Search - Joe Ely :: Love & Danger

Al F. from CHARLOTTE, NC
Reviewed on 1/8/2010...

Not one of his best

ANOTHER GEM FROM AUSTIN'S FINEST

Patrick Earley | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 08/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After his previous 2 albums he did for Hightone Records, both of which featured a more rootsy blues rock sound, Ely returned to fine form and a record label change to MCA with "Love and Danger". This one is at the top of my list of best Joe Ely studio albums. This cd also featured Ely's biggest hit with "THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER". I did a doubletake the first time I heard this song on the radio. I've never heard any of Ely's songs on the radio, much less a mainstream country station. I don't know if that's good or bad, but nevertheless this is a great country rocker that was written by Robert Earl Keen, and featured another great Austin artist, Ian Moore on guitar. There are many songs on this cd though, that deserve equal billing. He does 2 fine rockers with "HIGHWAYS AND HEARTACHES", and SETTLE FOR LOVE", both of which feature Ely's regular guitar player David Grissom, who is probably one of the most underrated guitar players around. It's the songs that cross the border between rock and country that Ely has always done best. A couple great examples of this, and my favorites here are "SHE COLLECTED" and another song written by Robert Earl Keen "WHENEVER KINDNESS FAILS", which features some nice background B3 organ playing by Reese Wynans, from Stevie Ray's Double Trouble band. The cd ends with a heartfelt interpretation of the excellent Dave Alvin tune "EVERY NIGHT ABOUT THIS TIME". A great slow burning country tune. Love and Danger is an impressive and well recorded album of equal parts rock and country, with some of the best songwriting Ely has ever done. Joe Ely still remains one of Austin's best kept secrets. Highly recommended!"

Unforgettable - a genuine hidden gem

Gary Galbraith | 05/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In May 1993,I went to see a Bruce Springsteen concert in Dublin and he brought Joe Ely on for an encore to duet on "Settle for Love",advising us afterwards to check out Joe's new album "Love & Danger" as it was "great rock'n'roll"..Despite knowing next to nothing about Joe's music,I went out next day and bought this album based solely on Bruce's recommendation (he's rarely lacking in taste) and the performance I'd just seen.I cant believe that this album isnt better known and recognized universally as a rock'n'roll classic. I have about 1500 albums in my collection,and this one certainly belongs in my top 20 favourites. Its packed from beginning to end with great songs,super driving rock'n'roll played in a way thats too rare these days,beautiful story-songs and wonderful melodies that will make you tape your feet and stay in your brain forever.I've since discovered much of the remaining albums in Joe's back catalogue,but for me,this one remains his masterpiece.Perfect music for a long drive!"