Search - Jim Reilley :: Return of Buddy Cruel

A songwriter's songwriter

moose_of_many_waters | Palo Alto, CA United States | 10/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are all kinds of smart writers out there who put out fabulous albums that never get the recognition they deserve. And this is one of those albums. The dude can write a great lyric in his sleep or at least it seems effortless and that's what the best songwriters do.



There is irony here in spades, which is one reason this album was probably ignored. There is understated intelligence here in big quantities as well, another reason this album had problems in the marketplace. Imagine a mix of the brain and body of Woody Allen and Dave von Ronk and it just might sound something like this. Definitely original. It's the kind of music a songwriter loves to hear, but requires cafeful listening that radio just won't allow anymore.





The writing is old school pithy, the production and musicianship are fabulous, and while Reilley's voice is nothing to write home to mom about, it gets the job done. Some big names may cover one or two of these songs one day with a tacky production and have a quirky hit on their hands. But this is like finding water at its source where it's pure and fresh.



Buy this album and listen to it straight through. Then turn on your favorite AAA radio station and chances are you'll feel like the radio is cheating you of an opportunity to enjoy great music. Because comparing this album to contemporary radio is like comparing filet mignon to hamburger."

The "Return of Buddy Cruel" will be nice to you.

moose_of_many_waters | 08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before listening to the CD I wondered who was Buddy Cruel? When did he leave? Where did he return from? But the title is appropriate. On a CD where the love and life are presented it is familiar experience for all that love and life can be both our "Buddy" and also be cruel. This CD will transport you to that place where your brain relaxes and contemplates simultaneously. Acoustic sounding with a full production this CD is one of the best I've heard lyrically in some spell. You will enjoy for sure."