Search - Allison Moorer :: Show (CD & DVD)

Let's hope that this little secret gets out...

C. Heinrich | Oyster Bay, NY USA | 08/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...that Allison Moorer is EASILY one of the best country artists of her generation. Album after album she proves it. Even her first time at bat, 1998's sublime "Alabama Song", was sheer perfection. This live set is a knockout. She sounds as strong in concert as she does on record. And to think, I missed a chance to see her perform last year. I won't make that mistake again. You want to talk about a bargain? This set is a bargain at twice the price. The DVD contains the full concert on the CD, as well as a track that is not on the CD. All that for the price of a single CD? I think this just might be a first. (Yet another reason to be sure you are in the DVD generation--this kind of thing would have never happened with a VHS tape.) The best treats here are the duets with her sister, Shelby Lynne. They absolutely soar on "Going Down", and they break your heart with "Is Heaven Good Enough For You" (fans of either artist probably already know about their horrible family tragedy some years back). But it's all good (even the Kid Rock duet isn't bad). As good as the studio albums are, something new is brought out of each song in live performance. I can't wait to see her live. I can't explain it, but this is a very special live recording. You'll quickly know what I mean when you hear/watch it. Allison's lack of mainstream success baffles me. Out of nowhere she received an Academy Award nomination for 1998's "A Soft Place To Fall". She has an almost-famous sister. She's a great singer and songwriter. Her music is accessible to country lovers of all kind. And on top of all of that, she's beautiful! Heck, she's even done a duet with Kid Rock. How many millions of albums has he sold?? Hopefully country fans (alt or mainstream) will wake up and find out what they're missing. Allison Moorer isn't going to jump out at you and make you listen. She'll draw you in. But you need to spot her before she can do that. Let her."

Unbelievable!

C. Heinrich | 08/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Allison Moorer's voice has the feel of the warm honey and whiskey that my mother used to give me for a sore throat when I was a kid. It has strength and kick, while also maintaining a soothing, sweet quality. This live CD shows off that amazing voice, as well as those of some special guests. My favorite collaborations are Going Down, Is Heaven Good Enough for You and Bring Me All Your Lovin' with Moorer's sister Shelby Lynne (whose voice is equally strong if not quite as deep). Moorer also debuts the kick-bum new song I'll Break Before I Bend - her take on the recording industry and the compromises that you have to make to get your music played on the radio. She also includes an excellent rendition of Neil Young's Don't Cry No Tears. Throw in a bonus DVD of the concert, and Show is well worth the price of admission."

What a voice ! (And what a deal)

Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 05/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Her voice has the same timbre as Wynona's but her material is more country and less pop. Her lyrics are often more emotionally raw and her delivery better attuned to the words and music. I also wonder why Universal South and MCA kept Ms. Moorer's light under a bushel for so long, and maybe that explains her recent move to Sugar Hill (DUEL is her fine, first release on that label).She's an artist who cares about her audience, and releases full disks of great music with wide dynamic range. Indeed, you can even find this release, without the free DVD, on hybrid SACD.This set would be a fine introduction for those who have never heard her sing (as would her new edgy, new release on Sugar Hill). What gives this set the edge, though, is its very generous program of new songs and a bonus DVD which includes the entire set on video -- a good thing because Ms. Moorer is at least as pretty as she is talented.The only negatives here involve some duos with sister Shelby. They sound a little shrill at times (though Shelby is a good harmonist) and some of their improv is a little repetitious and wearing. And Kid Rock's appearance towards the end of the disk is a mystifying event. Skip it unless you have the interest.Small complaints aside, it's wonderful to see real talent rise in America without hype, skin and lots of b-side grooves. SHOW is a rousing, moving performance for anyone who values great country music delivered by a fabulous singer who is evolving in all sorts of good ways. As a plus, it will also let you show off your audio system because it's beautiully recorded.Buy now, without reservation."