Monday, May 6, 2013

My Amazon Reviews: James Lee Stanley "Midnight Radio"

In the glow of the radio dashboard
4 Out Of 5 Stars

James Lee Stanley is a fine and prolific singer-songwriter whose career has something of a cult success among some very rabid fans. "Midnight Radio" was released in 1980 and leans to the kind of smooth adult contemporary sound of the day. You'll pick up the vibe from guests like Bonnie Raitt (guitar on "Born To Love You") and Stephen Bishop, who co-wrote a pair of songs with James for the album.

To also get a hint of how his talent reaches out to others, noted author Tom Robbins co-wrote "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues," after his book (and this was before k.d. lang some years later). The song may be the best one on "Midnight Radio," enough so that when the album got lost in record company politics, James resurrected it for a later album. James has a smooth vocal delivery that can go for the jugular when he wants to get personal, like the forceful "In Your Pocket." For the most part though, James goes easy on the ears. "Midnight Radio," after being out of print for several years, makes a welcome return. Fans of mellow James Taylor or Gordon Lightfoot will enjoy this.


     

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