Another Gem
5
By Guitarpicker1
Ever since "Into the Purple Valley" I have been a fan of Ry Cooder and
looked forward to each new offering.
As a professional musician, I have
listened to each in detail to learn new
techniques from the Man. I,Flathead
is another gem in a long line of musical
study by a master performing ethnomusicologist. Rather than write about it, Ry teaches by "doing". Kudos and a manly hug!
Great "old" Ry
5
By wlmbusiness
Those who have listened to Ry for decades, know that the Theme to Paris Texas is not the "Molson Ad Song", Loved "Jazz", etc. should appreciate this album. Harkens back to those times, prior to his foray into Cuban music, with arrangements that weave in early American themes with his excellent guitar and witty lyrics. Spade Kookey - classic Ry - Fun, spirited, comic commentary - just love the way he delivers. Many musicians getting up there in their careers find themselves getting back to their roots after extended period doing other things (Van Morrison is an example). To me, iFlathead, following My Name is Buddy, is exactly that. So contrary to the two star review here who likes his old stuff better, well, I have to say I dig this because it "goes back" and find myself starting my iPod on "Spade Kooley" and letting the shuffle bring me the rest of the album at will.
Throwing up in my mouth
1
By 7kindsofhell
I cant even listen to it. I got recomended it by Genuis and I have to say, I cant stand this.
BLEH!
An American Legend
5
By mozollini
Ry Cooder is a true American artist. A great guitarist. One of the all time best. And a stoyteller of the American experience. This release expands on his desire to give us Blues about Cars, Women, Johnny Cash, Guitars, Mexico flavors, Dogs, Country Music, Rythm and Blues and funky beats and beautiful atmosphere and Women. Again. I kinda like it.
Wry Ry
4
By tomlichtenheld.com
The great archivist of American music digs deep into the mine and comes up with gold. From gritty guitar, to spoken word irony, to sweet melodies, Ry shows his stuff again. In particular, the tracks with Jim Keltner knock me out.
I, Flathead
5
By raymondricketts
I don't know, but... is this the best album he's ever done? He's stepped into something that resonates with a lot of people right now... the sad loss of our once great country. If you're 20, you might not get it. Or maybe you will. Read some Cheever, Flannery O'Conner, Eudora Welty or Elmore Leonard... it'll give you a clue. Try on some Cash and some Sinatra. Watch the original Ocean's 11! Watch The Hustler. Watch Hud. Jesus God... watch Picnic. See if you can take a glimpse into the America that used to be and see if you like where we are now.
This album will do that for you if you take the time to listen. It takes me further back than my years can. I was just a child when a lot tof this stuff went down, but it left an indelible imprint on my soul nonetheless... the cars.. the smoke... the whiskey. .. the women.
Mr. Cooder was there, too. He was a kid like me... a little older maybe. But he nails it right on the head. He's put it all in a woderful box we can take a look at from time to time and wonder where everything went wrong!
I, Flathead
5
By estabahn
We all knew Ry was a guitar hero but this concept album elevates our expectations of Ry to that of an artist! He holds the theme central to the effort while making great music and examining a unique subculture. Great stuff!
This Just In: Cooder a Genius, 5 Second Rule are Morons
5
By Showmehomey
Ry is an American treasure, whereas the Five Second Rule are talentless pre-pubescent fu Ctards.
Sorry 5 Second Rule
4
By Turq
Sorry, Mr. Rule, but you obviously know nothing about Cooder...or rock history, for that matter. Ry Cooder, a guitar virtuoso, has recorded with everyone from Taj Mahal to the Stones, produced brilliant solo albums, and revitalized America's interest in various forms of roots and Cuban music over the years. To dismiss him and this album out of hand as you did is to admit to musical ignorance. So do your homework, listen again, and maybe someone somewhere will listen to your opinon...
He's baaaackkkk
4
By TMChaser
There is something timely about a new Ry Cooder album breaking just as we lose George Carlin. Cooder has always struck me as something of a tongue in cheek commentator about a style of life that is passing...He's a wonderful observer and a true lyricist. My favorites so far, and I've got to listen a whole lot more are Filipino Dance Hall Girl (with a wonderful riff and a serious observation); and Can I Smoke in Here?; which Carlin probably would have loved, and on which Cooder reverts more to spoken word, almost what used to be called a tone poem, again commenting about life's day to day tribulations; and, finally, for me, no Cooder album would be complete with out really listening to one of the terrific acoustic guitar players out there. Listen to Pink-O-Boogie and Ridin' With the Blues; they are both the real deal.
