This Old Road

It seems most people I talk to nowadays know Kris Kristofferson as an actor. These days more as a character actor than the leading man/matinee idol from such films as Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and A Star is Born. But I have always thought of him as a songwriter. A songwriter who sang. Actually, if truth be known, more even as a poet than a songwriter as his words always have packed such a powerful punch. Since I first heard him (and I am really dating myself here) in the very early 1970s, then started attending his concerts c. 1972 his music has been an integral part of my life. I used to reward myself every year on my birthday by either attending a concert or, as the years went by and he would appear more and more often on the silver screen, going to see a movie he was starring in. Yet all these years I have been a fan, never a fanatic, respecting the man and his music - but rather personally and silently except even my husband and children know that Kris holds a special place in my heart. And the respecting, is for the most part. There was that one concert at The Universal Amphitheater where he was only able to perform a few songs before cutting the performance short. I am sure it is an evening he'd rather forget - if he even remembers it. He was as happens many times with those so gifted, living hard. So it was with great pleasure to find that on one particular song of this CD, "Thank You For A Life" the penultimate cut, he admits to being so happy.It's been said that this CD is his most personal ever. I really don't know about that. I do know that it is extremely moving. One cut in particular has brought tears to my eyes each time I have heard it. The chorus of that song, "In the News" goes like this:"Not in my name, not on my groundI want nothing but the ending of the warNo more killing, or it's overAnd the mystery won't matter anymore"I was lucky enough to see a recent concert in Seattle where he sang this song and the crowd went wild. It was obvious that they shared the same sentiments.Over the years I have seen a growth in his music that is hard to describe because he writes lyrics that have always held a rare kind of power. But for some reason this CD is a cut above. Different in a way. And perhaps it is because it is more personal as it has been said. All I can say is that it is absolutely wonderful and powerful. And I thank the master of them all for making such a touching CD.

Upon the recent death of Johnny Cash, in my opinion, a certain void formed in Country music. With Cash the gravity and tone of this traditional form remained central-even, arguably, in his last four albums-produced and encouraged by Rick Rubin-yet now, withouth him, Country could suffer from terminal commercialism. So, with his passing I asked myself whether anyone would be fit to take on the elder's place, and guide Country away from top-40 cookie cutters and American Idol's cable wanna-be shows.Whether Kris Kristoferson ever thought of this or not, his new album takes on the Country mantle. Although his tone is not as prophetic as the late Johnny's, the wisdom-and hard-earned right to tell us how lost we may be-of these songs confirm Kristiferson's stature as a singer and songwriter, and his rightful nomination.Although produced by Don Was, the album remains primarily a simple and direct set of recordings. This is a man and his guitar, sitting to say what he sees and, by what the lyrics claim, it is hardly a goodbye. At times patient or contemplative toward the end of life, at others outraged by the condition of the world, Kristoferson does not mince words.The sound and feel of the album is particularly appropriate to its tone and message, so Don Was should be commended for his understanding of the material and the restraint that he sought for these songs. Every song seems to get its proper treatment, even those where Jim Keltner on drums, Stephen Bruton on guitar and Was himself on bass provide backing.Kristoferson will never be Cash-neither possible nor necessary-yet in true Cash' fashion, he's asserted his voice and left, as the poet Robert Olson would say, "the roots on / And the dirt / Just to make clear / where they come from."

Kristofferson is a true Renaissance man, with so many talents - most particularly song writing. This CD is pure gold, from beginning to end. Some songs are so introspective and mournful, you can see that he was contemplating his life and coming to the end of it. Others are a down-to-earth take on issues and lifestyles that everyone can identify with. One of the most beautiful CD's I've bought in a while and one I can listen to from beginning to end without skipping a single song. Well done, Kris.

This CD is a shinning example of why Kristofferson is one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced. Not only amazing lyrics, but a great ability to marry lyrics and music to tell some profound American stories. There's not a wasted note or phrase in these songs. The production on this CD is AMAZING. Yes, the sessions are rough around the edges, but the sound quality, and tone is so stunning. Don Was is a genius producer who took what was already a very simple, straightforward man and his music and brought even more clarity and definition to his work. Listening to it through speakers is like having Kristofferson in your living room. Just a great great sound to this CD. So simple and yet so beautiful all the way around.

Although the voice has lost some of the growl, the feelings and symmetry of writing have not diminished one iota. These songs will touch you and make you think. Sad, joyous, controversial. Vintage Kristofferson, to say the least. Kris himself finally seems comfortable in his skin, and a couple of these songs reflect that. It's been a long time coming and he's worked for every minute of it.An unexpected bonus on this must-have album is the inclusion of THE FINAL ATTRACTION from the SONGWRITER soundtrack. It would be an inspired move on the part of the powers that be to release all of Kris' out-of-print albums as both new and old fans have the very Devil of a time getting their hands on them. Think about it, Killer!

In this album Kris Kristofferson acknowledges the milestone he is fast approaching, and gives us a set of tunes that looks back over his life and assesses its worthiness, and his place in the universe.Never the most cheerful of souls, the music and lyrics are generally typically downbeat. There are elements of joy and thankfulness to be found however, which lift the mood a bit and help make this a truly great record.The album starts with this old road - an allegory for life itself. He describes the transition into old age, and looking back down the road at the person he used to be and looking ahead to the destination. It's surprisingly touching and effective.With the Pilgrim's progress he updates his classic song the Pilgrim. The character, who in the `70s wondered `if the going up was worth the coming down', is now looking back at life and asking if he was worthy of the blessings he had been shown. A catchy little number, whose jauntiness is at odds with the sentiment expressed.He takes the opportunity to register his disgust with the world around him with in the news, probably the most depressing song on the album. With disturbing imagery of the crimes that people can commit against each other, and a bit of an anti war protest song, this is a great track, and one of my favourites on this album. `Not in my name, I swear to God I heard God say' is an absolutely classic line.In holy creation Kristofferson demonstrates his faith, and understanding of where he stands in relation to the rest of the universe. Its a song that celebrates the grandeur and majesty of creation, and our general insignificance in the grand scheme.The final track, final attraction, is a eulogy for all the friends of Kristofferson who have passed on before him. The roll call of departed musicians at the end is touching. There is a feeling of regret for their passing, but thankfulness for what they gave us. It's a fitting album closer.Recorded with a small band, and the emphasis firmly on Kristofferson's distinctive gruff vocals, this is one of the best records he has put out for many years. The sound is perfectly fitting for the material, and the emotional depth achieved is very deep indeed. It manages to be entertaining and moving, but never mawkish as a more overproduced effort might have turned into.An excellent record, highly recommended to all country fans, or fans of music that has something to say.

I love this cd bought it for my husband as xmas present we keep playing it over and over its brilliant

Great.

excellent cd

fantastic x

As always great singer-songwriter.

brilliant

Just great!

In this era of entertainment anniversaries and artistic RESTARTS it is refreshing to experience the new growth of an artist rather than listen to them trying to resurrect their careers on their oldies but goodies that we've already heard a million times a hundred ways. Artists, like Kris should ,in my opinion, allow fans into the space and place they find themselves in now. Kris has always been that way. He moves on but does repeat himself much; after all there are more stories to tell no matter how rough and ragged their voices, playing ability, and actions have become. SO KRIS -an A+++ for growing with us fans and sharing your new experiences with us too. For we age and our tastes and abilities change also.

Der in den sechziger Jahren als Songschreiber bekanntgewordene (u.a. nahmen Roger Miller sein "Me and Bobby McGee" und Johnny Cash sein "Sunday Morning Coming Down" auf) und seit Anfang der siebziger Jahre mit den beiden Alben "Kristofferson" (1970 - neu aufgelegt als "Me and Bobby McGee 1971) und "The Silver Tongued Devil and I" (1971) auch als Top-Country(?)-Sänger etablierte und nunmehr im 72. Lebensjahr stehende SingerSongwriter Kris Kristofferson hat sich des öfteren dem (auch politischen) Mainstream entzogen. Dies zeigt u.a. sein Album "Third World Warrior" (1990). Mit seinem Album "This Old Road" geht er diesen Weg weiter. Besonders beeindrucken "In the News": Read about the sorry way he done somebody's daughter, Chained her to a heavy thing and threw her in the water, And she sank into the darkness with their baby son inside her, A little piece of truth and beauty died. Burning up the atmosphere and cutting down the trees, The billion dollar bombing of a nation on it's knees, Anyone not marching to their tune they call it treason, Everyone says God is on his side. See the lightning, hear the cries, Of the wounded in a world in Holy war, Mortal thunder from the skies, Killing everything they say they're fighting for. Broken babies, broken homes, Broken-hearted people dying everyday, How'd this happen, what went wrong, Don't blame God, I swear to God I heard him say. Chorus:"Not in my name, not on my ground, I want nothing but the ending of the war, No more killing, or it's over, And the mystery won't matter anymore". Broken dreamers, broken rules, Broken-hearted people just like me and you, We are children of the stars, Don't blame God, I swear to God he's crying too.

Die vorangegangenen Rezensionen sagen eigentlich schon alles: Eine wunderbare CD, sehr stark mit der intensiven, reifen und manchmal leicht brüchigen Stimme, sparsamer Einsatz der gut passenden Instrumente und Lieder von Abschied, Sehnsucht, Dankbarkeit und Hoffnung - jedes Lied ein Ohrwurm und sie begleiten mich den ganzen Tag. Wenn ich mich mal richtig fallen lassen möchte, dann gibt es nur eins: Diese CD ...

Good cd of an older Kris Kristofferson

Kris latest - and at almost 70 maybe last album - is a welcome return to form. His voice sounds better than on Austin sessions and Moment of Forever (his last 2 releases).A sparse arrangement suits this album and puts Kris vocals and soul up front and promenent.I think this album would mainly suit people who are already fans of Kris and I would not consider it an ideal introduction to his music.

NO SOY OBJETIVO, YA QUE ME ENCANTA ESTE MÚSICO, PERO ES UN DISCO PRECIOSO , DE SUS MEJORES OBRAS EN PLENA MADUREZ

This man does not have a single bad album.