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Bill Withers - Menagerie Audio CD

A fair review of the Bill Withers "Menagerie" 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 Bill Withers reviews here, or go back to the Bill Withers tabs.

Bill Withers Band: Bill Withers
Title: Menagerie
Rating:
Release Date: 2003-01-28
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Lovely Day 2: I Want To Spend The Night 3: Lovely Night For Dancing 4: Then You Smile At Me 5: She Wants To (Get On Down) 6: It Ain't Because Of Me Baby 7: Tender Things 8: Wintertime 9: Let Me Be The One You Need 10: Rosie Previously (Unreleased Demo) (Bonus Track) 11: Lovely Night For Dancing (Single Version) (Bonus Track) 12: Let Me Be The One You Need (Instrumental Mix) (Bonus Track)

'Menagerie' Is A Lovely Album
If Bill's first masterpieces Just as I Am and Still Bill weren't enough proof then 'Menagerie' sure was. Bill Withers is one of the most underrated African American singer/songwriters of the modern era-he's probably THEY most underrated of the 70's. Released in 1977 this recording finds Bill Withers moving his sound into the late 70's,and unlike other artists such as his "sound" really wants to go there!The key to understanding Bill Withers is something my friend Henrique calls naturalness;it's what contemporary artists such as Macy Gray,John Legend and Jill Scott try very much to achieve. What Bill understands here is that "naturalness" has to come naturally or it defeats it's own purpose. And that is what makes this music so special;it's totally natural but he manages to bring contemporary late 70's style musical values into it without sacrificing his classic sound. And it starts out with one of his greatest songs too-'Lovely Day' feels like what it sounds like-love bringing on carefree emotions. That song actually sets the tone for the album;not that every track sounds alike but well crafted,uptempo compositions dominate this recording. There are some exceptions;Bill pulls out some stunning 70's funk with the grooving "Lovely Night For Dancing" and thankfully "She Wants To (Get Down)" manages to incorperate disco successfully. Strangly enough the real standout on this is a bonus track "demo" called "Rosie"-it's a piano ballad sung and composed in a manner befitting someone like Stevie Wonder;the style and vocal arrangement actually recalls Rufus Wainwright,himself about as far from Bill Withers as anyone musically. 'Menagerie' really showcases the compositional creativity of soul musicians during this era,before they were forced to "compete" with the hip-hop beats of today.


Bill Withers at his damn best.
I play this cd just about everyday and I agree also. . the song, "Rosie" is one of the most moving, beautiful, breathtaking ballads I think I have ever heard. Buy this cd just for that. It's Bill and piano alone.

This album also has disco but the disco on this album is far from corny or cheesy. Trust me. . . it is slightly disco nothing hard core like Donna Summer but the jams are: Wintertime, She Wants to Get on Down, Lovely Night for Dancing, It Ain't Because of Me Baby, Lovely Day--the hit and a couple of ballads thrown in. Bill knows his stuff and he never disappoints.

I'm glad I found this. I love 70s music and this album is one of the reasons why 70s music is so much better than 90's or the waste material fecal matter they are churning out today. .


Organic food for the soul.
This is unadulterated organic soul food,absolutely no chemicals or preservatives added. Some say the message is in the music,i say this music speaks to me and i get the message. Track one is my personl theme song for all the special people in my life who makes every day a lovely day. . . my highest recommendation.


The Epitome of Soul and Sincerity
This record is worth purchasing because it contains one of his finest recordings, surpassing all the hits and commercial junk he's known for: "Let me be the one you need. God, how I love this man, his music, specifically the ballads, can take me to the most honest emotional places. " Listen to this song if you want to see how a man can express his vulnerablity and fragility, yet still retain his masculinity. Unbelievable. .


Another Winner
"Lovely Day","I want to Spend The Night" Among other Songs here showcase a Artist that deserves more Props than He gets. Bill Withers was the Babyface of His time with His Thrifty style of Songwriting&getting down to the Basics with His Subject matters.


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

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