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Acoustic Alchemy - Back on the Case Audio CD

A fair review of the Acoustic Alchemy "Back on the Case" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Acoustic Alchemy reviews here, or go back to the Acoustic Alchemy tabs.

Acoustic Alchemy Band: Acoustic Alchemy
Title: Back on the Case
Rating:
Release Date: 1991-08-13
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Alchemist 2: Jamaica Heartbeat 3: Georgia Peach 4: Playing for Time 5: When the Lights Go Out 6: Clear Air for Miles 7: Fire of the Heart 8: Freeze Frame 9: On the Case 10: Break for the Border

Sorry, everybody else
I realize discussing matters of taste can be a futile exercise, but compared with the rest of the Webb/Carmichael catalog, this album in my view falls below all except for Natural Elements. I am surprised at the near-unanimous love for this album by the reviewers here.

The Alchemist - A bright and original tune, it's even better in duet. Carmichael and Gilderdale played it without the band at a show in 2001 and it really made me appreciate the song for what it is.

Jamaica Heartbeat - does nothing for me.

Georgia Peach - a truly warm and beautiful ballad. Well produced and well arranged.

Playing For Time - too long and repetitious, and the keyboard outro is annoying

When The Lights Go Out - A good bit of romantic ballad, although the "baseball organ" solo, though well played, sounds entirely out of place here. Why not a kind of Fender Rhodes instead?

Clear Air For Miles - pleasant, if unremarkable

Fire Of The Heart - One of the stronger tracks on the album. AA is at its best when playing flamenco-ish stuff.

Freeze Frame - The musical equivalent of painting a picture of grass growing, then looking at it while the paint dries. Only less captivating.

On The Case - Now we're getting somewhere! This is a fun little piece, and one of the few vigorous numbers on the CD.

Break For The Border - Another uptempo number; while it's competent and adequate, it's hardly one for the anthologies.

Apart from The Alchemist, Georgia Peach, and Fire of the Heart, there's not a lot of variety here. The other tracks on this album are not very engaging not energetic. This album, while not bad or anything, is Webb/Carmichael at their ebb. (Fortunately they rebounded strongly with the next release, The New Edge).


AA Another good one
Get some of their music. Acoustic Alchemy is one of the best giutar bands around in any style. You will not be disapointed.


Eternal perfection
I am not tired of listening (now on my computer - Itunes) and I guess I'll never will be. I bougth this CD in 1991 and since then, it's one of my favourite. It's amazing how good music can be eternal.

For the ones who are thinking about buying, don't think, DO IT!!!!!!.


5 stars ain't enough!
My copy has hardly left my car CD player since I bought it. Want to own just one CD you can listen to, over and over again, and not get bored? This is the one. Every Acoustic Alchemy recording is a winner, but this is the cream of the crop. .


A superb master album!
You won't find just a single minor piece: Filled of visible inspiration, mercurial enjoyment, mesmerizing summer breeze atmosphere and continuous creative breath, this album has earned through the years a notable support not only for critics but the audiences.
Track by track, this is probably the most solid and compact work of this formidable ensemble.

So, make yourself a favor and make this recommendable acquisition that will reward you for years to come.
.


You can see a complete list of all Acoustic Alchemy discography, or go back to the Acoustic Alchemy tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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