Stanley, Michael: The Compact Michael Stanley

Singer/songwriter/musician Michael Stanley was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1948 and has been making music since the late '60s/early '70s. He released his self-titled solo album in 1972 and after his second album formed the Michael Stanley Band in 1974. This particularly CD focuses on his solo material through the '70s, '90s and 2000s.

Throughout these fifteen tracks (thirteen originals) one thing remains clear, Stanley is an excellent songwriter. He focuses on the melody and if you like the work of Dan Fogelberg, The Doobie Brothers and The Eagles you should find plenty to enjoy in this set.

The disc begins with "Rosewood Bitters", later covered by Joe Walsh, taken from his 1972 self-titled debut. Poignant acoustic guitar and electric slide work in tandem to create a fine slice of early '70s mid-tempo rock. Besides being a fine guitarist Stanley has also been blessed with an excellent voice, a perfect complement to his melodic leads and rhythms. Next is "Among My Friends Again" taken from Friends & Legends released in 1973. Acoustic and slide guitar makes for some catchy country rock. "Let's Get The Show On The Road" is a lovely acoustic ballad that starts to heat up with a terrific sax solo. For an Eagle's flavour the smooth as silk "Moving Right Along" is another slice of ear candy with organ and flute adding some tasty textures. For more recent fare try the Bog Seger-like ballad "After Hollywood" and the country rocking "From Somewhere Else" from 2013's The Hang.

Really, there are no bad tunes here so if you like a little bit of country in your heartland flavoured rock and roll this album will certainly be worth your while.

Track Listing:
1. Rosewood Bitters
2. Among My Friends Again
3. Let's Get The Show On The Road
4. Moving Right Along
5. After Hollywood
6. American Road
7. Tupleo Rain
8. Downstream
9. Dead Flowers
10. Come On Down
11. Cadillac Man
12. From Somewhere Else
13. When The Smoke It Finally Clears
14. In For A Dollar
15. Breaking News

Added: March 20th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1862
Language: english

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