Reviews (page 5 of 7)
4/10 - pretty boring without many interesting factors.
Some great tracks here (Love's Enough is a straight up masterpiece), but most of them did not catch my attention.
Comes across a little like showtunes. I don't hate showtunes, but I don't often listen to an entire album of them.
Unfortunately, I didn't really have a chance to read the lyrics while listening to this, so I'm sure I missed some of the meaning. On its own, the music sounds just alright to me. While I enjoy this kind of theatrical/orchestral music on occasion, his voice doesn't really do anything for me.
An interesting listen, not something i see myself coming back to
Really wanted to like it - especially given how much influence it has on artists I love. But damn.... side B was a tough listen. 2.5 stars - but it's gonna get a 2 all said and done
No idea what to expect here. I'm getting touches of early Scott Walker solo, Divine Comedy sort of thing. Sometimes Randy Newman. Theatrical. Second track, yeah, I get the Neil Diamond comparisons. Fully less my whole deal. Track 3 is fully a song from a musical which doesn't exist. Great if you like that sort of thing. Okie doke, several tracks on, I am bored. There are good bits, but overall, not for me. I did very much enjoy Waiting For the Moving Van. That's a lovely little song. It's also clearly the inspiration for the Man From Delmonte song Waiting For Ann, which I love.
This is pretty weird. It's like he wants to be a classical composer, but his parents forced him to learn guitar and he ended up like a busker or something. It straddles the world of folk/country/singer-songwriter and classic cantata with a full wind ensemble. It just doesn't really do either thing well, though and ends up just being okay. I think if you took this album's idea and spent 2-3 years with some of the best artists of today (in both the county and classical worlds), you could make an incredible album. But that just isn't this. Favorite Song(s): Another Friday Night
This sounds like a musical. I really don’t like musicals. But objectively, it seems like it is good if you like that sort of thing. Which I don’t. At all. So it’s a 1/5 for me, but for musicality, I’ll give it 2.
Budget Neil Diamond with a splash of racism here and there.
Noh.. enpä jaksanut tällä kertaa kuunnella montaa kipaletta..
Levyä kuunnellessa tuli mielikuva, kuin olisi kuunnellut vanhempaa animaatioelokuvan soundtrackia. Kappaleissa oli paljon erilaisia musikaaleista tuttuja elementtejä. Artistilla myös vahva tarinan kerronnallinen ote. Jännä levy.
Not for me, but had some nice songs.
Sounds like a broadway show at times, other times it sounds good, but not often.
A symphonic, theatrical fever dream, agree with most of the sentiment that David was improving here. This was very theatre kid sounding, very grandiose sounding, the over enunciation of lyrics, its all there. Not my preference, entertained me for 40 min, but not worth a look back imo.
Lounge lizard music
Lounge vibe
Two stars for ambition I guess
This was original, I'll give it that
Kind of baroque-poppy, like Scott Walker with shades of Leonard Cohen, but nowhere near as engaging as either.
A bit much.
overly religious, somewhat overwrought. A real "it insists upon itself" vibe with this one. Not great.
The music says grassroot folk artist, the vocals scream elitist broadway nerd
Didn't get sold
Ludicrous kitchen-sink melodrama doggerel showtunes, on depressing topics. Ooft. No thanks. Although, saying that...
good music, too bad it all sounds the same
I don’t know that I needed to listen to this guy’s musical about middle America. But I’m pretty sure it might have been like the 1010th or 1011th best album of all time. Oh man, it just missed.
wow, wordy songs w bible references …a bit too much for me
This didn’t do a lot for me
This sounds like an off-broadway musical that I missed. I understand why Elton John reached popular and critical acclaim, but this fellow didn't.
The reviews made this seem like this was going to be some sort of Nick Drake level genius, that was undiscovered. This was like a bad play no one wanted to watch.
2.5
faaaaaack no
There were elements of things I liked here - the orchestral arrangements, the folksy singing, the weirdness - but the odd theatricality of it all was offputting. 2.5, though it could go up if I listened again.
1.5 I’d say. Started promising, steeply downhill
Interesting album. Some songs had nice stories, but I just didn't really connect with a lot of them. Oh, California is a lot of fun, and Love's Enough is very sweet. The rest of the album is ok. Best song: Oh, California
Such high hopes for an album is never heard of. But it’s Neil Diamond with extra schmaltz.
I definitely enjoyed several of these songs. 43 minutes is kind of long for this guy’s style imo. Ending on a slow 10 minute song is a bold choice. It is overall poetic and the piano is beautiful. I got some Billy Joel vibes for sure but it dragged on at times. I had to look up the Blues for Billy Whitecloud because that shit felt like a turn and if it was purely David Ackles making up a ballad about some Native dude I would’ve rated this lower. Turns out it’s referencing some short story by a Native American guy so I guess I’ll let that “he was okay for an Indian” line slide because I assume it’s a direct reference and not just a hot take. I enjoyed the first 6 songs but couldn’t keep my interest up much longer. High 2, low 3
If David Bowie were Mountain Dew, and Meatloaf were Dr. Pepper, this album would be like mixing Great Value's Mountain Lightning and Dr. Thunder. Not the ingredients you wanted and probably wasn't ever going to be good in the first place. Two for the composition.
On my drive home today I thought hey I should listen to the album of the day. It wasn't until I started playing it that I realized wait a second, I already listened to this on my drive-in. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this album is pretty forgettable.
That was a struggle
Started out well but became a bit theatrical without the charm. An odd fit but not without some merit.
OK.
Meh
Singer-Songwriter. Dramatischer Gesangsstil. Geht mir auf die Nerven.
I was hoping for magic and got a very mediocre card trick
Hmm, a bit overdone, more than a bit sentimental, even maudlin. I cringed at the "warn ya/California" rhyme. Still cringing as I write. Do show tunes and that orchestration fit with the advertised Gothic? I think his voice (and songs) belongs with Broadway, not with Folk or Americana, or whatever this was supposed to be. Makes me think of Billy Joel and bad Bernie Taupin.
Teenage Kicks is a favorite!
I suspect this might come off as more pretentious and high-minded than it really is, but then again, maybe not. Either way, this quasi Broadway musical approach to writing and performing is impossible for me to warm up to.
boy, this really grated on my nerves from note one. maybe i was just in the wrong headspace to enjoy this.
It got better after the first song but that’s not saying much
- We have Leonard Cohen at home. Leonard Cohen at home:
Reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn. Too theatrical for me.
interesting album, not really my vibe
Not quite
This started off bad and didn't get much better as it went on.
Well that was underwhelming... i'm afraid had to skip a few of the tracks as they sunk under the melodrama. Shame as a few moments are good - but then theatricality kicks in and I switch off.
American Gothic is super weird. It's like an off-broadway show soundtrack but it's hard to get into it because it's so niche you really have to focus in on it and give it your full attention. Someone in the review said it sounds like Neil Diamond and I can't get that out of my head either. Anyway, it's not good per se, but it is interesting, and has its charms, but if you're gonna do something like this it needs huge moments of crescendo and celebration like all good musicals, and this never does that. Give it a 2, why not.
This is odd. Like a low budget musical in parts, but doesn't have the energy to make it work properly, it's an album full of musical filler songs and that is not really a good result from something that could've been really quite interesting. Lyrically it's also a bit weak, lots of awkward rhymes that don't really work. 2/5.
If you look at the face of the woman in Grant Wood's American Gothic, I shared that same expression while listening to this album. There is a chance this music is too..."advanced"? maybe...for me, but I think maybe it just kind of sucks.
Bernie Taupin serving as Ackles's aide isn't enough for me to extend any accolades to this mannered folk cabaret.
I get that it's unheralded but, I also do not wish to herald it.
I was glad to see other people compared this to Nick Cave and Scott Walker, because that was my initial impression. I REALLY didn't like this but since it wasn't psychedelic rock, I couldn't find it in me to be annoyed about it.
This guy has a good voice. Oh, California was good. Everything else seemed pretty pretentious and self-indulgent.
I get that he was an unsung hero, and never found his real fanbase. I can also see why.
Tiene bases y arreglos muy buenos, pero la voz es un embole, como un recitado bien yankee y grave inaguantable.
Songs i know: hahaha Songs i like: last 2 songs. 70s black midi vibes to start, then just turns into a score from a mental musical. Doesn't surprise me that a) this guys solo work never really took off and b) he ended up working in theatre. Apparently he sucked off eltons fella or something? Either way I respect him but I won't be coming back. Last 2 songs are maf. Low 2.
Weird vibes. Sounds like a vaudeville Nick Cave at some points, like a broadway musical at others and occasionally a bit like Nick Drake. I don’t think that’s *necessarily* a bad thing, but it won’t be to everyone’s taste. Ultimately, not my bag. There’s some nice folk tunes on here but they tend to get a bit subsumed by the campy stuff. Highlights: American Gothic, Oh California!
Music like this is why there was a music revolution. David Ackles apparently never got the hint. This is quite awful in just about every aspect. One has to wonder what the guy was listening to growing up - Pirates of Penzance? I think I enjoyed one track - but by then I was drunk.
melodramatic singing in my opinion. he has a kind of theater kid voice for some reason. a few good songs like "Oh, California", but the rest of the songs seem like it's teasing/progressing to a big moment, but that moment never comes
Very dated but some bits sound good.
Album 590 of 1001 David Ackles - American Gothic (1972) Rating : 2.5/ 5 He has a big following and has been mentioned as an influence for many successful artists. This just didn't resonate that strongly with me. Brought to mind Leonard Cohen but didn't hit the same bar. It has its place but my shelf isn't it.
Unfortunately didn't do much for me. I didn't care for it, and already am forgetting what specifically I didn't care for. 2.25/5
Who knows what this is! Starts off slightly interesting and becomes quite funny. Final ten minute 'epic' seals the deal for the two.
perfectly fine folk that is ruined by show tune performances. Why did he do that? He couldn't sing the songs normal style? I don't think this needs to be remarked upon any further.
It's shit
Plays very much like a musical. Ok at times. Gets old though.
Most of it is a snore fest. It's only saving grace for me is Oh California. It reminded me of a song from the show Over The Garden Wall. This music would fit well on Broadway but it's not for daily listening.
No, thank you
This was okay. It was some good some got a little stale.
With utmost drama Near narrative poetry Rambles through the mind
Didn't like that much at all. A few tracks sounding like they should have been in a musical.
Inte min stil, kändes som Disney-soundtrack
It's all very theatrical, like a bad musical from the 70s, and how you feel about that will go a long way to determining how much you enjoy this album. In my case, not very much.
Feels more like a musical
Interesting, kind of Neil Diamond meets Stephen Schwartz. Intriguing until the religious stuff kicks in and then it becomes a hard pass--Jesus, the bible, and women turning to satan, no thanks!
This is the worst pop opera I've ever heard
The second he started singing is the second he lost me
I don’t like this songbook kind of stuff at all.
Haven’t listened much
Det føles lidt for meget som at se en dårlig musical
Neil Diamond type beat. Pirates-of-Penzance-core.
After taking a year + break, I’m catching up on the ones I’ve not reviewed (that kind of put me off the project in the first place!)This is one of them, I’m 3rd track in, and I’ve just gotta let it go. 2 because I didn’t give it a real chance, and David Ackles to be fair, does have a decent set of pipes!
He's passionate I'll give him that. I am sad to learn this is the root of Elvis Costello. We could have stopped this. Will I listen to again: 0%
Pretty shit
Based on the cover art alone - I was convinced I was gonna like it. Unfortunately, I did not. I come from a country where sung poetry is a pretty big thing and we consider it our specialty. This was really bad in comparison. Firstly, the lyrics are bland and sometimes cringe (One night stand). Then, even when you get at least the beginnings of a song, melodies - you are suddenly hit with weird theatricals, which I thought were unnecessary and annoying. Then, when you finally get to the end of the album and you're thinking oh, that wasn't as bad as other reviews might suggest - you get hit with everything that's bad with the album at the same time. Too bad, because from what I gather, David Ackles is quite revered among other artists. But this is just not doing anything for me. 1.5/5 - I'm upping it to 2 because it's just so different from all the bland rock albums I got recently.
Yeah man, this is a bad album to come back to, Not my style of music at all, and i feel that this man's rhythm is all over the place. The pacing and flow of his music is hard to follow for most of his songs, with the BPM jumping all over the place, its hard to nail down how the music is supposed to make me feel. Some of these songs i could not even get past the 30 second mark because he is so quick to just DROWN his lyrics with religious references and remarks. This is an album that I will not be revisiting ever again, except for MAYBE one song. That song being Love's Enough, it really does have a pleasant start, the way the piano sings is truly timeless, the lead-in to the chorus is inspirational. This song really aint half bad coming from such a hohum artist, but the rest of this album is a SLOG. Fav song: Love's Enough 2
2.5
Stämningsfullt album. Helt kiva listen Strong2
Ik kan me goed voorstellen dat dit voor sommigen een hidden gem kan zijn, een unsung hero van de Americana. Op momenten leek het op het prachtige folk-album "Watertown" van Sinatra, of op het dromerige, chanson-achtige werk van Scott Walker. Er zit een hoop karakter in. Maar meermaals slaat het een beetje door naar musicalmuziek, waar ik een broertje dood aan heb. Dit zal de invloed van Elton John's producer Bernie Taupin wel zijn. Mixed feelings dus. Ik had bij de cover en titel het gevoel dat dit wel eens raak kon zijn, maar het viel wat dat betreft een beetje tegen. 6/10 Highlights: Another Friday Night
Stiekem even gespiekt bij de review van Youri en kan dit eigenlijk helemaal delen. Best hoge verwachtingen na zien van cover en het label van een 'hidden folk-gem'. Plaat wordt echter te vaak een piano-musical. Is niet slecht maar snap ook wel dat dit niet is doorgebroken hoor. 4,5/10 Highlights Midnight Carousel
Felt like Leonard Cohen telling stories to a piano instead of guitar. It is ok, just no so much my preference.
Look if an album has remained undiscovered for 52 years maybe it just isn't good. This felt like some strange musical soundtrack, which is not my preferred genre. The dude just kept telling random, weird stories that didn't resonate with me. Also the actual music felt tacky and forced. Also didn't like his voice reminded me of like a lighter, worse, not Australian version of Nick Cave at times, which I didn't like cause it felt like a rip off. This album was just bleh.
why is this classified as Country??? this is an odd one-enjoyed some tracks with piano & various instruments, and his voice is nice. lyrics were a bit random. but overall vibe was confusing-some tracks felt like they were trying to be showtunes. very Neil Diamond vibe.
This is well-crafted songwriting. And I have no idea under what circumstances I would put this album on.
Uninteresting, cheesy and nothing particularly redeeming about this one.
Wasn't a fan of the first track, but I thought "Love's Enough" was quite pretty and understated. Things were looking up! Then the rest of the album destroyed that goodwill. On paper it sounded like it might be something I'd be interested in but, whatever this is, It's not for me.
Hard work that one
4.5
Well it's very 70s - theatrical and wordy, orchestral and overblown. I respect it although find it a hard listen. Not exactly enjoyable but I can appreciate it's intent and accomplishment.
What a snooooooooooooooozefest
Never thought I’d say that an album was a pleasant mix of Americana folk and show tunes but here we are
It's clear that Ackles is a creative and skilled songwriter. His style is not engaging for me, personally.
an overstaged nick drake type voice
Very cinematic sound. Story singing. Clearly well put together.
Very theatrical; too much for me. I was enjoying it more on the second listen and I could see it going up a bit if I listened even more, but right now I feel I don't want to.
Not for me. Obviously a great musician but not to my taste 4/10
I like Billy Joel. That's why I'm giving this two stars. I didn't listen to the whole thing because my family revolted. And they put up with a lot of my bullshit. Neil Diamond was a step too far. He's got quite a good voice, but that music! Two over the top stars.
Wanky
I found this hard work. The lyrics are intense. The piano demands your attendtion. Never a bad thing, but I wasn't in the mood for this level of focus.
sembra la registrazione di un musical prodotto dall'anspi di qualche paesino. no grazie.
A musical without going to the trouble of crafting a story.
What they say about this is true
Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s composing partner is the producer of this album. There is clear quality and musicianship. But this is not for me. 2/5
This is quite a well done album. However isn’t my thing and have no desire to listen to it again
I don't know who the target audience is, but it's certainly not me.
Didn't find the music engaging and interesting. Sounds dull to me. Maybe this will grow on me.
Nee. Nicht meine Musik.
Tom waits with no sauce
Singer/Songwriter, etwas zu wenig griffig ***
Not a fan of musical/ballad styles
Not for me
Did not know this album in advance - a lost classic so it appears. Other reviews mention vocal similarities with Neil Diamond, but the album also seems to have had some influence on Divine Comedy. Both ND and DC are great, but I did not manage to buy into this album: the music is not too bad, but the theatrical vocals are a little bit too annoying and the songs themselves mostly unremarkable.
I find this not easy to listen to. It's too theatrical for my taste. It does have its moments though.
I have read the Wikipedia description of David Ackles (because I've never heard of him before), and saw few opinions that he is one of the least appreciated singers in USA. Well, it's not hard not to appreciate him, when his most famous album is as boring as American Gothic. I survived through few songs, but I'm not brave enough to go further. Run, you fools.
I didn’t hate this but I didn’t love it either Clearly a big influence on Billy Joel which isn’t the strongest recommendation for me
This looked promising. Cool album cover. Description had me initially sold - a chance to find an overlooked, forgotten gem? Couldn't wait. But ultimately, a very average album. Nice in parts, with "Another Friday Night" and "Waiting for the Moving Van" being good listens, but ultimately nothing to really note here. Not sure it deserves a spot on this list tbh. Sounded like a cheesy movie in parts. I really wanted to love this album; become one of Mr Arckles' few listeners on Spotify. But oh well. A not unpleasant but ultimately uninspiring 2*.
Loves Enough
Yeah that's an odd one. Thought I was listening to a theater musical soundtrack.
Yeah, not fond of this one
I tried. Really, I tried. To engage with this is some sort of lost masterpiece or something. To appreciate some theatricality or some musicality or some point of view. But really this does just sound like a terrible theater kids attempt to be a singer songwriter.
It's a lot like Harry Chapin vocally, but not as good musically. Nothing really stands out as either good or bad. Resounding meh.
Ballad of the Ship of State is powerful. In general, this is musical theatre music. It's good, but not my thing. I'm not sure it adds much to the world of music - although I guess they are sensitive ballads for ballad people.
Minne tidvis om ein dårlig versjon av Scott Walker
Not the most uplifting of albums.. his voice grated on my.. Love's enough is about the only track I liked.
What is this hard-to-classify album? Melodramatic, folksy show tunes with intricate symphonic arrangements. Unique vocal deliveries that switch up cadence, emotion, and intensity that can sometimes soar. Sometimes quiet and somber, sometimes bursting with grandiosity. The lyrics and music deliver emotional pictures of small-town/rural/western(?) American life. Montana Song is an epic film delivered in a 10 minute package. This album is unique and quite bizarre, with no indication of a time, place, or scene where it was made. I respect the hell out of this dude for making this behemoth album, but I find it more interesting than enjoyable to listen to.
What in the world is this? If you want to do an artsy album, the first track needs better writing than "He trades the milk for booze, and Molly wants new shoes". The last track is nowhere near good enough to be 10 minutes long. This was just overall stupid. A poorly written musical with no actors.
More singer songwriter piano man hoopla
Like a Leonard Cohen without the poetry, a Tom Waits without the grit, and a Don McLean without the hit. Sure it has character, but is that enough?
Good recording quality. Piano based singer songwriter bombast. A bit of a caricature, maybe wasn’t back when recorded. Feel like the era for this type of music has long psssed Nothing catchy 2 star
Favorite song - One night stand
The storytelling leads the way on this album. I wasn’t over interested in it otherwise and didn’t enjoy the songs that are very much a product of its time, but the stories throughout the album were interesting.
Like hearing songs from various different bang average musicals jammed together. There is a reason some albums are obscure, tedious. 2*
This album was strange. I don’t really know what my opinion is- it started off sounding like a horror musical and then kind of towards the end sounded slightly southern? I don’t know I feel like a i got lost in the point and it was just odd. I dinnt hate it but I feel like it should be in some sort of musical …? I was definitely intrigued but I think the 40 minutes was more than enough.
Sounds like a crappy Italian restaurant/background music to a not-great 70’s dramedy
I had no idea what to make of this one going in. From the first note I was hopeful - but then my hopes were dashed. I was left somewhat bewildered. Is this a musical? Is it mimicking the style of a 1950's crooner? And then the lyrics started to hit me. Perhaps I'm going to get some insightful poetry? I clung to the words sung with such conviction in a shaky voice with a very limited range - but it's all just hokey trash. Did he read some Americana novels and then spit them out in a stream of consciousness? How about the lush orchestration? I feel sorry for the players on this thing. I don't understand the vocal melodies here, or the mix. It all feels wrong. If you told me this was generated by an AI it wouldn't surprise me.
94/1001 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
Was like I had a musical on the TV in the background, only the movie didn't exist. And the music alone wasn't that good. Probably a good reason why this album never found its audience.
ugh, almost failed to finish it...
I am probably too ignorant to understand something this highbrow but for some reason I always picture William Shatner when listening to something delivered like this.
Pretty but not my kind of music. Very theatrical but also not very interesting to me. The music and arrangements are interesting but didn’t capture my attention throughout.
Feels like an album the simpsons would parody
I’ll listen to this album again soon. Hoping it will grow on me
Keep looking because I am certainly not its audience.
Wanted to like this but just found it annoying and kind of grating to listen to
Found this trying way too hard to be americana and with none of the soul
Puuduttavan unelias tuotos ja yksittäisiä hetkiä kun jaksoi fiilistellä mukana. Ei jatkoon.
Erilainen, mut en lämmenny erityisesti
Sounds like Neil Diamond doing folk songs on Broadway. The entire album is pompous. If you ever watched The Lawrence Welk show with your grandma you’ll understand the balance of not liking something but not hating it. Definitely not something to seek out on your own but it’s tolerable.
Det är väl fina melodier men de är inte särskilt bra.
Mostly unlistenable, but he does occasionally find a hint of melody.
Sounded like Neil Diamond, then it sounded like churchy Neil Diamomd, then it sounded like Neil Diamond if he was in Les Miserables
This sounds like it has been written for a Neil Diamond biographic musical (absence of his music).
Strange thing
I was not surprised to read that the artist wrote musicals. It really listens like a strange musical whose plot is consistently unclear. Kind of like a more melodious Cats.
Lots of different styles, none of which I particularly enjoyed. Ackles’ voice is pleasant, but boring. He might be a great lyricist, but it was too much of a snoozer for me to listen again more closely. Kind of a head-scratcher of an inclusion here, until you read that Elvis Costello was inspired by Ackles. So in a way, Ackles might be just an extension of the overextension of Costello on the list.
Too theatrical for me. It sounds like this belongs on a Broadway stage rather than a music venue’s stage.
Not for me sorry. Sounds like music for a circus…
Listening to "American Gothic" is like watching a poorly written musical where the plot makes no sense and you don't care about any of the characters. And where the vocalist sometimes seems to forget what key he's singing in...
Love's enough är fin. Waiting for the Moving Van likaså. Men de är väl just de två låtar som sticker ut tycker jag. Lite vemodig musikal. Spretigt.
Ok. Ett steg upp från skivan dagen innan. Men fan lite för gör weird ändå. Bättre musikaliskt men inte jättebra precis.
Nej usch, aldrig gillat musikaler och det här experimentella försöket är dessutom rätt dåligt. Svag tvåa.
nice but very boring and very forgettable
According to various critics this is a hidden gem. Some treasure everybody forgot about. I played the album four times just to be sure, but I cannot find what is so special about it. In every way it is mediocre and boring to me.
Niin syvällistä vittuilua jok' ikinen äännähde tässä tuotoksessa pitää oikein hattua nostaa.. Nimittäin saivarteleva paska herra David Acvkles.. teatteri hyvä sana... joku sitä käytti..
A generic Elton
Like Neil Diamond singing Leonard Cohen songs.
First song is trite musical bullshit. Second song is pretty. Third is terrible. Fourth is pretty again, but it’s a 70s musical. And it just gets more melodramatic from there. Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s composing partner is the producer of this album. There is clear quality and musicianship. But this is not for me.
Hmmm. Definitely falls into the "interesting" category - wasn't aware of the artist, let alone the album. Did it grab me by the goolies and DEMAND to be loved for everymore - no. No it did not.
Seriously pretentious horseshit.
Some weird American Nick Cave. 1.5
Feels like songs for a play or musical, which is not necessarily bad. But in this case it didn’t work for me. Some of the songs are beautifully composed, although they didn’t peak my interest enough.
Sounds like a musical. And religious in some songs. Very strange feeling.
Singer-songwriter piano music with orchestral arrangements. Never heard of this guy before -- he has a rich, dark voice (comparisons to Neil Diamond in other reviews are on point) and clearly has songwriting chops. The lyrics are complex and mostly sad -- dealing with seedy events and unhappy people -- while his songs are more mood pieces than melodic. I don't think I could hum even a part of one tune after listening to the whole thing. The whole feel of the record was more musical theater than pop. I have some respect for this effort in an academic way but I didn't really enjoy it and wouldn't listen to it again.
Over all a well crafted, round album. Instrumantally too much 60´s.
I really tried hard on this one. So many musicians that I respect respect this guy and this album. In the end a bit too theatrical for me so I couldn't get past that part to enjoy the songwriting which I have no doubt is first rate. I'm going to keep trying and hopefully I will get a better appreciation, but for now; 2.5 stars
Very odd album, it feels like a Broadway musical but just with the one guy.
Pretty bad, but it is kind of endearingly goofy at times.
Goofy album, not a fan Top tracks: Love’s Enough, Blues for Billy Whitecloud
Not a fan of this really.
No me gustó tanto.
This album is a weird attempt at a quasi-Broadway album, with vocals that sound oddly reminiscent of Neil Diamond. Not surprisingly, David Ackles was a huge influence on Elvis Costello, who for some strange reason has six albums on the 1001 list. After Ackles’ death in 1999 Costello said, "It's a mystery to me why his wonderful songs are not better known." Similar to our ratings of most Costello albums, this one gets a 2.
Sounds like the soundtrack to a bad musical
Meh..
Best Song: American Gothic. There was a macabre quality to this one, both lyrically and musically. Like an emo Gordon Lightfoot. Worst Song: Blues for Billy Whitecloud. Wholly uninteresting blues. Overall: This sounds neither particularly good nor influential. The sombre singer-songwriter vibe is nice at times, but too often it dips into this hokey theatricality that just comes off as cheesy.
Meh
5/10 Highlights: American Gothic Ballad of the Ship of State
2.4 - I thought I was going to like this when I first started listening, but then found him a little bit whiny and a bit 'woe is me'. Like it had some nice songs but as an album it dragged
Some Neil diamond undertoned in some songs - but super weird back country lyrics
Beuh
I was initially intrigued but intrigue quickly turned to fatigue. This guy was clearly out of his league. I'm sorry for that.
Harry Nilsson on Broadway. Lyrics seem very cliche and literal. Not my cup of tea.
Vaudeville meets Billy Joel, produced by Bernie Taupin. I appreciate it, but don’t like it. So many huge names have referenced his impact on their careers but are confused by his lack of success. It’s deeply personal, the album is a bit messy from a tracking standpoint and it’s just a bit too “theater kid from the church band” for it to have the true mass appeal. A great exercise of this project, and a victim to the whole star system. I would give it a 3 but the personality doesn’t make it digestible for any repeat listening. Probably a 3.25 but for this sake, 2.75/5
Not sure about this one. It's not bad but I couldn't really get into it. Felt a bit over the top. 2,5/5
Crap! - boring dreary rubbish, why is this even here
de mal en pis
Reminds me of the Leonard Cohen album from a while back. A musical-y piano, vocal heavy album. It's ok, not my thing but not terrible, 2*.
it started really well, but after a bit it got a little unremarkable - 2 adds
Weird showtune ass album. Kinda like a car crash. Not unhappy to have heard it, but never going back for more.
очень опереточно и скушно пока. музыка приятная потом начинается, но все равно скушновато
The Worst of Harry Chapin. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Not really my thing. I appreciate the lyrical content but overall, it come off too spoken word despite him singing. There's a cool jazz quality to the music and even the vocal delivery but I really cant connect with what is being played. Ackles does have a way with writing but that's all I can really positively take from it. The vocals mix are far upfront and the music sits in behind. Clearly not the main focus. Which is fine... But the singing isn't great. And if it wasn't for his words in most times, I would be reaching for the next record. Kind of a tough listen... But I see the creativity behind it. Just not my thing.
There is such a gulf between how I feel about the music and how I feel about the vocals and lyrics. Which is good about the former and bad about the latter.
Hmm having a hard time getting into this. No song has been very catchy know real melodies. Voice sounds like Neil Diamond so that's nice and the lyrics are sweet. just all kinda sound the same. meh, 1.5 stars! So I'll be nice and go with 2 stars.
Quite theatrical. At times I felt I was listening to a musical. Mostly though I just wasn’t feeling it.
Felt like I was stuck in a broadway play. Every song sounded the same. Wasn’t horrible. But glad it’s over.
It’s like showtunes without a show. No freaking thanks.
This album is kind of all over the place. I really enjoyed some songs and then was really not into others. Tracks like 'American Gothic' and 'Midnight Carousel' utilize really dissonant chord progressions/notes that I find difficult to enjoy. Other tracks, like 'Ballad of the Ship of State', basically feel like a number out of a musical which doesn't do much for me. Then, there's 'Family Band', which sounds like a weird Christian folk song. On the other hand I really enjoyed the tracks I listed below as standouts. I think I've got to go pretty middling though because I don't think it works great for me as a whole. Standout Tracks: Love's Enough, One Night Stand, Oh California!, Another Friday Night
I kept waiting for a song I liked. Didn’t really happen.
Very artful and interesting! I have a blind spot when it comes to Broadway-adjacent music, so this isn't exactly my cup of tea. There's a lot going on here.
I guess there's a reason why some deep cuts stay deep. I can't help but wonder, who the heck was David Ackles making this album for in 1972? Out of the box it must have already sounded dated, but not musically adventurous enough to garner a cult following. Yet, enough people liked it at the time to crack the Billboard charts. Go figure. Bombastic, old timey arrangements with an earnest pop vocal better suited to the theatrical stage than to whatever this is supposed to be. Lyrically far ranging, but not particularly compelling. The more restrained piano and acoustic tracks aren't too bad ("Waiting for the Moving Van" was actually quite nice), but not something I plan to come back to. Fave Songs: Waiting for the Moving Van, Love's Enough, Another Friday Night, One Night Stand, Blues for Billy Whitecloud
Like folk story telling music? Not my thing 2
Not my cup of tea 2*
Another bit dreary album. Maybe its the weather or maybe we've just had a bad run.
Puzzling pick. Never heard of this guy, and the Apple Music description begins by talking about a bunch of more famous singer-songwriters and how Ackles was not as well known...not a good start. It's not a bad album, but what does this really have on guys like Elton John, James Taylor, Randy Newman, or Joni Mitchell (Apple's comparison, not mine)? Nothing really. He does do some quirky stuff, the songs get a little fanciful, "fiddle dee dee" mode. One of those fancypants tracks just made me laugh, but the closer was pretty solid. Overall though, very forgettable album. No disrespect to David, but those other songwriters are more well-known for a reason. Favorite tracks: Ballad of the Ship of State, Montana Song. Album art: Guy sitting in a rowboat in the foreground, woman sitting on a porch in the background. Pretty simple picture, but the flattened depth makes this one quite cool. 2.5/5
Pretty bad. One or two good song. The lyrics were very first drafty.
Too theatrical for me.
Bastante normal. Suena bien pero se me hace algo aburrido y tétrico. Se supone que es inspiración para muchos cantautores. Otro prescindible de 2 estrellas.
Certainly an interesting pick for Halloween. I've recently learned that I'm kind of a fan of Americana. I still get jumpscared by the "Country" genre every time one of these albums is generated for me, but as it turns out, there's a difference big difference between Americana and that whole "YEEHAW PARDNER" kind of music. This is pretty alright. Not the worst thing ever made. I like his vocals - very reminiscent of Scott Walker. The lyrics are kind of groan-inducing and I wasn't a fan of those few songs that sounded like Toy Story music. The first half was much better than the second half. A strong 2/5.
Me no likey!
Gothic? More like dinner theater. One listen and it's seems clear why it never found an audience, at least among music fans.
Weird vaudeville version of neil diamond
I bet thats his wife on the porch just waiting to bitch about him having a good time on his canoe and not finishing all the work he has to do around the house. He works mon-fri. Give the guy a break!
This is just okay to me. Not really sure why this made the list, but I guess it was influential to a lot of cool 70s and 80s musicians. It's too theatrical or something for me, and I probably won't listen again.
A quirky little musical, I can see the line kick dances for Oh California! already, decent overall (2.5/5)
Strangely theatrical for a singer-songwriter album. Not much else to say about it. 4/10
Not an album I needed to hear. Meatloaf light, overly musical theater with no story, too orchestral. Honestly I do not know what he was shooting for, a new genre maybe? Also pretty cheesy lyrics. Cheese sells, but not this cheese. +1 for real instruments and competent player.
Tried. Just not for me
I started to really like this, but the lyrics and arrangements always ended up being less interesting as each song went on.
Oh my this is dull. I mean, his voice is more than competent. The production seems decent, but the mix of TV show theme tunes, vaguely but thankfully not-quite country and show tunes gets tired very quickly.
But full to be honest
Does what the title suggests... American folk with a gothic feel. I want to like it more than I do, unfortunately. Might call for another listen at some point.
It was interesting enough
Just… boring. Really boring. I’ve heard worse, but rarely heard something as dull.
I tried to keep an open mind and appreciate this. And I do appreciate some of the songwriting and the lyrics, but I just can't stand the style of performing. Sounds like show tunes to me. 2.5 stars, rounding down to 2.
Oh god this was a long listen. I mean, maybe not physically, it's only 44 minutes long. But it felt like a few hours. I'd usually tune out the boring albums completely but for some reason this one kept pulling my attention back in, against my will. It's not really bad in my opinion, just terribly boring. Definitely seems like the kind of unwanted 70s easy listening fodder that plagues every second hand store's record section. At least Blues for Billy Whitecloud switched it up by going a bit jazzy, I guess. Favourite: Blues for Billy Whitecloud
Not really sure what I just listened to. When I saw the Country genre, I was expecting it to be awful. It was not awful, but it wasn't really good either. Just kind of there.
The musical vibe felt contrived
And now for something completely different. Musically theatrical with very on the nose lyrics, which make this feel like the soundtrack to a Broadway musical. A really weird album. Difficult to categorise or rate. If this *was* the soundtrack to a musical I think I would quite like it, but as a stand alone album, I don't really get it. David Ackles was originally employed as a songwriter for others. Perhaps this album shows that writing for a defined commission requires a very different skill set to creating something through your own artistic vision. Rating: 2/5 Playlist track: Love's Enough Date listened: 21/08/23
Some parts are ok, some not so. A bit dated for me. Slips between Nick Cave and Neil Diamond on occoasions. Ok, but probably won’t listen again.
Foi-me útil para lembrar de escutar mais Nick Cave.
it’s like a full album of the scott walker songs i always skip
A product of its time soundwise, but as for the songs, this is so, so mediocre. 2/5
I wanted to like this album, but at every turn it found ways to disappoint. The folky strangeness brought to mind Tom Waits or other quirky Americana, but Ackles' awkward phrasing and clunky lyrics got in the way. Think Tom Waits without the sense of humor, or Leonard Cohen without the pathos - and all sung by a Neil Diamond cover band. I am glad I had a chance to hear the album - it is ambitious, and offers a lot to consider for a songwriter's list of "don't do". But knowing that another album lost a spot to it, it's hard to say it belongs on the list.
It’s not “found it’s audience” with me. Weird, affected show tunes.
Country with Jazz interspersed, which is possibly the most evil partnership imaginable. but does try to tell stories with the songs, however get bored trying to follow them when the music's not putting me off completely. 1.6
This feels like a collection of showtunes for a long forgotten musical. The production on most of the songs feels empty. Not my thing
The oboe made it sound real theatry in a bad way. Forgettable.
🤷 Not unpleasant, but not something that I connected to at all or see myself revisiting. 2.5
This album is fucking weird. I like certain aspects of every song and hate certain aspects of every song. Sounds like a musical but not at the same time? I'm confused. Can't tell if he's creepy or loving on One Night Stand. Can't put my finger on this shit but don't think I'll be back.
I recognise the lost artistry here but I got some Scott Walker vibes and that revolts me. That said - I appreciated the musicianship and the arrangements. Bonus point for impressing Elvis Costello so much.
Bruh, you're not Neil Diamond and you never will be.
Dreadful dated syrupy Harry Chapin-style songwriting, without the lyrical or musical prowess required to actually pull it off. Awful stuff.
extremely musical theatery? it's fine?
Sounded to me like Neil Diamond doing boring showtunes. Maybe I'm way off, but this wasn't for me at all.
This Ackles guy really has sold his soul to the devil. We was starring in Supernatural just a few years ago and now I find out that he also released his fifth album in 1972? He hasn't aged a day! This is very reminiscent of Neil Diamond, with a bit of musical theater included. But ultimately, '...hey you what's your name... hey I think I'm gonna kiss ya..." is a complete deal breaker.
Wow. Part William Shatner, part Neil Diamond. A lot of loud talking over showtune/broadway music. He does better in the singing parts; everything is very literate... broadway-oriented story or message based. Nothing very melodic such that you'd sing along with it. So, interesting, a bit moody, a bit quirky. But won't need to listen to it again.
Not for me.
Love's Enough is a tight song. This gives me the feel of like a sad clown variety show. Pulling Montana Song out for an entire album maybe would have been more of a connecting album. the effort of the thing as a whole feels weak.
Crooner
Solid album - just didn't attach to anything. 2/5
Iets te pathetisch voor mijn smaak.
Ik moest denken aan Nick cave en aan variété en aan chansons. Lastig te plaatsen dit. En irritant.
A little oddball
Dated and overwrought. Not a fan.
2.75
Pomp and circumstance are not my kind of thing
I don't like the chanson style. This stuff belongs in a stage musical (and I don't generally like them, either).
Was about to give this one a whole second listen through cuz I wanted to give the lyrics a chance but then thought what’s the point. I don’t like the music so it’s not gonna make a difference. The descriptions of this one call it something like an album waiting to be rediscovered by its intended audience. I’m not that audience. I totally see its appeal and combing show-tunes with a singer songwriter/Americana quality is unique but lost on me. I think I’ll come back to this one day and give it another shot cuz maybe I just didn’t get it but not feeling it today.
Het is een beetje alsof je in het theater zit. Met een stem die de muziek vaak overheerst, soms meer vertelt dan zingt en soms spektakel suggereert. Het is wel een wat ouderwetse voorstelling helaas.
Theatrecore ahhhh
I really don't like these albums where someone is just telling a story with some barely discernible backing track. This wasn't interesting in the least.
The first song or two was good but it was really quite unenjoyable after that
This labeled Rock. It was not rock in my opinion. If it was labeled Folk I could give a 3. It’s silly but my mind was blocked by the label.
Folk d'autor passat per les mans de Bernie Taupin. Potser requeriria de més atenció de la qual es pot dedicar en una escolta superficial. Sembla que es valora sobretot per les seves lletres. Té sentit
The vocals and music often felt incohesive and this style seemed more at home in a Sondheim musical than an album for this list. It was like a badly done Billy Joel album
This was a weird album. I'm not sure why it needed to be included on this list. The very small number of plays this album has tells me it hasn't reached many people. I don't think they are losing out much by not hearing this.
I have no clue why this is on the list. It’s pretty generic 70s singer/songwriter stuff. Nothing really stands out and there’s nothing really special here. It’s not unlistenable, just bland and uninspiring.
If you've listened to 1 song, you've heard them all.
Nice music but super boring I really couldn't get into it & don't want to try again.