Search - Robert James Waller :: Ballads of Madison County

The one who stayed home

Rommy M Henley | Ft Smith, ar United States | 10/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This mans music takes me home. Espesially the piece "Idaho Rain".
Reminds us all off the sweet heart who left, while we stayed safe at home. I wish this man had other music avaliable."

Golden Apples Of the Sun...

Betty Burks | Knoxville, TN | 09/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The ten cuts on this CD are all good. Robert James Waller, author of the book BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY sings these songs with verve and feeling. He had performed in road houses, like Rodney Crowell, and has a way with the ballad. His renditions of 'Wabash Cannonball,' 'Tangerine,' and 'Idaho Rain' were fantastic.



However, his narration of 'Golden Apples of the Sun' taken from Yeats poem, "The Song of Wandering Aengus" was the best on this collection. It can't be beat by anyone, even Orson Welles. I wanted to share it with Chuck Southcott on his birthday last month, but he didn't want it. Too Bad. He doesn't know what he missed. 'The Dutchman' and 'Girl From the North Country' are enigmatic and well-done.



Waller is an all round good artist in music and writing. He has a new novel out and I can't wait to read it."

You won't realize how good it is until you hear it twice

04/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is scary good. I purchased it in 1993 because I liked the movie and thought this was the related original soundtrack. Surprise; it's not! I was disappointed at first because not one song on this CD is in the movie.



But, I gave it a second listen on its own merit a month later and today, 14 years after the purchase, it is always on the top 5 list of albums, and I have thousands of CDs. This music does not fit into any particular category or genre which is why it is so good. Have you ever had a song you wanted to just "belt" out while taking a shower when no one was around? This CD is full of just those kinds of songs and the range of styles, tempos and beats is awesome. And who knew a banjo (Wabash Cannonball), could sound so good?



Finally, this is the CD that keeps on giving. How??? One of these days, you'll be driving home from a long day at work and you'll punch up this CD, you'll be a bit distracted by a long day's work and you'll "actually" listen to the words of the songs; you'll be blown away I promise. "Idaho Rain", "Wabash Cannonball" and "The Dutchman" will take you to another place and time. "Tangerine" and "Blue Suspenders" are unique and not easily classified but easy to fall in love with. The only song that remotely echoes the themes in the movie of the same name is "The Madison County Waltz". All in all, its quirkiness makes it one of the few surprises a music lover will appreciate. And as for Mr. Waller, he sings darn near as well as he writes.



That's my take. Enjoy - Mike Way

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