Vh1 Storytellers [Live]

Amazon.com's Best of 1998
Two of the greatest artists in country music history swapping stories and songs! How could anything go wrong? The truth is, meetings of legends often fail to meet expectations. Perhaps this one works because the concept is so simple: two men exchanging their signature songs and stories behind them. Johnny checks in with "Don't Take Your Guns to Town," Willie retorts with "Funny How Time Slips Away," and so on. Nothing wrong with that. --Steven Stolder

Amazon.com
Taken from the VH1 special Storytellers, this album is, as Cash explains in the notes, "two guitars, two stools and (me) and Willie." That perfect concept doesn't disappoint--the Man in Black and the Redheaded Stranger deliver moving guitar-and-voice performances of their best-known compositions and a few of their finer covers, Cash's deep rumble taking turns with Willie's fragile tenor over 15 songs. Both legends provide beautiful moments throughout, though the edge might have to go to Cash, since, in line with the show's concept, he frequently recounts the stories that inspired his art. Nelson, however, mainly limits himself to revealing that he wrote his three greatest songs ("Funny How Time Slips Away," "Crazy," and "Night Life") all in one week. The stories behind why he wrote them remain untold. --David Cantwell

Vh1 Storytellers [Live]

Vh1 Storytellers,Johnny Cash,Willie Nelson,Sony,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: Better Better You Bet. essential Old Guys Have a lot to Tell an amazing album Love this album

VH1 Storytellers Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson Manufacturer: American Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: American Recordings American III: Solitary Man Unchained American IV: The Man Comes Around At San Quentin ASIN: B000068FWG Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

1. (Ghost) Riders In The Sky
2. Worried Man
3. Family Bible
4. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
5. Funny How Time Slips Away
6. Flesh And Blood
7. Crazy
8. Unchained
9. Night Life
10. Drive On
11. Me And Paul
12. I Still Miss Someone
13. Always On My Mind
14. Folsom Prison Blues
15. On The Road Again

Customer Reviews:

Better Better You Bet........2006-10-30

Just went over all the reviews. Hardly a bad word to be heard. You won't get one here either. This CD just gets better with each listening. Producer Rick Rubin's gift for making stripped down music works again. He produced all John's records from 1993 until John's death. It was one of the best producer/artist teams ever. On this CD, starting with "(Ghost) Riders In The Sky" right up 'till "On The Road Again," all cuts flow smoothly. Intimate? Spin this CD in your rec. room and you'll think John and Willie came over for coffee, sang some songs, said they had a ball and left. Play it in the car and it's like they came along for a ride. It's a great recording. It's highly recommended. Enjoy!

essential.......2006-06-08

for some reason i resisted getting this album for a long time. man, was i wrong....it is an amazing set of tunes, with 2 of the greatest songwriters ever. althought this was recorded at pretty much the end of johnny cash's live career, it ranks as one of the most powerful performances i've heard by the man in black. cash and willie weren't actually very close friends, but their banter and interplay on this record makes it seem like they were.

Old Guys Have a lot to Tell.......2006-04-18

This CD is excellent. Fans of either or both legendary performers will find this CD to be very enjoyable.

Every Johnny Cash song has a story behind it. We can thank the Irish song "Clancy Lowered the Boom" for Cash's song "Don't Take Your Guns to Town". Also, the story Cash tells for Folsom Prison Blues is right in line with how the movie "Walk the Line" tells the story. Willie makes it possible for Cash to perform Folsom Prison Blues at this show because he performs the two 25 second guitar arrangements the in the song. Johnny's incredible baritone voice is as rich and full as ever and you will love it here.

We all know Willie Nelson's songs, the unique sound of his guitar and his voice. This CD also tells you how funny he is. He has a sarcastic humor that will make you laugh. He is witty and just flat out humorous on this CD. Like so many other products of his work, this CD shows why he is the real legend that he is. It shows we can enjoy him with or without a band because he has such a broad ability with his guitar. Willie is just a joy to listen to no matter what is going on around him.

This CD brings together the music, talent, history and spirit of the two men because there is no band to go along with their talent and ability. It's just the two legends with guitars, singing to a small audience. Because of that, this CD helps you appreciate them as well as enjoy them.

an amazing album.......2006-02-24

this is not a country album, it is simply music. one of the best albums i have ever heard. sublime, artistic, and the music and performance itself is just beautiful. can't wait for the DVD, and i have purchased perhaps a dozen copies of this album for friends, everyone has loved it.

Love this album.......2006-01-18

To be all honest I really don't like country music and I can't stand most of what they play on country music stations. So with that in mind I love this album Johnny Cash (I happen to have really enjoyed for many years and think he is by far one of the most talanted songwriters ever) and Wille Nelson (who is just classic) combined together are absolutly oustanding. The comments inbetween are great and I would highly recommend this album even to those that don't like country music.

Average customer rating: JOHN, What were you thinking??? Nice collection from a cool show... Poor recording quality plagues the CD.... Inconsistent A few surprises

VH1 Storytellers Various Artists Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | 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 Similar Items: The Very Best of MTV Unplugged Very Best of MTV Unplugged, Vol. 3 The Very Best of MTV Unplugged, Vol. 2 Live On Letterman : Music From The Late Show Unplugged Collection, Vol. 1 [LIVE] ASIN: B00004STQB Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. China Girl - David Bowie
2. Edge Of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
3. Back On The Chain Gang - The Pretenders
4. Rain King - Counting Crows
5. Crash - Dave Matthews
6. Who Will Save Your Soul - Jewel
7. Stay - Lisa Loeb
8. Regarding Steven - John Popper
9. Mexico - James Taylor
10. Strong Enough - Sheryl Crow
11. Here Comes The Rain Again - Eurythmics
12. Carnival - Natalie Merchant
13. Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp
14. Just A Memory - Elvis Costello
15. How Deep Is Your Love - The Bee Gees

Amazon.com

It's difficult to fathom the thinking behind this overview of VH1's popular Storytellers series. Begin with the fact that the actual stories are expunged from the recording. If you want the tales behind the songs, you'll have to read the booklet. So the music is left to stand on its own, but with each of the 15 artists allowed one selection to make their mark, even those that stand tall don't stand for long. David Bowie brings a tremendous focus to "China Girl"; Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks mix their voices in "Strong Enough" to striking effect; and the Eurythmics's "Here Comes the Rain Again" improves upon the hit original. On the downside, Jewel's caterwauling in "Who Will Save Your Soul" (the singer gets tangled up in a ball of yarn as she meows into the mic) makes one want to use "scat" in the feline rather than the Fitzgerald sense of the term. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

JOHN, What were you thinking???.......2005-11-19

I love to hear different versions of songs I like, at least if they are well done. This CD is excellent in that respect.

Eurythmics approaches "Here Comes the Rain Again" with an acoustic guitar and a slower tempo than the original.

David Bowie opens China Girl with solo piano before returning to original tempo with a full band (SRV is not in this recording.)

"Crash" is done just right with ONLY 2 acoustic guitars, the way it was meant to be done.

Even John Cougar's tired old "Jack & Diane" gets new life, it's a tuff, tight version with a few new tricks...which is where my beef comes in...John Cougar Mellencamp rapping??? No,no - I don't think so...but sadly, yes. He screws up an excellent performance trying to show off his tan. He gets into the stereo-typical "Say Go Bo-z, go Bo-z" chant - I kid you not, and that's the good part.

JCMellencamp, you ain't a rapper. Know your limitations, son.

Anyway, that's the only reason I docked the CD 1 star.

The CD has a number of performers I don't much care for, but they are all versions worth having.

Nice collection from a cool show..........2004-09-12

Nice collection from a cool show. Includes David Bowie, Stevie Nicks, Pretenders, Counting Crows, Dave Matthews, Lisa Loeb, John Popper, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Eurythmics, Natalie Merchant, John Melloncamp, Elvis Costello, The Bee Gees and "surprise...surprise" the strongest cut Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel. They did it right by not including the preceding story of each song on the CD but they did print them on the liner notes, therefore you won't have to listed to intro over and over. But where's the original storyteller Ray Davies? And wouldn't Bruce Springsteen be great on this show?

Poor recording quality plagues the CD...........2000-11-30

Maybe the person mastering the recording had a bad day, but I found it difficult to listen to, even though I enjoy alot of the music. Also, the magic of the Storytellers series is lost, because they omitted the artist's telling the stories. The stories are printed in the liner notes. Jewel gives a very good romp in "Who will save your soul". John Popper of Blues Traveler does a very interesting piece, which is an open letter to Satan regarding Steven, a childhood friend who had several tragic moments in his life. "Rain King" is excellent! With all of these wonderful tracks, it is a shame the recording wasn't mastered very well. I have relegated the disc to my work desk, where it plays through cheap computer speakers. I would have rated it much lower, but the content it very good and is the only saving grace of the disc. Audiophiles need not apply, as you will be utterly disappointed.

Inconsistent.......2000-07-28

"VH1 Storytellers" has some definite high points, such as "Rain King" (Counting Crows), "Crash Into Me" (Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds), "Regarding Steven" (Blues Traveler), and "Jack & Diane" (John Mellencamp). However, the low points on this CD are so low that it makes for a difficult listen, like the endless meandering at the end of "Who Will Save Your Soul?" (Jewel). All in all not a bad CD but, again, difficult to listen through from beginning to end. The best song on this CD is "Rain King". Give it a listen.

A few surprises.......2000-07-28

Missing the stories! They are in the liner notes... but most of the poignancy of the "Storytellers" events is in the actual TELLING of the stories... I really love Counting Crows' "Rain King" but have a hard time listening it severed from Adam Duritz' introduction. Then again... after one or two "hears" of the stories it would likely get pretty old... after all, it is all about the music. Thus, four stars instead of three. As for the music: Those of you who must have your music polished and technically perfect... you'll never get the soul... as Jewel obviously does. So she's no Lady Day... but I was very impressed just the same. She is a throwback to that old Janis Joplin/Carole King/Joni Mitchell improvisational stuff from the '70s and I personally LOVE it. Best part... her little snicker (those who've heard it know what I'm talking about - she was having a good time). Stevie is wonderful, as is Bowie and Dave Mathews... but the hardest piece to ignore is that haunting, edgy Blues Traveler piece. It grows on me... at first I really didn't want to deal with it and then it occured to me that it's been a while since I heard commercial music that required one to "deal with it". Good show, John Popper... Annie Lennox and the guitar... let's have some more of that, Annie... Annie? Annie? Will we EVER have another fully original CD from you? John Cougar had fun but was absurd... one listen to that was enough. If I want rap I'll listen to Tupac. Let's not talk about Barry Gibb, and better leave that Lisa Loeb piece alone... a great rendition but WHY did they put it right behind Jewel? Pacing is not one of the stengths of this CD, but it is a collection after all. Still, the strength of five or six songs is worth the CD. I have read a review or two expressing dissapointment that only one song per artist is presented... well, that is the point of a collection... remember "MTV Unplugged"? If one wants more than one song per artist... buy their CD... (I'd say download it but RIP Napster...). OK, 4 stars it is. Buy this CD. It's a good one. Who knows... maybe your kids will even like it, John Cougar notwithstanding.

Average customer rating: Live disc is incredible - great music AND great musicians nicely surprised Culture Shock Time of my life Culture Club tells their story to VH1

VH1 Storytellers/Greatest Moments Culture Club Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Don't Mind If I Do ASIN: B000009OGP Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. Church Of The Poison Mind
2. Miss Me Blind
3. Move Away
4. I'll Tumble 4 Ya
5. It's A Miracle
6. That's The Way (I'm Only Trying To Help You)
7. Strange Voodoo
8. Black Money
9. I Just Wanna Be Loved
10. What Do You Want
11. The Crying Game
12. Victims
13. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
14. Time (Clock Of The Heart)
15. Karma Chameleon

Tracks:

1. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
2. Time (Clock Of The Heart)
3. Church Of The Poison Mind
4. Karma Chameleon
5. Victims
6. I'll Tumble 4 Ya
7. It's A Miracle
8. Miss Me Blind
9. Move Away
10. Love Is Love
11. Everything I Own
12. The Crying Game
13. I Just Wanna Be Loved

Customer Reviews:

Live disc is incredible - great music AND great musicians.......2005-09-08

Like any person who grew up in the 80s watching Mtv, I was well aware of Culture Club. Boy George's open transvestitism shocked plenty in those days, but even that couldn't overshadow the popularity of their hits: Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, Church of the Poison Mind, Karma Chameleon, etc. Still, while I didn't dislike Culture Club, I never really got into them either. All of that changed when I caught their "StoryTellers" performance on Vh-1.

The live recording is amazing. The band is incredibly tight, the sound is deep, and each of the individual instruments sound great and are mixed very well. It sounds pristine on my stereo. Yet make no mistake: Culture Club is a band, not merely Boy George surrounded by some back-up group. Granted they were never one of those "musician's musicians" bands like Rush, Yes, or Joe Satriani, but I think other musicians would be surprised with what Culture Club has to offer. Nevermind the fact that the songs in and of themselves are great -- these guys play incredibly well too.

Speaking as a bass player myself, I've got to say that Mikey Craig has to be one of the most underrated players out there. His lines are complex yet nicely weave into every song he plays. In fact, I'd say that his bass playing alone was my main drive for buying this CD set! "Miss Me Blind", with its locked-in rhythm section, was the one that first particularly caught my ear. Also, as one would guess from the format of VH-1's "StoryTellers" show, the live disc has the band answering some questions and sharing personal anecdotes about some of the songs.

Of course, if you want to hear the hits in their original studio format, they're here too. The studio disc doesn't match the live set list song for song, but in and of itself it serves as a nice "Best of" compilation. I can think of maybe one song from the radio and Mtv that desn't appear on either disc, but overall I can't complain. Whether you're a casual fan looking to buy one compilation, a die-hard fan wanting to hear the reunion, or a musician looking for some unexpected pleasures, I think there's a little something on this release for everybody.

nicely surprised.......2004-01-17

i was really surprised when i listened to this cd for the first time , me , like probably most of the people that were on their teens when culture club came out ,was more impressed by o'down's style than culture club's music , being this always a distraction from their musical quality .however , many years after the boy-mania , their music takes the main stage in my interest , and is very true that if you wanna know how good a band really is , you have to listen to them live , and this cd is proof that they're no only great musicians , but george is also a great singer ( a lot of people used to think they were just the result of studio tricks )some songs seem to have had added to a little reggae to them , others a little funk , that makes great versions even when these detais are most of the time almost imperceptibles .this cd and the release of "don't mind if i do" proves that the quality of this band can overcome not only time , but their success based only on boy george's looks .you also get a second cd that maybe better and more complete than most of the hits copilations out there , and for real fans i strongly recomend their box set of 4 cds with demos and never before released songs, it may seem a little pricey but it's worth every penny .

Culture Shock.......2001-12-28

Throughout the early 80's, Culture Club ruled the charts with their catchy music and energy. This is one of the many greatest hits albums ever released.

The only difference in this collection, is that the band actually reuniteed on VH1 Storytellers in mid '98. The full storytellers performance is featured in this collection, including songs that weren't even on the show.

Also, another collection of greatest hits is also here. Songs like Church of The Poison Mind, and It's A Miracle, still keeps listeners interested in their music. Although Boy George might not be the chameleon he used to be, his charm still bites up new listeners.

Time of my life.......2001-07-12

I was 15 when Boy George and his (her?) group were singing "Do you really want to hurt me?" in my parties; I learn to kiss while dancing with "Victims"; "Karma Chamaleon" accompanied me and my friends on our summer holidays ... I learned that nothing lasts forever when the group broke up in 1986. What can I say ? Melancholy for the live CD (however a great live performance),more melancholy for the studio CD.

If you were a teenager in the 80's buy it: it's nice to remember those good (at last for me) times.

Culture Club tells their story to VH1.......2001-03-15

Culture Club's 1998 reunion is a two Cd set:1, a live; 2, a compilation of all their hits. This was definetey something alot of us have looking foreward to for a long time. Sadley, Helen Terry was not there to attend this event (don't ask me why, I'm just as clueless as you might be). Howver, Zee Cowling took her place quite well (with her rock n'roll strength in "Church of the poison mind," and emotion in "Victims"). All the other band mates are there, and Georges beautiful voice sounds ever so strong. He can still bring a tear to an eye when singing the timeless "Do you really want to hurt me?." Packed with some new songs:"Strange voodoo," (from their new album "Don't mind if I do") and "What do you want?" And of course the other CD is great with all their hits, (including 2 of Georges solo songs) closing it with the song of their first reunion attempt, the beautiful "I just want to be loved." I really like this alot. I think I speak for everybody, and myself when I say, or ask: WHERE IS THE VIDEO?!

Average customer rating: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson Vh1 Storytellers [LIVE] Amazing Masters At Play If only it was available on DVD Brilliant

VH1 Storytellers Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Milk Cow Blues American Recordings American III: Solitary Man The Highwaymen - On the Road Again Highwayman ASIN: B000007NBH Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. (Ghost) Riders In The Sky
2. Worried Man
3. Family Bible
4. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
5. Funny How Time Slips Away
6. Flesh And Blood
7. Crazy
8. Unchained
9. Night Life
10. Drive On
11. Me And Paul
12. I Still Miss Someone
13. Always On My Mind
14. Folsom Prison Blues
15. On The Road Again

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Two of the greatest artists in country music history swapping stories and songs! How could anything go wrong? The truth is, meetings of legends often fail to meet expectations. Perhaps this one works because the concept is so simple: two men exchanging their signature songs and stories behind them. Johnny checks in with "Don't Take Your Guns to Town," Willie retorts with "Funny How Time Slips Away," and so on. Nothing wrong with that. --Steven Stolder

Amazon.com

Taken from the VH1 special Storytellers, this album is, as Cash explains in the notes, "two guitars, two stools and (me) and Willie." That perfect concept doesn't disappoint--the Man in Black and the Redheaded Stranger deliver moving guitar-and-voice performances of their best-known compositions and a few of their finer covers, Cash's deep rumble taking turns with Willie's fragile tenor over 15 songs. Both legends provide beautiful moments throughout, though the edge might have to go to Cash, since, in line with the show's concept, he frequently recounts the stories that inspired his art. Nelson, however, mainly limits himself to revealing that he wrote his three greatest songs ("Funny How Time Slips Away," "Crazy," and "Night Life") all in one week. The stories behind why he wrote them remain untold. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson Vh1 Storytellers [LIVE].......2006-04-06

This CD is excellent. Fans of either or both legendary performers will find this CD to be very enjoyable.

Every Johnny Cash song has a story behind it. We can thank the Irish song "Clancy Lowered the Boom" for Cash's song "Don't Take Your Guns to Town". Also, the story Cash tells for Folsom Prison Blues is right in line with how the movie "Walk the Line" tells the story. Willie makes it possible for Cash to perform Folsom Prison Blues at this show because he performs the two 25 second guitar arrangements the in the song. Johnny's incredible baritone voice is as rich and full as ever and you will love it here.

We all know Willie Nelson's songs, the unique sound of his guitar and his voice. This CD also tells you how funny he is. He has a sarcastic humor that will make you laugh. He is witty and just flat out humorous on this CD. Like so many other products of his work, this CD shows why he is the real legend that he is. It shows we can enjoy him with or without a band because he has such a broad ability with his guitar. Willie is just a joy to listen to no matter what is going on around him.

This CD brings together the music, talent, history and spirit of the two men because there is no band to go along with their talent and ability. It's just the two legends with guitars, singing to a small audience. Because of that, this CD helps you appreciate them as well as enjoy them.

Amazing.......2005-03-09

I have had this album for over 5 years and can never get enough of it. Stripped down and bare bones at it's best!

Masters At Play.......2001-10-01

This album is essentially a best-of for both Johnny and Willie. Musically, it's slightly less than stunning, but it does reveal the fact that Willie could have been one hell of a jazz guitarist. The vocals are what you'd expect.

No, the real prize here is hearing the songs stripped down, without production...we get to hear Cash classics like "Don't Take Your Guns To Town" without the intrusion of a producer or a "perfect take." Nelson also benefits with renditions of songs like "Crazy" and "Night Life."

And then there's the banter...two old friends bs'ing in front of a studio audience. Wonderful stuff...it'll leave you with a glow in your heart. (We even hear June Carter offstage.) Music fans should look into this. Really. It does get slow once in awhile, but that's my fault, not theirs. Enjoy.

If only it was available on DVD.......2001-06-13

This is the best of VH-1's Storytellers/MTV Unplugged type recordings. If only they would release it on DVD. These men are more than singers, songwriters or troubadours. Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson are American icons. This spontaneous collection is a delightful and humorous testament to a tremendous body of work. It is a must have.

Brilliant.......2001-04-02

That Sums It Up, Because The Whole CD Is Brilliant.

Johhny & Willie's Stories, Their Voices, And Most Notably Willie's Excellent Guitar Playing On Some Of The Breakdowns; What More Could You Want. But There Is One Semi-Complaint is That "Ring Of Fire" Which Was On The Show Is Not On This CD, But Still The CD Is Quality In Every Aspect.

Average customer rating: Good Performances, but the "Stories" Fall Short Awesome, but DVD is better!

VH1 Storytellers Meat Loaf Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | 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 | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Definitive Collection Live Dead Ringer Bat Out Of Hell III Rock 'N' Roll Hero ASIN: B00069A5YQ Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

1. All Revved Up With No Place To Go
2. Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back
3. Story
4. You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Nights)
5. Story
6. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)
7. Lawyers, Guns And Money
8. Story
9. More Than You Deserve
10. Story
11. Heaven Can Wait
12. Story
13. Paradise By The Dashboard Light
14. Story
15. Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
16. Story
17. Bat Out Of Hell
18. Is Nothing Sacred (New Single Version)

Customer Reviews:

Good Performances, but the "Stories" Fall Short.......2005-10-04

For the most part, Meat Loaf's career has been defined by his relationship with master songwriter Jim Steinman. Meat Loaf would provide the vocals to two albums that would define both his and Steinman's careers - 1977's "Bat Out of Hell" and 1993's "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell". These albums would basically be two Rock Operas that could be attributed to the theatrical background of both Meat and Steinman. In between the 16 years of these two albums, Meat Loaf's career had much of a rollercoaster ride. It would go into decline following his follow-up to "Bat Out of Hell" - "Dead Ringer". Eventually his career would bottom out in the mid 1980s. As the late 1980s came about, Meat began to revive his career by hitting the road and playing small venues. As Meat would develop a large cult following, this would help lead to a reunion with Jim Steinman. While many may criticize Meat Loaf for having limited success beyond Steinman's concept albums, the fact is that the partnership works. Steinman provides the musical infrastructure for Meat to deliver some of the most passionate vocals in the business - and Meat's passionate vocals help bring Steinman's concepts to life. Meat's musical relationship with Steinman has always intrigued me. In addition, the rollercoaster ride of Meat's career also has intrigued me. Thus, when I found out that Meat Loaf would be making a "VH1 Storytellers" installment, I was very excited because I was hoping to learn a lot of new information about these things that intrigued me. While this album doesn't satisfy my curiosity about Meat's career or his partnership with Steinman, it does provide some very good music.

"VH1 Storytellers" was actually the name of a television series that aired on the VH1 cable network. This show would feature artists, playing their music in an intimate live setting and telling stories about their music and their careers. As a result of the success of this series, many of the episodes would be released on Video and CD. The premise of this show seemed a perfect fit for an artist like Meat Loaf - who has had such an intriguing career. However, as mentioned - the "story" aspect of "Meat Loaf: VH1 Storytellers" does fall a bit short.

The concept of this "storytelling" isn't really something radically new. While Billy Joel is an artist who did "Storytellers", Joel actually did something similar outside the "VH1 Storytellers" umbrella. In 1997, Joel would release a 4 CD Boxed Set called "Billy Joel: The Complete Hits Collection". In that set, one of the discs was entitled "An Evening of Questions and Answers and a Little Music" - containing tracks arranged in pairs. The first track in the pair contains Joel "answering a question" (with a lot of humor) from the audience on why he did a particular song or how something influenced him musically. The second contains an unreleased version of a song that was addressed in the question. On the tracks where Joel answered a question, I felt I actually learned something. There was a great deal of depth that was provided - and I thought it was a positive.

The problem with "Meat Loaf: VH1 Storytellers" is I didn't get the depth to satisfy my curiosity for Meat Loaf. Meat does talk about his relationship with Steinman - and you do get some little tidbits. However, I felt I didn't get my fill and it probably created more questions in my mind than answers. There is also nothing that addressed the rollercoaster ride of Meat's career in the 1980s. Overall the "story" pieces are shorter than the ones Joel provides on his Boxed Set. This might be because this was edited for television - or to get the collection on one CD. However, longer answers would have been better served here. Meat even makes a point of this when he jokes about he is running over on time.

I did find the music satisfying on this collection. It probably isn't the strongest live work I've heard by Meat Loaf - but it still isn't bad. Overall, I think Meat Loaf's "Live Around the World" collection is going to provide better live performances. The nice thing about this collection is you will get some different spins on a lot of old favorites - these spins are even different from "Live Around the World". Most of the music from the collection is going to come from the original "Bat Out of Hell" album (6 of the 7 tracks from "Bat Out of Hell" are represented here). There are also two songs from "Bat Out of Hell II" ("Life is a Lemon And I Want My Money Back" and "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)"). There is a song from the early days of Meat and Steinman's theater work - "More Than You Deserve". Finally, there is one rare track, "Lawyers, Guns, and Money" and one unreleased track "Is Nothing Sacred" - both of these tracks show Meat can do stuff beyond the Steinman work.

Meat's classic "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is on here. This song is performed in a true theatrical sense whenever Meat does it live - and nothing is lost here. There is a terrific exchange between "Boy and Girl" at the end of the song. I'm a bit disappointed that a shortened version of "I'd Do Anything for Love" was performed here. The one thing that made this song special was the 12 minute epic version that was included on "Bat Out of Hell II".

The liner notes contain lyrics, however it is disappointing that there are no lyrics included for "Lawyers, Guns, and Money" and "Is Nothing Sacred". There is a great write-up by "Storytellers" Executive Producer Bill Flanagan on the making of Meat's installment of "Storytellers". Despite the shortcomings of the "stories", this is a satisfying collection for a Meat Loaf fan and worth getting.

Awesome, but DVD is better!.......2005-08-28

This is awesome! Some very good Meat Loaf songs, with a few laid back piano ones. But some also Hard Rockin' tracks mixed with Meat Loaf's voice and passion. Its not the Neverland Express you see today, although there are some of the ones you see today.

It has two songs you won't see on the DVD, and it cuts the stories in pieces. Its a visual show, but the disc makes it audio show too. The stories are funny and damn right intimate. It has one of my favourite live covers of Heaven Can Wait on it.
Plus, the best version of More Than You Deserve vocally, its a shame they didn't play it all! Another piano ballad, on par with Heaven.

But then you have You Took The Words, Lawyers GUns And Money and the most awesome Bat Out Of Hell!! Life Is A Lemon great, but not as metal sounding as today's guitarist Paul Crook handles it. You'll like this CD if your up for some Live Meat songs and funny stories, the DVD gives you a face, more humor, new songs and longer stories and song extensions.

Do I still have to say, that you won't hear the 70's Tenor with the high voice that you heard in 1977. But its still as rockin' and a real treat to have to hear Meat do these big numbers live. He sounds as good today than he's have before, just a bit older, but that's expected of a 54 year old rocker, so cut him some slack, Ozzy don't sing like he used too!

Average customer rating: Ringo sings (mostly) familiar songs and sounds really great Great, Relaxed Performance From Ringo A damn good time This live CD is better than the studio recordings. Great Ringo live set!

VH1 Storytellers Ringo Starr Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Ringo Starr Goodnight Vienna Tour 2003 Vertical Man Ringo Rama ASIN: B00000DBYY Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. With A Little Help From My Friends
2. It Don't Come Easy
3. I Was Walkin'
4. Don't Pass Me By
5. Back By Boogaloo
6. King Of Broken Hearts
7. Octopus's Garden
8. Photograph
9. La De Da
10. What In The...World
11. Love Me Do
12. With A Little Help From My Friends
13. 'I've Got Blisters...'
14. The End

Amazon.com

On the most famous Beatles song that John Lennon and Paul McCartney deigned to let him sing, Ringo Starr asked the musical question, "What would you do if I sang out of tune / Would you stand up and walk out on me?" Decades later, most of us are still keeping our options open. Yet Starr remains the most accessible Beatle, and the most pragmatic--even he wouldn't try to claim that he could get by without a little help from his friends. On VH1 Storytellers, his friends include his backing band the Roundheads--classic-rock vets Joe Walsh, Mark Hudson, Jack Blades, Simon Kirke, and others. The set samples the best of his solo career ("Photograph," "It Don't Come Easy," "Back Off Boogaloo") and tosses in some Beatles tunes ("Octopus's Garden," "Don't Pass Me By," "With a Little Help...," "Love Me Do"). But it devotes too much time--fully a third of the disc--to his recent and mostly weak album, Vertical Man. Through it all, though, Starr is charmingly self-deprecating, a little proud (referring to the Beatles as "that other band"), and a pretty good storyteller, revealing (not for the first time) how the fourth Beatle often felt like a fifth wheel. A little something to tide you over until his next All-Starr extravaganza. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Ringo sings (mostly) familiar songs and sounds really great.......2004-11-18

How much you like this "VH1 Storytellers" CD with Ringo Starr will depend not so much on whether you like the former drummer for the Beatles (what sort of person would not like Ringo Starr?), but how much you like his album "Vertical Man." That is because every track on this album that I do not care for invariably came from the album that Ringo was plugging when he appeared on "VH1 Storytellers." But the good news is that the rest of the show is above average, both for the performer and the venue.

You have the three best of Ringo's solo efforts, "It Don't Come Easy," "Back Off Boogaloo," and "Photograph," all of which are solid live versions of familiar songs, along with several of his most recognizable Beatles songs, starting with "A Little Help From My Friends" and then going on to "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden." The treat for Beatles fans is a nice "modern" version of "Love Me Do." There are a lot of concert albums in which Ringo sings these same songs, but this time around the backing band sounds really good. This would be the Roundheads, consisting of not only Joe Walsh on guitar but Jack Blades, Gary Burr, Jim Cox, Steve Dudas, Mark Hudson, and Ringo himself, and the fact is that they sound a lot better than Ringo's usual All-Star ensembles. For that matter, Ringo sounds great, utterly at ease with both the material and his place in the history of rock 'n' roll.

Of course a lot of the actual telling of the stories behind the songs has been eliminated from the CD, but Ringo does tell a couple of short but still entertaining anecdotes about the original first line of "A Little Help From My Friends," debating with George Harrison about what he is willing to sing about in "It Don't Come Easy," and looking for a tape recorder in the middle of the night to get down his idea for "Backoff Boogaloo." The question of who had blisters on their fingers is resolved as well. The result is that the best tracks here are Ringo Starr at his best, and you can just skip the four promotional efforts.

Great, Relaxed Performance From Ringo.......2004-02-22

First, a disclaimer: I am a Beatles fan, and have always been particularly fond of Ringo for his good humor, his ability to smooth out conflict (especially in the tumultuous 1968-1969 time frame), and his funny 'backward' drum fills. Having said that, it's obvious to virtually everyone (including Ringo himself) that he is not as noteworthy a songwriter or as good a singer as his more famous cohorts. That's one counterintuitive reason that I give this CD five stars: given his relatively limited vocal range, this is an amazingly well done CD, with very strong vocals from Ringo, in many cases better than the studio originals.

Ringo is in great form and great humor here and has, honestly, never sounded better. The band is great, and appears to be having a great time, and the audience is obviously delighted. The other main reason I went with five stars was for the funny and enlightening commentary by Ringo between tracks in keeping with the 'storyteller' motif VH1 established for the series. Ringo is always cheery and his self deprecating sense of humor, especially in explaining the origins of "Don't Pass Me By", is a refreshing change from the norms of contemporary self indulgent rock stardom.

Standouts were "Don't Pass Me By", which sounds better than ever (and on which Ringo plays the piano!), "Love Me Do" (which has another great introduction), and "It Don't Come Easy". Do not miss the entertaining story about the Marc Bolan inspiration of "Back Off Boogaloo", in which Ringo is a veritable stand up comedian. My only niggling complaint would be about the 'updated' back up vocals on the greatest of all Ringo songs, "Photograph", which have been converted into more of a doo-wop sound, which is not in keeping with the original as written and recorded by Ringo and George. Despite this minor point, this is a great CD, and I endorse it heartily.

A damn good time.......2003-03-14

The VH1 Storytellers album offers listeners a chance to catch Ringo Starr playing his hits and his latest batch of hopefuls while being backed by an "All Starr" band. The offer is one that you should definately not refuse. Simply put, the VH1 album is a damn good time! Ringo's warm humor and love for performing comes across vividly on the album, which gives listeners the feeling that they're sitting only a few rows away from the action. The Beatles era songs are represented well, with an absolutely rocking version of "Love Me Do" coming near the album's close. The solo hits also sound great - the harmonies on "Photograph" are beautiful, and the song sounds as powerful as ever (Powerful? Ringo? Laugh now, listen later). Even the "Vertical Man" songs are enjoyable; the infectous would-be children's anthem, "La De Da", has you singing along after a minute or two, and "What In the World" features a chorus that sounds like something Paul would have written. If you're looking for familiar songs and funny stories laced with Beatles nostalgia, pick up the Storytellers album. It won't change your world, but it may make your day seem a little more pleasant.

This live CD is better than the studio recordings........2001-12-25

I was pleasantly suprised by the quality of the music of this live recording. Ringo's vocals are good (for Ringo) and his "Roundheads" band provides excellent backup. There are a couples of songs that kind of drag but I recommend this album highly.

Great Ringo live set!.......2001-01-25

Ringo and friends (including Joe Walsh) provide a well-playedset that's a mix of classics and material from Ringo's new (and underrated) album "Vertical Man." This recording is from his recent appearance on VH1. He sounds great!

If you're a fan, this is a great record of Ringo live. If you're new to Ringo (and the Beatles) this is a good place to start. Recommended.

Average customer rating: NOT BAD,NOT GREAT EITHER. Doesn't Disappoint A Collector's Album disapointed disapointed

VH1 Storytellers Meat Loaf Manufacturer: Beyond Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | 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 | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Welcome To The Neighborhood Bat out of Hell II: Back into Hell Bat Out Of Hell III ASIN: B00001OH96 Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. All Revved Up With No Place To Go
2. Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back
3. Story
4. You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Nights)
5. Story
6. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)
7. Lawyers, Guns And Money
8. Story
9. More Than You Deserve
10. Story
11. Heaven Can Wait
12. Story
13. Paradise By The Dashboard Light
14. Story
15. Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
16. Untitled
17. Bat Out Of Hell
18. Is Nothing Sacred (New Single Version) (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

NOT BAD,NOT GREAT EITHER........2006-11-10

I'M A BIG MEAT FAN AND HIS VOICE IS NOT GREAT ON THIS ALBUM.IT SOUNDS LIKE HE PLUGS HIS NOSE WHEN HE SINGS.AND THE SONGS THEMSELVES BY THE MUSICIANS ARE NOT GREAT EITHER.BUT YOU DO LEARN ALOT ABOUT THE SONGS BETWEEN EACH ONE.

Doesn't Disappoint.......2005-09-17

This CD is full of classic Meatloaf music, plus a couple that were new to me. I enjoyed listening to Meatloaf tell his stories about each song, though the audio on the stories was much lower than on the songs. The result being you have to keep adjusting the volume, and could be taken by surprise when transitioning quickly to a song. Well worth the nuisance though. The only other note was, this being a live recording, the pace was slightly slower than on in studio recorded songs, which caused a few stumbles on my part while attempting to sing along in the car. A great CD!!

A Collector's Album.......2004-03-25

This record allows listeners to learn more about the background of Meatloaf and gives insight into the songwriting process. Though an entertaining album, buyers should have a genuine interest in the actual stories behind the songs because much of the album consists of Meatloaf talking with the audience about the experiences Jim Steinman and he had trying to sell the songs to a label. Additionally, most of the songs are shortened to accomodate for all of the conversation. This album is a great addition to someone looking for a comprehensive Meatloaf library but it is not a fun album to sing along with and it is not as elaborate as a true concert album.

disapointed.......2003-03-30

i cant rate this cd as much as i would love to as i cant buy it in the uk other than on the web going to las vegas soon though so i hope to buy it there

disapointed.......2003-03-30

i cant rate this cd as much as i would love to as i cant buy it in the uk other than on the web going to las vegas soon though so i hope to buy it there

Average customer rating:

VH1 Storytellers Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000E97YYM Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky
2. Worried Man
3. Family Bible
4. Don't Take Your Guns to Town
5. Funny How Time Slips Away
6. Flesh and Blood
7. Crazy
8. Unchained Melody
9. Night Life
10. Drive On
11. Me and Paul
12. I Still Miss Someone
13. Always on My Mind
14. Folsom Prison Blues
15. On the Road Again

Album Description

Out-of-print in the US. Warner.

Average customer rating:

Greatest Hits {Limited Edition} Billy Idol Manufacturer: CAPITOL ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000LWKAYS

Product Description

CONTAINS 2 DISCS: DISC 1" TRACKS: 1. DANCING WITH MYSELF 2. MONY MONY 3. HOT IN THE CITY 4. WHITE WEDDING (PT. 1) 5. REBEL YELL 6. EYES WITHOUT A FACE 7. FLESH FOR FANTASY 8. CATCH MY FALL 9. TO BE A LOVER 10. DON'T NEED A GUN(SINGLE EDIT) 11. SWEET SIXTEEN 12. CRADLE OF LOVE 13. L.A. WOMAN (SINGLE EDIT) 14. SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM 15. REBEL YELL (LIVE & ACOUSTI) RECORDED LIVE 12/11/93 FOR KROQ'S ACOUSTIC XMAS - UNIVERSAL AMP. 16. DON'T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME) NEW RECORDING ALL TRACKS 24-BIT DIGITALLY REMASTERED DISC 2: BONUS ENHANCED CD FEATURES FROM VH1 STORYTELLERS 1. BLUE HIGHWAY 2. KISS ME DEADLY 3. TO BE A LOVER (VIDEO)

Music Album:

1. Waltzie [EP]
2. What Mattered Most
3. Whoopsy Daisy
4. 12 Songs of Christmas
5. 18 Greatest Hits
6. 30 Dobro Classics
7. 60 Greatest: Country Dude Classics & Country Diva Classics
8. A Gentle Evening with Townes Van Zandt [Live]
9. A Proper Introduction to Gene Autry: Don't Fence Me In
10. Acoustic [Original recording remastered]

Music Album