October Road

Amazon.com
There's a comfortable sense of the familiar to James Taylor's first collection of new songs since 1997's Grammy winner Hourglass; such is the curse of being a decades-spanning cultural icon. But, as on his best work, there's also an almost stealthy sense of musical restlessness that seeps into Taylor's songs here, as he colors some with deft jazz and international influences. The reunion with producer Russ Titelman (they last collaborated on 1976's In the Pocket) seems to have gratifyingly inspired as much gentle reassessment as retrenchment. Longtime Titelman compatriot Ry Cooder guests on the title track, a song whose autumnal comforts fit the Taylor canon and other album tracks like "September Grass," "Baby Buffalo," "My Traveling Star," and "On the Fourth of July" (the story of Taylor's romantic meeting with current wife Kim) like an old slipper. However, "Belfast to Boston" cries for peace in Ireland and elsewhere with some surprising Gaelic flourishes, while "Whenever You're Ready" throws some Brazilian rhythms and jazzy horns into the mix, and Dave Grusin's slick orchestral arrangement turns "Mean Old Man" into an elegant cabaret surprise. A little more of this musical adventure amidst the familiar romantic ballads and paeans to the comfort of home and family--including a gorgeously spare cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"--certainly wouldn't hurt. --Jerry McCulley

October Road,James Taylor,Sony,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Soft Rock

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October Road

Average customer rating: Mature James T. outstanding Taylor maintains integrity The latest JT other than Christmas` Great on paper, yet it lacks sparkle

October Road James Taylor Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hourglass [Enhanced CD] New Moon Shine Never Die Young That's Why I'm Here Gorilla ASIN: B00006ADZD Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

1. September Grass
2. October Road
3. On the 4th of July
4. Whenever You're Ready
5. Belfast to Boston
6. Mean Old Man
7. My Traveling Star
8. Raised Up Family
9. Carry Me on My Way
10. Caroline I See You
11. Baby Buffalo
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Amazon.com

There's a comfortable sense of the familiar to James Taylor's first collection of new songs since 1997's Grammy winner Hourglass; such is the curse of being a decades-spanning cultural icon. But, as on his best work, there's also an almost stealthy sense of musical restlessness that seeps into Taylor's songs here, as he colors some with deft jazz and international influences. The reunion with producer Russ Titelman (they last collaborated on 1976's In the Pocket) seems to have gratifyingly inspired as much gentle reassessment as retrenchment. Longtime Titelman compatriot Ry Cooder guests on the title track, a song whose autumnal comforts fit the Taylor canon and other album tracks like "September Grass," "Baby Buffalo," "My Traveling Star," and "On the Fourth of July" (the story of Taylor's romantic meeting with current wife Kim) like an old slipper. However, "Belfast to Boston" cries for peace in Ireland and elsewhere with some surprising Gaelic flourishes, while "Whenever You're Ready" throws some Brazilian rhythms and jazzy horns into the mix, and Dave Grusin's slick orchestral arrangement turns "Mean Old Man" into an elegant cabaret surprise. A little more of this musical adventure amidst the familiar romantic ballads and paeans to the comfort of home and family--including a gorgeously spare cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"--certainly wouldn't hurt. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Mature James T........2007-05-28

This is a CD I had looked at many times. I finally took the time to give it a chance. It is obviously work of a man who has settled comfortably into his getting older skin. I like the tempos. I like the calmness and reflecting tone many of the songs take on. Good traveling and hanging around the home music.

outstanding.......2007-03-17

James Taylor is a world class musician and artist that deserves a world of credit as im sure he has gotten throughout his life time.

Taylor maintains integrity .......2007-03-05

So many elder acts rest on their laurels. James Taylor could not be accused of this, although he does maintain the structure and style of his music. In this way, it simply becomes " JT style".

" October Road " came out at a time when its presence was desperately needed. Amid Britney, Christina and Justin rose a true artist, like a phoenix, here to give the public something to think about. " The Fourth of July", one of Taylor's all-time best songs, provides head and heart food right off the bat.

" Whenever You're Ready" is another great one that rolls more than rocks, but drives home a steady beat. " Caroline I See You" is beautiful, recalling early ballads. The only clunker is " Mean Old Man", and even it has some charm after a few spins.

James Taylor proves that old formulas can result in new sounds. The integrity of his body of work remains in tact.

The latest JT other than Christmas`.......2007-02-01

Hmmm. A step from the eco-friendly "Hourglass," this seems to be the next chapter in JT's life. My favourite is "Traveling Star," because I love all the wanderlust songs he does. "Carry Me On My Way" speaks to the happiness he's found in his life at this point, and the way he worries about what lies in his wake. This isn't my favourite album of his, but it's definitely a good one. He tends to go a little "big band" with "Mean Old Man," but then redeems himself (with me) with "Belfast to Boston" -- a commentary on how nice it would be to have a world without war. The man is a lyrical genius -- how can you argue with "It's the big time life that I can't abide -- Raise my rent, and tan my hide" ?

Great on paper, yet it lacks sparkle.......2006-01-01

I bought every James Taylor album from Sweet Baby James through his live CD and New Moon Shine, with much enjoyment from each one. I must confess that Hourglass never took hold with me. I felt underneath it all, it was a little sad, a little morose, and I never listened to it much past the first couple run-throughs. Then I donated it to the library. In addition, I've begun to sour on James Taylor because of his politics, but he's never been obnoxious about it like Tim Robbins, so it isn't that big a deal. But I think his feelings about the country are affecting the mood of his music.

It was with much trepidation that I approached October Road. In fact I did not buy it when it first appeared. I waited to hear a friend's copy.

In terms of songwriting, October Road is a great return to form. Sonically it seems a bit closed-in (not a lot of acoustic space apparent), and the production is a bit sparse compared to what we've heard from James in the past.

Still, James sounds a little tired to me. The tempos are mostly slow to middlin', and I don't get a lot of joy from this music compared to say, his "JT" album. Mean Old Man is quietly humorous, and Whenever You're Ready is bouncy enough. Whatever. I still get an underlying sense of sadness or weariness listening to this album, and frankly I'd rather go for something more energizing.

The songcraft and playing are top notch. Your reaction may be different. You couldn't go wrong picking it up used at half price. You can always sell it again if it doesn't please. I don't know if James will ever make another album I can get enthused about, unless it is a live album. James seems to keep improving as a live performer at the same time his studio albums lose their appeal for me.

Average customer rating: SACD

October Road James Taylor Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hourglass Jt (Multichannel/Stereo) Silver (Multichannel/Stereo) French Sonatas (Multichannel/Stereo) Silk Road Journeys: When Strangers Meet ASIN: B00008CLLM Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

1. September Grass
2. October Road
3. On the 4th of July
4. Whenever You're Ready
5. Belfast to Boston
6. Mean Old Man
7. My Traveling Star
8. Raised Up Family
9. Carry Me on My Way
10. Caroline I See You
11. Baby Buffalo
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Customer Reviews:

SACD.......2005-07-08

This album is the same as the original recorded version. This album is in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.

Average customer rating: James Taylor's October Road Ltd with Bonus CD Very good, but not quite his best October Road (Limited Edition with Bonus CD) James Taylor's October Road CD Same Old JT

October Road (Limited Edition with Bonus CD) James Taylor Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hourglass [Enhanced CD] That's Why I'm Here New Moon Shine Never Die Young One Man Dog ASIN: B00006CY3Z Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. September Grass
2. October Road
3. On the 4th of July
4. Whenever You're Ready
5. Belfast to Boston
6. Mean Old Man
7. My Traveling Star
8. Raised Up Family
9. Carry Me on My Way
10. Caroline I See You
11. Baby Buffalo
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Tracks:

1. Don't Let Me Be Lonesome Tonight
2. Benjamin
3. Sailing to Philadelphia

Amazon.com

There's a comfortable sense of the familiar to James Taylor's first collection of new songs since 1997's Grammy winner Hourglass; such is the curse of being a decades-spanning cultural icon. But, as on his best work, there's also an almost stealthy sense of musical restlessness that seeps into Taylor's songs here, as he colors some with deft jazz and international influences. The reunion with producer Russ Titelman (they last collaborated on 1976's In the Pocket) seems to have gratifyingly inspired as much gentle reassessment as retrenchment. Longtime Titelman compatriot Ry Cooder guests on the title track, a song whose autumnal comforts fit the Taylor canon and other album tracks like "September Grass," "Baby Buffalo," "My Traveling Star," and "On the Fourth of July" (the story of Taylor's romantic meeting with current wife Kim) like an old slipper. However, "Belfast to Boston" cries for peace in Ireland and elsewhere with some surprising Gaelic flourishes, while "Whenever You're Ready" throws some Brazilian rhythms and jazzy horns into the mix, and Dave Grusin's slick orchestral arrangement turns "Mean Old Man" into an elegant cabaret surprise. A little more of this musical adventure amidst the familiar romantic ballads and paeans to the comfort of home and family--including a gorgeously spare cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"--certainly wouldn't hurt. This deluxe edition features "Benjamin" from Mark O'Connor, Edgar Meyer, and Yo-Yo Ma's Appalachian Journey, Michael Brecker's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and Mark Knopfler's "Sailing to Philadelphia," as well as interviews with Taylor and Titelman and behind-the-scenes clips of the album's recording. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

James Taylor's October Road Ltd with Bonus CD.......2003-08-08

Being a major James Taylor fan l have been waiting for his latest offering tracks 7 My Traveling Star and thought provoking 11 Baby Buffalo along with track 10 Caroline l see you are my favourite, its J T at his best, laid back, easy listening with soul stirring words especialy track 11. The Bonus cd with Mark Knopfler no 3 is amazing and it conjures up colourful images as this song tells a story. His songs and style are like an excellent wine, they just get better with age.

Very good, but not quite his best.......2003-04-15

I like October Road. There's nothing at all wrong with it, but I've been listening to JT my whole life, and he sets the bar very high. While it's beautifully recorded and produced, October Road just isn't as memorable or flat-out eye opening as "New Moon Shine". Admittedly, that was a tough album to beat. This is still very good, though, and makes for comfortable driving.

October Road (Limited Edition with Bonus CD).......2003-03-27

The bonus CD is as good as October Road. JT should sing with Mark Knopfler more often. This CD is much better than Hourglass, as good as the oldies like Mudslide Slim.

James Taylor's October Road CD.......2003-02-17

As an enthusiastic James Talor fan, I highly recommend this CD!

Same Old JT.......2003-01-16

Which means this is an excellent, fresh album. I'm not quite sure I understand those few gadflies whose reviews blast JT for sounding like himself and using familiar guitar chords. What are you all waiting for, the James Taylor Plays Harmonica with a Clothespin on His Nose Limited Edition CD?
I would especially recommend this set for anyone who isn't a regular James Taylor listener because it has a nice range of musical styles and the 3-track bonus CD alone is worth the price of the set. A message to James - make an album with Mark Knopfler, you sound great together. Oh yeah, and keep up the great work.

Average customer rating:

October 14 2002 Calgary Ab: On the Road String Cheese Incident Manufacturer: Sci Fidelity Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Bluegrass Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Jam Bands | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: April 16, 2002 - Columbus, OH: On the Road April 5, 2002 - Austin, TX: On the Road On the Road: 09-05-03 Morrison, CO June 22, 2002 Manchester, TN: On the Road April 18, 2002 - Nashville, TN: On the Road ASIN: B000086B9P Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. Intro Set I
2. Bam!
3. Little Hands>>>
4. Rhythm of the Road
5. Don't Bring Me Down
6. Big Shoes
7. Lost>>>
8. Birdland>>>
9. Flying West Jam>>>
10. Birdland pt2

Tracks:

1. Intro Set II
2. Turn this Around>>>
3. Indian Creek
4. Miss Brown's Teahouse>>>
5. Parker's Blues Jam>>>
6. SKAT

Tracks:

1. Texas>>>
2. Whiskey Before Breakfast
3. Chatter
4. This Must be the Place
5. Black and White

Average customer rating:

The String Quartet Tribute to James Taylor Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: The String Quartet Tribute to Clapton Country Road: Tribute to James Taylor The String Quartet Tribute to the Eagles Musicares Person of the Year Tribute A Tribute To Joni Mitchell ASIN: B000089IYP Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

1. Fire And Rain
2. Mexico
3. Goin' To Carolina
4. Sweet Baby James
5. October Road
6. Your Smiling Face
7. Mean Old Man
8. You've Got A Friend
9. Shower The People
10. The Plans I've Made (Original Composition)

Product Description

1. Fire And Rain
2. Mexico
3. Goin' To Carolina
4. Sweet Baby James
5. October Road
6. Your Smiling Face
7. Mean Old Man
8. You've Got A Friend
9. Shower The People
10. The Plains I've Made (Original Composition)

Format: CD

Average customer rating:

October Road James Taylor Manufacturer: Japanese Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006C1TW Release Date: 2002-10-29

Tracks:

1. September Grass
2. October Road
3. On The 4th Of July
4. Whenever Youre Ready
5. Belfast To Boston
6. Mean Old Man
7. My Traveling Star
8. Raised Up Family
9. Carry Me On My Way
10. Caroline I See You
11. Baby Buffalo
12. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
13. Dont Let Me Be Lonely (Bonus Track For Japan Only)
14. Benjamin (Bonus Track For Japan Only)

Album Description

Japanese edition of his first album since his Grammy-winning album, Hourglass (1997). Co-produced by Taylor & Russ Titelman who also worked on Gorilla (1975) & In The Pocket (1976). Contains 11 all-new songs, 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' & the Japanese bonus tracks 'Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight' & 'Benjamin'. 2002.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track

Average customer rating:

October Road Manufacturer: Pwdhuge ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAA44K Release Date: 2000-01-04

Average customer rating:

October Dreams Manufacturer: Jon Kay ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAA1D4 Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. October Dreams
2. Si Beag Si Mhor
3. Fisher?s Hornpipe
4. Earl of Grey
5. Richard?s Wake
6. An American Theme
7. Ozymandias
8. Minor Thoughts
9. Waiting
10. Yellow Wood Road

Average customer rating:

October Road James Taylor Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B00006C2DN

Average customer rating:

October 10, 2003 Boston, MA: On the Road [Limited Edition] [Live] Manufacturer: Sci Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Bluegrass Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000651HM4

Product Description

18 live tracks.

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