Lightfoot Is Simply Terrific, As Usual!
I laughed when I saw one of the earlier reviewers had referred to this album is good but not terrific. While I strongly disagree with that estimation of the effort here, what occurred to me was the simple fact that over a fifteen period, Gordon Lightfoot produced so many superior albums populated by such uniformly outstanding songs that we've become inured to the fact that he is such a singular, talented and singular talent. Every single song on the album is extremely well executed, and the arrangements are stunning, from the opening "Somewhere USA" into the upbeat "High And Dry" on into "Seven Island Suite, a captivating, poetically versed, and thoughtfully complex song one had to hear in its entirety to truly appreciate. "Circle Of Steel" uses a deceptively simple and lovely melody to take a sympathetic and compassionate look at the social issues of the day, and the ways in which our ordinary troubles complicate themselves, continuing from one generation to the next. A number of popular hits are here, including "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway', as is his lovely and pensive "Too Late For Praying". Gordon is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter who is in the process of leaving us dozens of terrific albums for our continuing entertainment and edification. This is certainly one oif the best of them. Enjoy!
In a word: Extraordinary
Gordon Lightfoot released a string of superlative albums between 1970 and 1976 for Warner/Reprise; Sundown is definitely one of the real standouts. From the relaxed, almost serene feel of the previous album (Old Dan's Records), Sundown (released in 1974) makes a sudden departure in mood. Many of the songs deal with moving and with restlessness. And yet, it's not the idea of going out and searching for something; rather it's the sort of restlessness you feel when you simply want to get away and get out on the road without any sort of specific game plan. It's this notion that makes the album so compelling.A couple of Lightfoot's big hits can be found here; the title track, of course (with Red Shea's classic guitar solo, and Terry Clements' beautiful acoustic licks); and "Carefree Highway." But there are many, many other gems here as well: the chance-encounter scenario played out in "Somewhere USA"; the social commentary of "Circle of Steel" (with some beautiful recorder work by Jack Zaza); the stunning epic "Seven Island Suite"; fan favorite "The Watchman's Gone" (with, again, some beautiful acoustic work by Clements); and the evocative "Too Late For Praying" (a song which, after the events of 9/11, has taken on yet another shade of meaning). Additionally, the album is beautifully produced by Lenny Waronker: it's a clinic on how to record acoustic guitars. Lightfoot's trademark Gibson B45 12-string rings bright and clear on this recording, as do all the guitars. For the songs that utilize strings, the arrangements by Nick DeCaro are elegant and understated, never becoming obtrusive. The musicianship is, as usual, of the highest calibre: Lightfoot on 12 and 6 string guitars; Shea on acoustic, classical, and Telecaster; Clements on acoustic; John Stockfish (who was Lightfoot's regular bassist from 1966-69) appears along with Rick Haynes to contribute bass, and session ace Jim Gordon is on drums (it would be another couple of years before Lightfoot added a drummer to his regular touring band).
This is truly an essential Gordon Lightfoot album. If you've perhaps bought the recently-released Complete Greatest Hits and have become interested in adding some Lightfoot CDs to your collection, Sundown is certainly not a bad place to start!
It May Be Time to Say It: Gordon Lightfoot is THE best
There is a theme developing in these reviews: of all the great folk/pop singer/songwriters, including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, Jackson Browne, and go ahead and add to this list, there is one man who stands out from the pack: Gordon Lightfoot. This album, along with all the others, contain songs not well-known to the public, and yet they serve to demonstrate the extraordinary range and depth of Lightfoot's songwriting, playing, and arrangements. You listen to something like "The List," just one of a number of terrific songs on "Sundown," and you hear an arrangement that is as fresh and modern and up to date as anything you'll hear - and it's even better than that. I'll go ahead and say "Cold on the Shoulder," song for song may be his best, but ANYTHING by Gordon is worth listening to - and his lyrics - and that terrific voice are timeless. Bob Dylan was recently quoted as saying when he listens to a Gordon Lightfoot song he wishes it would never end.
Doesn't that say it all? There isn't anything this man couldn't write. And the DVD, "Live from Reno," is worth getting just to watch and hear among the greatest songs EVER written. He's beyond a living legend. He's one of the greatest songwriters in the history of music. Even that isn't saying enough.
Top Form for a master
Gordon Lightfoot has always been known to take great care in assembling an album, here is an example of the rewards of perfectionism. Sure, the album boasts 3 hits, but there's so much more beyond them. This is truly the most atmospheric piece that Lightfoot has done. Songs like "Seven Island Suite" almost take you to the astral plane while the jubilance of "High & Dry" bounces along nicely. The only low point (if it is indeed a low point) is the pessimistic ending of "Too Late For Prayin'". The song is a good song, but to close out such a great set with a down note is a questionable decision.
All of Lightfoot's bandmates are in top form also. Rick Haynes keeps great rhythm in the bass area on half of the songs, while the bass trickery is handled by John Stockfish (bassist with Lightfoot in the 1960s and with Jim Croce). Terry Clements and Red Shea also share lead licks tastefully.
All...
MR.Lightfoot, I am sorry I did not express myself more clearly in my earlier e-mial.
Why are you hiding out in Canada?!! If you do another C-D I will be first in line!
Richard Charles Doucette
This album wasn't Lightfoot's breakthrough recording, but it was both a demonstration of the rocking electric turn most folkies would make after Dylan's revolution, and a commercially successful marriage of soulful, R&B sensibility with folk narratives. The title cut is probably engrained in the memory of anyone with an A.M. radio in the '70s, but 20 years later, it sounds suggestive, even bluesy. "Carefree Highway" perhaps excessively romanticizes the road, but less familiar tracks like "Watchman's Gone" and "Too Late for Prayin'" are convincing statements of Lightfoot's lyrical endurance. --Roy Francis Kasten
