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Phil Keaggy - Mystery Highway Audio CD

A fair review of the Phil Keaggy "Mystery Highway" 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 Phil Keaggy reviews here, or go back to the Phil Keaggy tabs.

Phil Keaggy Band: Phil Keaggy
Title: Mystery Highway
Rating:
Release Date: 2009-05-19
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Who's Your Driver? 2: Backwards on Her Bike 3: Rockin' in a Hard Place 4: Sunday's Child 5: Rockman 6: Picture Postcard Perfect Day 7: We'll Meet Again 8: Mystery Highway 9: Soul Girl 10: Love Is Not the Only Thing 11: Irresistable Future 12: Dreamspeak

These two are the perfect complement for eachother
I just wish they'd collaborate more frequently. The combination of Randy's vocals and cleverness, combined with Phil's guitar virtuosity make this an amazing duo.


Brilliant - Loads of Fun!
It's fun and infectious and there's not a single song I'd leave out. How can one listen to this CD and not smile? You just can't. I've been listening to it for about a month it's still in regular, repeated rotation on my commute, both coming and going. Simply put, this is a great disc.

The liner notes from Randy mentioned they hoped the "fun" they had found it's way onto this recording. The answer is a resounding "YES!"

I've been a fan of Randy's music for many years, and while I really do appreciate the spiritual depth & wisdom he can craft into many of his songs (while making it look easy), I just love when he gives vent to his wit, and sings about the humorous and fun side of things too: "When life comes at you like a raging bull, you must do more than shout, 'Ole!'" Love it love it love it.

And I can't sideline Phil's efforts on this disc, either. His stellar musicianship and memorable, McCartney-ish vocals are all over it, and he really makes it a joy to listen to. There have been a few days where I just could not get "We'll Meet Again" out of my head! Great stuff.

With music and songwriting this strong, I can only hope this Keaggy/Stonehill combination will return one day with a sequel (or two or. . . whatever). That's one hope that would help make the future irresistible enough to swan-dive right into!.


The Substance of Joy and Fun Rocks
This is what the joy of Rock & Roll is all about. Having fun IS substance, ask any kid, and Mystery Highway has lots of substance all the way through. It's a joy to the ears and a joy to the feet. From start to finish this is one of the best rock albums to come out this new century. This is NOT a jam. These are well constructed songs and tightly played. Keaggy and Stonehill have put together 44 minutes of what Rock & Roll is all about.
The world needs more of this. Come on, everybody, and dance.


Mystery Highway Is No mystery - it's just plain BAD!
I think their earlier works are their best. I, too, love the work of Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill.

Phil Keaggy was so great on "What A Day" and "Love Broke Thru", he was incredible when touring with Love Song and 2nd Chapter Of Acts, he was truly at the zenith of his career in those days. He is, of course, one of the world's greatest guitarists but in the last few years he has opted to release "in house" productions that are overproduced, oversampled and downright boring. To me, his last decent CD's were Crimson and Blue and Sunday's Child.

Randy Stonehill has always been an acquired taste - but when he's good - he's GREAT but when he's bad, he's AWFUL. His "Uncle Rand" persona has always been annoying. I love a certain amount of cynicism and sarcasm in songs - but often - at least in his later years - his borders on stupidity. I loved his first albums when he was produced by Larry Norman but his later ones have been hit and miss. I give him cudos for "Celebrate This Heartbeat", "Wonderama" and his latest solo work, "Edge Of The World".

I was really looking forward to this collaborative effort, Mystery Highway. I was hoping to hear the wit and wisdom of two guys who have been serving Christ for over three decades. I wasn't necessarily hoping for an "overtly" Christian CD, but I was really wanting to hear something of substance - something insightful - but lyrically, this CD for the most part, is childish, simplistic and downright insipid (exceptions - Sunday's Child and Love Is Not The Only Thing). ROCKMAN is probably the worst thing Stonehill has ever done. Honestly, I think Phil Keaggy would be embarassed to have his name attached to this CD with that song on it.

Sure, this CD has some OK guitar riffs and it is a supposed "feel good" tribute to their muscial influences of the past - but Mystery Highway is no mystery - IT'S JUST PLAIN BAD! Don't waste your money on it.
.


A Classic Ride
By turns, it is a heady mix of bluesy, innovative, classic rock. In Mystery Highway, Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill have created a benchmark album--one that is as much a celebration of friendship as it is a reflection of the artists, styles and bands that have shaped their musical sensibility.
Keaggy and Stonehill have been friends for years, but have never released an album-length collaboration. This release shows that their timing couldn't be better. This is an event well worth the wait.
To be sure, the influence of seminal bands like the Beatles and Cream is present, but it would be a mistake to think that Mystery Highway is merely a journey to nostalgia. Quite the reverse. Wry, observed, often-moving and insightful lyrics are wedded to artfully rendered guitar hooks and base lines. The result is combination of each artist's gifts that plays to their best strengths.
These friends have walked more than a few miles on the road of life together. Mystery Highway shows them to be ageing gracefully as artists, creating music that is at once vital, instantly listenable, and flat out fun. Vocally and musically, both men are absolutely on form. Here's to hoping this isn't only musical journey they take together.
Favorite tracks: "Who's Your Driver?" "Rockin' in a Hard Place," "Dreamspeak. ".


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

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