CD REVIEW
By Chris Propfe - 01/13/2008 - 01:43 PM EST
Artist: Bud Buckley
Album: It's About Time
Website: http://www.budbuckley.com/blog
Genre: Acoustic Folk/Rock
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Best Songs: Let Me Go, Can't Leave My Mind, I Still Remember (How That Feels)
CD Review: Bud Buckley makes the kind of music that I want to hear when I listen to the radio, and that's why I don't listen to the radio. It's very rare to hear an actual singer/songwriter on the dial these days, and that's a shame, because I'm a huge fan. Well, Bud Buckley's bringin' it and he's adding something new to the mix.
With a warm, clear production care of Helen Avakian and Scott Petito, these songs come to life through the speakers. What really jumped out at me was the musicianship. The violin and background vocals of Let Me Go brought to mind the slow-groove of Elton John's, Madman Across The Water. Can't Leave My Mind channeled Gordon Lightfoot, Dylan and early Neil Diamond while sounding fresh at the same time. I enjoyed Underground too. Again, the background vocals kept it above water. With it's "wild frontier" theme, it would have fit well into any Western. Just listen to the classical guitar fills in Keeping Secrets and you'll hear the time and dedication that went into this recording.
Another great aspect to this CD is that you can listen to it all the way through, which is very rare for a recording these days. And the good songs keep coming. Elevator brought to mind early Police and The Silence There would have fit well on Phish's, Farmhouse. Now, grab a martini and get ready for the loungy, Tattoo. You will be transported from your boring headphones to a chic New York City champagne hut.
My favorite song has to be I Still Remember (How That Feels). It's a song that I wish I wrote. With it's haunting melody and simple but direct lyrics, you will think of everything you should have done and the legacy that you hope to leave behind. As far as legacy goes, Bud Buckley has his wonderful music, so he's set!
### It's About Time Bud Buckley Buckley's debut effort is a sincere set of acoustic folk rock, elevated by mature arrangements and the self-professed late bloomer's weathered vocals. "Can't Leave My Mind," with its quiet swell of strings and classical guitar, is a tender tribute, as is "I Still Remember (How That Feels)," a father's thoughts on the little girl he let go. Elsewhere, images are of Mellencamp-ian Americana, as in the roots-country twang of "The Silence There" and in the album highlight, "Keeping Secrets," its weary lovers "as still as the lake, as still as that old church where the faithful no longer come." 3 stars It’s About Time Review by Ellen Aldridge, Editor-In-Chief of Target Audience Magazine. (To be published in the summer 2008 edition) TargetAudienceMagazine.com
Experience sets apart the dreamers from the hopeless romantics, and with an education in journalism this guitar teacher, Bud Buckley, combines all the necessary facets to write moving songs.
He writes universally about ideas which speak to individuals without being cliché.
Buckley states “Let Me Go” (the opening track and my favorite) was inspired by <a href= http://www.terrisfight.org/>Terri Schiavo</a>, but his lyrics read like a “dear John” letter or a manifesto written by a madman ranting about being trapped inside a mechanical body or society refusing to listen to the melodies escaping from the vibrations of body language. The art in music lies in the interpretation, so make sure to read the lyrics as well as groove to his tunes.
The line that hits me like a rock to the back of the head in “Keeping Secrets” is simply, “I didn’t mean to sink my stones”. This line shifts consciousness from early childhood memories and play to the hard-hitting truth of an entropic reality. Energy dissipates and relationships grow old and stale. The secret’s out. Everything changes.
I love “Elevator” just because of the double entendre in the word’s sound “elevate her”.
“Crowded Memory” closes the course of haunted-sounding, stream-of-consciousness songs in Buckley’s debut album, “It’s About Time”, with repetitive choral lines and ghostly harmonies. The name of this album alone shows the dynamic of hidden meanings in melody and lyrics.
I give his “It’s About Time” 4/5 stars and urge fans of music and writing alike to check out Bud Buckley’s fine blend of inspired songs at his website http://budbuckley.com/. Don’t “make me beg”. ###
It's About TimeBy Lois Lane
As classic and familiar as the songs feel, It's About Time offers many bombshells along the way. It features basic piano, organ, drums, classic, electric and acoustical guitars. Then offers the treat and surprise of a violin, an electric violin, a viola, a cello, electric and stand up bass. In the age of synthesized, soundboards and computerized hoo-ha, it's refreshing to hear an artist go back to the basics and reintroduce these great instruments to the listening public.
Buckley's lyrics in this album have special meaning to his family and friends. You can tell the man is loved just by hearing the lyrics his heart pours out about each of them.
The album itself was dedicated to his wife, Cathy Lewis. Paying homage to her, his best friend, "Can't Leave My Mind" tells a story of the overwhelming presence she has whether they are together or apart.
"I Still Remember" written for Bree, Buckley's daughter, gives you a feel of the raw emotion emitting as he reflects her younger years, and their time shared. I can see this becoming a popular wedding, father/daughter song.
"Keeping Secrets" was my first favorite of the album. It takes me back to pinky swears and playground days, whispering into a friends ear and giggling for hours.
"Meltdown" shows off the tough rocker dude, who is hidden in this lovable family man. It tells a story of being metaphorically being left "bare-assed in the street" but not intending to take anymore crap from anyone. This is the song you'll blare when life hands you a curve ball.
"Tattoo" begins with a jazz lounge feel. It leaves you with a feeling of nostalgia. And if you don't catch yourself smiling at these lyrics, you aren't listening closely enough.
The meanings and feeling aside, this album is a must own. From track one through ten, I was entertained, I felt love and compassion, mixed up with rock and roll. Seriously, how can you go wrong with a combination like that?
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Really Great MusicBy Jim Travis, CD Buyer
Lovely! It's incredibly rare for me to like an entire CD from the very first hearing, but this one grabbed me and never let go. The quality, the craftsmanship, the lyrics, the melodies, the singing - all masterful and full of soul. I bought a copy for my closest friends. What more can I say?
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It's about time you tuned inBy D-Man, Aukland, New Zealand
I gave Bud Buckley’s first album 4/5 stars. I loved it (especially the Dylan-esque ‘Jacob’s Hurricane’), but figured I couldn’t give full marks for a first attempt. Leaves nowhere else to go…
But Bud (and his team of talented supporting musicians and co-writers) has earned the fifth star with his follow-up album.
Highlights include the opening track, Let Me Go (a powerful and chilling track about time being up), Underground (a rocking statement song) and the sweet Can’t Leave My Mind, which is my third favorite song, but its lingering melody haunts me more than any of the others.
What makes this effort even more special is it features three of my favorite musicians, with Bud roping in singer-songwriters Helen Avakian and Deni Bonet on their specialist instruments. And their backing vocals are… wow.
Bud is an artist dedicated to improving his craft. He also has a bunch of other great worktape songs that didn’t make it onto this album, which makes me wonder whether I’m going to have to break the rules and crack out a sixth star for his next release…
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Jitka McDonald, Venice CD Buyer
Bud Buckley really hits his stride with new release "It's About Time". The diverse group of songs has Bud's smooth signature tone underneath. My favorite tracks "Tattoo" and "Meltdown" showcase his poetic talents and rhythmic expression. "It's About Time" is right on time, not missing a beat.
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Beautiful from Start to Finish
By Nancy Dancehall, Denver
Bud Buckley's second album showcases both his excellent lyrics and Sting-like vocal stylings (check out 'My Tattoo' for a smooth bossa nova sound). Helen Avakian's classical guitar compliments Bud's modern style, and Deni Bonet's amazing violin adds depth to tracks like 'Let Me Go'. My personal favorite is 'Crowded Memory'. This song stays in my head for the beauty of its chorus – 'Look at us then/Look at us now' and the haunting, Joni Mitchell Hejira-esque strings. This album is a must for anyone who loves well-crafted music.
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A Wonderful Listen!By Andy Martello, Las Vegas Comic/Performer
Bud Buckley's latest CD is filled with great melodies, catchy lyrics, and heartfelt emotion. The arrangements, production, and fuller sound provided by the likes of such outstanding supporting musicians like Deni Bonet make this one excellent CD to own.
Check out tunes like "Tattoo" "Can't Leave My Mind" and "Crowded Memory". In fact, the entire CD is nothing less than a solid, enjoyable product.
Highly recommended!
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Jackie York, Austin, Texas CD Buyer
This new CD improves my mood every time I listen!
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it's about timeMICHAEL MANNING, Phoenix Airline Industry Writer
This CD is a new phase in Bud Buckley's career rounded out by a fine collection of musicians, In comes the warmth and freshness of "I Still Remember (How That Feels), "Let Me Go" and the unforgettable melodic hook of "Elevator". A full range of emotions and well worth adding to your collection!
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Excellent MusicBy Nick Jag, Music Busness Consultant
Just discovered Bud Buckley and thought I would get his new CD, and wow! I wish I had found him sooner, the music is really impressive. It's fun, touching, and overall amazing. The music puts me in such a great mood, even when I'm stuck in rush hour traffic on my way home from work, hehe.
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A New Favorite!By Amie Kitchen, Kansas City
When I first heard the track, "Let Me Go," it quickly became one of my favorites. Now It's About Time is on constant repeat. It's a fantastic CD!
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A Fabulous CD!By Jim Salhoff, Venice Entertainer
Bud Buckley has truly amazed me with the melodies and lyrics he has come up with that make this CD an absolute pleasure to listen to, time and time again. I can't ever imagine getting tired of it! Can't Leave My Mind is definitely a classic work of art, as is Tattoo, Crowded Memory, and I Sill Remember How That Feels...you won't regret adding this to your collection! I DARE you to tell me i'm wrong!
Jim later wrote: Hi Bud--after i picked up your tracks today, i went home and slipped in your finished cd, went to your site to the lyrics, and sang your songs along with you...i don't know what came over me, but as I sang along, i found myself tearing up and really feeling the emotions of these songs...and not because the songs made me sad, it was more like because they were so GOOD and it was just an emotional feeling from the heart as i totally "felt" all of the notes just flowing through me....it left a lump in my throat because it was really moving me.....i just don't know how to describe it any other way...but i wanted to share that with you to let you know AGAIN how awesome this cd is and how much I love it.. ###
It IS about timeBy Sondra Harris, author of Getting My Think On
I've been on tenterhooks for this album for ages and it was worth the wait. The compositions, particularly "Let Me Go" and "I Still Remember (How That Feels)", tug my heartstrings as fluidly as Bud and his cozy virtuosi play upon their instruments.
From GuaranteedReviews.com
Steve Perry
How I Feel About It
This is Mr. Buckley’s second album, and it is a well produced blend of folk and rock. He employs some very capable musicians and it’s clear that this gig was more than just a paycheck to them. It is also clear from these tunes that Mr. Buckley has been dragged through a world of shit. His melancholy is deep and not the all-to-frequently affected sadness of aspiring hipsters.
This album took me back to the sixties and early seventies; no surprise since some of Mr. Buckley’s most significant influences come from that era. However, when you cite Bob Dylan as an influence, I want meaningful lyrics. I’ve seen too many artists who cite Dylan as an influence and then proceed to spew cliché after cliché. I found very few in these songs.
What’s most impressive about this album is Mr. Buckley’s absolute candor. His ability to speak directly to the listener about issues related to getting older is touching and thoroughly endearing, but to be brutally frank, younger listeners may have some trouble sympathizing with an adult coming clean about his mistakes. They should listen to it anyway.
What I Think About It
In the end, this album is the tale of two song types. The first type consists of the utterly abject and whiskey-soaked folk lullabies in which Mr. Buckley shines. (Suppose he doesn’t drink whiskey: he made me want to crack a bottle almost immediately.) The second is made up of slightly peppier, sometimes political numbers which sound like an effort to prove to the world that he’s not manically depressed. His melodies strike me as an attempt to test conventions. He’s not pushing any envelopes in composition, but he tends to steer clear of tunes that are a mere reworking of older folk and blues pieces.
The first track is called Let Me Go. Musically, listeners will find more Mark Knopfler in this album than Dylan and this song is a good example of that. The guitar here smacks of early Dire Straits and it’s well executed. The strings in back are well orchestrated and haunting. The song deals with the ending of a relationship that’s gone on too long:
“Before you, life was more hard
Than the face I showed you
But together we starred
In a love story overdue
But now it’s time and it’s been time for a long time
Oh it’s time and it’s been time for a long time”
If you’ve ever been in a similar situation with a loved one, this song will resonate with you.
You Can’t Leave My Mind uses a harp to create a very delicate backdrop to another incredible sad song about being left without wanting to let go. This song has the most Dylanesque vocal line and it has another well orchestrated string part.
Keeping Secrets was the first song that really caught my ear. Here Mr. Buckley returns to the sadder composition, and once again the guitar returns to Mark Knopfler. The organ and the guitar are straight out of Love Over Gold. The song is about the danger of keeping secrets in a relationship:
“Your silence is causing this ache that my heart’s trying to deny
Your stillness as cold as the lake, Just make a ripple so I know you’re alive”
The Silence There utilizes some steel guitar that once again brings me back to Dire Straits. It’s a good groove about having too many memories. This is definitely a song for those thirty and over.
I Still Remember How that Feels is a stunningly beautiful song that even if you don’t like folk music you should give it a listen. It deals with the joys and pains of having a daughter. It’s songs like this where Mr. Buckley’s depth of experience shines through.
Tattoo is a little Brazilian number that I think is Mr. Buckley’s best. It’s his best vocal performance and the lyrics are awesome.
All in all, this is a strong work with strong instrumentation. Mr. Buckley’s sheer emotive force and his excellent overall wordsmithing deserves (and will no doubt gain) a wide audience.
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