Sonny Landreth - Outward Bound Audio CD
A fair review of the Sonny Landreth "Outward Bound" 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
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Band: Sonny Landreth
Title: Outward Bound
Rating: 
Release Date:
Media: Audio CD
Tracks: 1: Soldier of Fortune 2: Back to Bayou T�che 3: When You're Away 4: Sacred Ground 5: New Landlord 6: Speak of the Devil 7: Yokamoma 8: Planet Cannonball 9: Common Law-Love 10: Bad Weather 11: Outward Bound
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Sonny Landreth - Begins His Solo Career He still was often a much sought after sideman for other musicians, but with "Outward Bound" he proved that he could write and produce some quality music of his own. By the early 90's Landreth had begun to carve out a career as a solo artist. This is not my favorite Landreth Cd, but there are some great tunes on it. Landreth moves away from his Zydeco inflected roots, but still manages to keep a strong Louisiana Cajun influence throughout much of this album. There is more straight forward rock n roll on this record, and less blues, but that is not necessarily a bad thing since Landreth does both styles so well. Landreth does not have the greatest voice in the world, but for me it works well on the material. Some of my favorite songs include, "Soldier Of Fortune", "Back To Bayou Teche", Sacred Ground", "New Landlord", "Planet Cannonball", the country tinged "Common Law Love" and the title track "Outward Bound". The lyrics on all of these are good and of course Landreth's patented slide guitar technique shines throughout. Overall this was a very strong album from a guy who seems to be often overlooked.
Inconsistent, but with some real highlights
There are few utterly forgettable songs here, but fortunately they sit next to a handful of charming, eclectic songs which aren't "blues lite", as another reviewer put it. This is slide guitarist Sonny Landreth's first album on the Zoo label, originally released in 1992. . . most of them are not blues at all, and they aren't meant to be.
Landreth blends rock n' roll, blues n' boogie, cajun, mesmerizing aboriginal rhythms, and, well, pop, creating a thouroughly personal style. The best songs here are the radio-friendly "Bayou Teche" and "Common Law Love" (which I was fortunate enough to hear Landreth play live a few weeks ago here in Denmark), but the slow, melancholy "Planet Cannonball" and the swaggering "Speak Of The Devil" are also among the highlights, and Landreth's muscular playing is always a plus.
Not the place to start, but fans will certainly want a listen.
Highly Recommended
Bad Weather, Back To Bayou Teche are fantastic. If you are new to Sonny Landreth, this might be the best one to start with. Sacred Ground, New Landlord, Speak of the Devil, Common Law Love and Outward Bound are very good. One of the best guitar players you will ever find.
Sonny's Outstanding -- This CD Will Stay With You
I'm in a band and want to get my mates to do "Bad Weather" or "Speak of the Devil. I bought this CD years ago, too, and it turns out that I listen to it all the time! Sonny's not the world's best singer, but he's really pretty good, and each tune touches me at different times. " Sonny's definitely the quintessential sideman, but he can also hold his own as a leader. I'd go see him anytime!.
The Guy Below Me Has No Clue
The songs are fantastic (check out "Mister Meet Your New Landlord"), and the guitar playing is supernatural. I bought this CD years and years ago, and it has amazing staying power. There ARE lots of brilliant slide guitar players out there, but what sets Sonny Landreth apart is the combination of his great songwriting and killer chops. He'll never be a great singer, but neither will Eric Clapton. It's all about the songs, and that's enough.
You can see a complete list of all Sonny Landreth discography, or go back to the Sonny Landreth tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.