Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Best Record Of Chuck Prophet's Career

 



Chuck Prophet's newest "The Land That Time Forgot" took some time to get here. COVID delays saw the record get released one song at a time, until a hard copy finally saw the light of day months after the digital release. I checked out the first two singles, but waited until the vinyl was in hand for my ritualistic, proper spin. Worth the wait? Oh yeah!


Simply put, this is the best record of Chuck Prophet's career and that is saying something since this guy has been on some roll since 2009's "Let Freedom Ring." 



 

 

Every song on "The Land That Time Forgot" is a mini-movie, and I got lost in every one. Prophet has a way of telling a story that can be both heartbreaking and hilarious, often at the same time. And though his brand of lead vocal is of the talk-singing kind, he still writes hooks that can snag flounders. Listen to "Willi & Nilli" and wait for it.

The production on "The Land That Time Forgot" seems deliberately low key, and I'd venture to say it was a COVID recording except that the record was finished before all hell broke loose. So, let's just say timing was everything, as this record has the perfect vibe and the perfect finale in "Get Off The Stage."

"The Land That Time Forgot" will be on my year end list of Best Records, and it will rank pretty high.




13 comments:

Michael Giltz said...

Now that’s the way to start the day! A rave review from Sal and Ohio back in the blue column! Downloading now, which is the new “I’m rushing out to buy that eight track!”

Rob said...

Hi Sal, just gave this one a spin and liked it a lot - for me, not quite up there with Bobby Fuller on a first go through but definitely one I'll be going back to. Like you said, Chuck has been on a remarkable roll for an extraordinary length of time. It's good to know there are some things in life that you can still rely on.

Whattawino said...

I had preordered the CD and have been listening regularly since it arrived. Couldn’t agree more with your review. KILLER! Each listen keeps giving me more and I wish I could see a live show with his always most excellent band right about now. His shows are always a special treat and boy, I could use one of those.

Shriner said...

Yes -- its great. Not sure if it'll make my best-of-2020 (I've been unenthused to compile that so far -- blame society for that...), but it's really, really good.

neal t said...

yep my #1 2020 so far

hpunch said...

My willpower was put to the test with this album. I bought Get Off The Stage from Itunes, loved it, and counted the days until the album's release. The first listening to an album is an experience I cherish. This steady drip, drip., drip off putting out songs so when the album comes out there's only a few unheard songs, is one my least favorite things of the current music business. Even when the album was delayed three extra months due to the pandemic ( i could go on about my frustration with that brilliant music biz decision) , I still held out hearing the released tunes. So happy I did. The album lived up to my extended anticipation. Love it.

Brian De Palma Cartney said...

Chuck is always great at HSBG!

Sal Nunziato said...

Hawaiian Seafood Buyer's Guide??

Michael Giltz said...

HIGH SCHOOL BIRTHDAY GALA?

HANK SNOW BELATED GOODBYE?

HUMMABLE SONG BEAUCOUP GUMBO?

Anonymous said...

Loved that line "hang a mirror around my neck so you don't have to be alone"

Bill said...

Listened to this 2 and a half times yesterday while out and about and enjoyed it quite a bit. Also dialed up the Ventures in Space album. It was a good Burning Wood day.
:)

Michael Giltz said...

It's terrific. Def on my best of the year list. Thx for touting it!

Brian De Palma Cartney said...

HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS!

You could look it up. That being said, these are sound like they’d be a real good time too.

Hawaiian Seafood Buyer's Guide??

HIGH SCHOOL BIRTHDAY GALA?

HANK SNOW BELATED GOODBYE?

HUMMABLE SONG BEAUCOUP GUMBO?

Hullabaloo Shindig Bandstand au Go-Go !!!