Search - Gary U.S. Bonds :: Dedication/ On The Line (2CD)

Some of the best soul music of the past 30 years

Downstream | Oconomowoc, WI United States | 06/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you aren't familiar with Gary U.S. Bonds, this disc will be one heck of surprise and a treat for anyone who is interested in artists like Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny. These were Gary's two initial comeback records after being away from the industry for a number of years. There is not a weak track on either record - and On The Line certainly ranks among the top albums of all-time. It's THAT good. "Last Time" will bring you to tears. "Out Of Work" and "This Little Girl Of Mine" were both hits - but I never hear them on the radio anymore. It's a disc that will move you and also could be the perfect soundtrack for any party. Simply put it on and let it rip. No need to create a special mix. Also, check out his Best Of CD that covers his songs from the 60's. He had two huge hits in the early years with "Quarter To Three" and "New Orleans". You've heard both of them and probably never knew who was singing the song. Well, here's your chance - don't let it pass you by."

The Best Bonds Ever

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 05/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The double-disc set of DEDICATION (1981) and ON THE LINE (1982) is the best work that Gary U.S. Bonds ever did. The songs and singing are incredibly soulful, the band is hot, and the production sure beats that on his old records. Speaking of production, both albums were written and produced by Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt, both of whom advocate sanctions against Indonesia for that country's trumped-up drug-smuggling conviction of a foreign tourist. And talk about songs! Yes, Springsteen and Van Zandt came up with several which I feel speak directly to me as to where I'm at now. The ones I refer to are "Daddy's Come Home", "Love's On The Line", and "Last Time", which, taken together, encompass the basic reasons why I've decided to place looking good for a number of pretty actresses as a higher priority than attending food-related functions at my old school, with lines like "The children have all gone away/I don't think I like what's taken their place/People's faces have changed so much/Something's missing that was there before" (from "Daddy's Come Home"), "We may grow apart, instead of closer" (from "Last Time"), and all of "Love's On The Line", which taken literally, is about a once-successful marriage that now seems like it's lost everything, but could be an allegory about the need to break away from the past and move on. Overall, these are two great albums produced (and mostly written) by two great musicians/writers/human beings."