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Lucinda has obvious talent and a personal voice but the songs on this album are not so special. I have all Lucinda Williams' albums (I think) and this was the latest one I bought. And I must say I like much more her own material than these cover versions. There are pearls among the material but anyway this is flat compared to her other work.So if you have not listened to Lucinda before start with albums "West" or "Car Wheels on Gravel Road". Those are some stars better than this one.On the other hand if you like the actual songs on this album I am sure you'll like also Lucinda's way to perform those.
This is supposed to be her first album, and it is certainly different from any of the other albums by Williams that I have heard. "Motherless Children" is perhaps the best cut on the album, and Williams sound so sweet singing it. I bought this cd recently when I needed another purchase to get me over the $25 mark for free delivery from Amazon. On the other hand, an entire album of other peoples music tires after awhile. Ramblin' has done something for me, if nothing else, it has me interested in hearing another of her early albums. Ramblin' is a collection of folk and blues tunes by artists such as Robert Johnson. She even does an interesting version of "Stop Breaking Down," that while it won't rock with the Stones version, is still an interesting rendition.
I could have done without "Jambayla," as she really offers nothing to it, and it is such an over covered song to begin with. I've been an avid Lucinda Williams fan for a couple of years, and I've heard all of her albums from the past ten years, so I was interested to see what she sounded like in the beginning. She has a wonderful voice in these early recordings that isn't as easily heard in later albums such as the new West or Essence, which are much grittier. Playing 12 string guitar and singing with a beautiful voice, Lucina does some excellent justice to many of these songs. It's rather an odd trip when you consider that most of these songs are traditional delta blues tunes, and hearing Lucina sing "Ramblin' On My Mind" is okay the first time. It's almost like, why bother. So, the next time I need a second purchase to get me over $25, I'll be looking for one of hers.
Don't get me wrong--I love Williams' music and this is not a bad album, but it definitely doesn't sound as though she had grown into her musical self yet. The music is fine technically but she sounds as though she's trying it on and hasn't found the right fit. "A" for effort and a learning experience, though.
.that several reviewers who seem to hate blues and folk music, who find them boring or worthless as genres, have tried to drag down the rating of this priceless early work in Williams' career. Yet this album is a delight in every respect, from the choice of songs to their spare, honest presentation, and it's especially worthy as a showcase for the artist's roots. Give it a try.
Recorded in the late 70s, this is an excellent Blues-based album with a shot of traditionals. Great Americana. Lucinda does a phenomenal job with her acoustic guitar and a dobro at times, it's simple and pure -- no fancy arrangements. It's like the girl with a guitar joined at times by some fellow musicians in the living room and/or on the porch of a cozy home somewhere in the deep South -- even sounds like a nice evening around the camp fire. Her voice had already the edge on this CD which Lucinda fans have gotten to appreciate and treasure over the many years she has been around in the music scene. On this CD she also does "Little Darling Pal of Mine" as well as an excellent version of "Jamabalaya" and of all things the sweet "Great Speckled Bird" and "You're Gonna Need that Pure Religion."I think every music fan in general will appreciate this really honest CD -- it's not easy to find good music like this anymore.
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