm? No female country act could hold Oslin a light to go by when it comes to her musical standard and her display of stage presence and enough moxy to scare off even some members of the mafia-all of this of course is wrapped up in a sensual,funny,charming, and lovable American personality that choses to shine her own way...part Katherine Hephburn part Kim Catrall, Oslin knows now, just as she did when "80's Ladies" rocketed her to living legend, that she's got what it takes to keep it rockin'. With all that said, if you don't buy this album, it's your loss-you will simply be missing out on one of the few great singers that still has true feelings towards the word "artist". Oslin may stand on her own terms, but as far as status-she's there with the living greats...Midler, Streisand, Franklin, Parton....do I have to keep going?

5 out of 5 stars Love it!.......2002-12-22

Somebody's leaving somebody!! Down -to -earthy lyrics sang by a down- to- earthy (earthy?) lady!

3 out of 5 stars K.T. why did I leave you?.......2002-10-24

It took Oprah to get me back on the K.T. Oslin bandwagon. I had to have this CD after seeing her perform recently. I was a jukebox listener then fan of 80s Ladies and Cornell Crawford. Live Close By Visit Often makes me laugh and remember how much I loved K.T. back in the 80s. I also had to get Love in A Small Town on CD to satisfy my K.T. cravings. Raul Malo (of The Mavericks fame) brings out even more sass and style in a great singer who has always been sassy and stylish. No longer bound by the conventions of quote Country Radio, K.T. gets groovy and saucy with an almost salsa flavored beat on "Somebody's Leaving Somebody", the tune she performed on Oprah. The title track verves and jives with a singer who knows what she wants, "live close by visit often, that'll work for me!" "Neva Sawyer" shows K.T.'s strength as a songwriter and a singer of great story songs ala "Mary and Willy" from her previous recordings. Drivin, Cryin' and Missin' You shows what else K.T. does well, the heartbreaking sad song. Hopefully her Oprah visit will add renewed interest to this great singer/songwriter and she will indeed get to "visit often".
Live Close by, Visit Often
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Don't know how this album escaped me!!!
  • Visitation Long Overdue
  • Better Than Ever !!!!
  • It's Been Waaaaaay To Long !!!!!
  • "The Diva" returns!
Live Close by, Visit Often
K.T. Oslin
Manufacturer: Bna Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. My Roots Are Showing

ASIN: B00005ABHF
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

  1. Live Close By, Visit Often
  2. Maybe We Should Learn To Tango

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Don't know how this album escaped me!!!.......2006-05-26

I just purchased this CD a few days ago (better late than never) and its been playing ever since. Don't know how I missed spotting this album as it is just as fun, lusty, and full of life as every past release from Ms. Oslin. K.T.'s fantastic version of the classic, "Come-on a My House", with its sexy 007 swank and sass is a great place to start. A surprising departure in style, yet K.T. is spot on in the cool groove. The title track is a song you will be singing out loud. K.T. does it with her signiture "stand back or I might bite ya" style. Neva Sawyer will make you laugh--a great song I want to see K.T. perform live(a hint.)"Drivin', Cryin', Missing You" reminds me of my all time favorite K.T. song, "New Way Home." Buy this CD, by all means and if its your first K.T. cd, welcome to the fan club. K.T. please keep making us laugh, keep making us feel good. Keep making music!!!

5 out of 5 stars Visitation Long Overdue.......2001-03-31

K.T.'S returns with a sassy and sensous tune that she has co-written with Maverick's helmsman Raul Malo and famed writer Kostas. "Live Close By" has the trademark of Oslin's sensous lower registered drawl as she sings about her independence as a modern day woman and her need for romance. Backup by some brilliant horns over a bluesy-country tune, this song is so melodious and witty that you can't help but sing along with it in no time.

The second track on this single "Maybe We Should Learn to Tango," another Oslin/Malo original, is the followup to her hit "Hold Me." "Tango" is a slow pensive ballad chronicling a desperate couple's attempt to rekindle their well extinguished passion. A track drenched with so much emotions that will leave you capticated. One of the best songs Oslin has had ever done since "Hold Me."

These two songs are just a forestaste of what's yet to come... KT's brand new CD for 2001 "Live Close By, Visit Often." But while we wait, these two songs will be our constant reminder why our "80s Lady" still knows how to tango two decades later.

5 out of 5 stars Better Than Ever !!!!.......2001-03-28

I have loved all of K.T.'s albums and "Live Close By and Visit Often" is the best of all. I can't wait for her new album. It's also great for line dancing such as Electric Slide but others, too. Just buy it !!!!

5 out of 5 stars It's Been Waaaaaay To Long !!!!!.......2001-03-16

The K.T. we love and have terribly missed, is back in perfect form. Loved the two new singles(Live Close By & Maybe We Should Learn To Tango) and anxiously awaiting the (whole) new CD. K.T.'s throaty blues still rocks !!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars "The Diva" returns!.......2001-02-17

Shes baaaaaaaack!! K.T. Oslin is back after 5 years of silence with a new single "Live Close By (Visit Often)"! This song is a great pop-blues tune with a full horn section and big voice back-up singers, but no one sounds better than K.T. herself! Her voice shines with powerful tones and throaty growls, reminicent of Wynonna! K.T. wrote this song herself and it just prooves how great her full new album will be when its released in June! Welcome back Ms. Diva, we missed ya!....KtOslinFans
Live Close by, Visit Often
Average customer rating: 0 out of 5 stars
  • just what i wanted
Live Close by, Visit Often
K.T. Oslin
Manufacturer: Bmg Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | 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
ASIN: B0009CTWQM
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

  1. Live Close by, Visit Often
  2. I Can't Remember Not Loving You
  3. Somebody's Leavin' Somebody
  4. Drivin', Cryin', Missin' You
  5. Neva Sawyer
  6. Moment of Forever
  7. Mexico Road
  8. Maybe We Should Learn to Tango
  9. If You Were the Only Boy in the World
  10. Mean to Me
  11. What Is This Thing Called Love?
  12. Come On-A My House

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars just what i wanted.......2007-01-14

i've been looking for this album for time.
it came in really good condition and is now part of my playlist.
Live Close By, Visit Often and 4 Other Songs (CD Sampler)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Live Close By, Visit Often and 4 Other Songs (CD Sampler)
    K. T. Oslin
    Manufacturer: BMI
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000N90CLK

    Product Description

    Promotional CD Sampler Track listing: 1. Live Close By, Visit Often (3:47) 2. 80's Ladies (4:12) 3. Come On-A My House (4:13) 4. Hold Me (4:40 5. A Moment Of Forever (3:57)
    Live Close by, Visit Often
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Live Close by, Visit Often
      K.T. Oslin
      Manufacturer: Bmg Special Product
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | 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
      ASIN: B0009CTU5U
      Release Date: 2004-11-23

      Tracks:

      1. Live Close by, Visit Often
      2. I Can't Remember Not Loving You
      3. Somebody's Leavin' Somebody
      4. Drivin', Cryin', Missin' You
      5. Neva Sawyer
      6. Moment of Forever
      7. Mexico Road
      8. Maybe We Should Learn to Tango
      9. If You Were the Only Boy in the World
      10. Mean to Me
      11. What Is This Thing Called Love?
      12. Come On-A My House

      Music Album:

      1. Live, Laugh, Love
      2. Live [Live]
      3. Look for the Wind
      4. Love, God, Murder [Box set] [Collector's Edition] [Original recording remastered]
      5. Minstrels in Motley
      6. More Bad Times
      7. Morning Way ... Plus [Import]
      8. Move! The Guitar Artistry of Hank Garland
      9. Mr Fox the Gypsy [Import]
      10. Music from the World: Tambourinaire

      Music Album

      Music Album