Endless Wire

Normally I don't dwell on what others say in these reviews. I focus on the music itself. In this case though, I have to make an exception. The negative reviews on this stun me. The basic conclusion I draw is that those who don't like this album just want their favorite artist to churn out the same album over and over again. Deviate just a bit, and the knives come out. From reading some of these reviews you'd think Gord went heavy metal or Las Vegas on us. Instead a couple of songs feature very tasteful electric guitar and, in other cases, some gorgeous strings. For those contemplating buying this record, I would just say listen to each sample; you'll quickly see how powerful a piece of work this is. The classic Lightfoot sound is well represented here in majestic pieces such as Dreamland, Sometimes I Don't Mind, Sweet Guinevere, If Children Had Wings, and If There's a Reason. Daylight Katy is one of the most memorably melodic tunes GL has ever written (and he's written dozens). Hangdog Hotel Room puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. Despite what one person has said here, the re-write of The Circle is Small is a tour de force -- preserves what was great about the original and adds some musical depth. Songs the Minstrel Sang is a sprightly romp that conjures up Gordon's great tune, Don Quixote. I am in awe of the talents of Gordon Lightfoot. Every album has so much to offer. This is absolutely on par with his very best. Give it a try.

As I've said on other reviews of Gordon Lightfoot's work, I bought several CD's together in anticipation of seeing him in concert, wanting to familiarize myself with more of his work. The only other CD I'd owned had been "If You Could Read My Mind", so I have always associated him mostly as a ballad & folk singer. Listening to these several new purchases, I was surprised at the many different directions his music took. This one, however, was not my cup of tea. Very distinctly country, which is not my genre, I did not find it the pleasant listening experience I'd hoped for. With the exception of the first track, "Daylight Katy", which has a bit of a catchy tune, which I believe was the only song he did from this album in concert, I found the rest repetitive & way too country for my taste. I actually gave it away!!

This album is often criticized by fans who wished for a continuation of the hits contained on earlier records. I always thought that this album included some of Lightfoot's best, and most interesting, songs. I like to play Lightfoot's music on the guitar and a lot of these songs, particularly the title tune and "Daylight Katy", are just fun to play. The album also included one of Lightfoot's best compositions, "If Children Had Wings". Sure, "Songs The Minstrel Sang" is a dud. But it is really the only one. Not his best, but far from his worst, and well worth picking up.

Gordon Lightfoot's delivery is always easy to listen to, even on the faster songs. He's warm and comfortable, like a favorite flannel shirt. This album is no exception. While it may lack any songs that I would call masterpieces, most of them are thoroughly enjoyable.

There are three out of ten that I sometimes skip: "Songs the Minstrel Sang" just bores me, because it seems ordinary. It's not beautiful or exciting or inspirational or sad or funny or anything that most of his other songs are. "Sometimes I Don't Mind" is unusual, in that it uses a string section that tries to sound disco without really succeeding. Actually, I wouldn't like it any better if it did succeed. Lightfoot seems to think the title song is one of his best pieces of work, since he recorded it again for his Greatest Hits vol.2, but I disagree. I know it's unique in its varying tempo and alternate major/minor keys, but somehow it just doesn't work for me.

Having said that, I want to emphasize that I really like the rest of the album. My favorites are "Daylight Katy", "Dreamland", and "If Children Had Wings." A memorable radio moment is "The Circle Is Small", which embodies some of Gordon's best background vocals, and that trademark 70's guitar work, so mellow and sweet. Overall, 7 keepers and 3 skippers is pretty good. Besides, most other reviewers seem to disagree with
me about the skippers, so I'd say definitely give this album a listen. All of Lightfoots albums are worth the money, if you ask me.

Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest composers of his genre. This album is for anyone who is a fan of his genius. He's changed gears slightly from his prior album, Summertime Dream, but again he's scored a winner. Ballads ala Gordo, play on! My favorite song on this album is, Endless Wire.