Greg Brown Albums (23)
'In the Hills of California'
Release Date 9/7/2004
Tracks 32
Label Red House
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Honey in the Lion's Head'
Release Date 1/27/2004
Tracks 12
Label Trailer
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Greg Brown built his rep as one of the mover and shakers on the contemporary folk scene with his detailed writing and deep baritone. Honey in the Lion's Head takes a detour from his usual fare by delving into a dozen traditional songs from "Old Smokey" to "Railroad Bill." The arrangements, with an exception or two, are straightforward enough. A nice blend of acoustic guitars, banjo, and bass will allow most folk purists to put aside their singer/songwriter prejudices. Even with cozy arrangements, however, the final mix is sprightly enough to entice listeners who appreciate a clean, layered sound. Brown's deep, ragged voice also evokes "authentic" folk music, as though he'd just been discovered in some Appalachian holler by a folklorist. Honey in the Lion's Head gets points for attempting to put some life into the most familiar of folk tunes including "Down in the Valley," and "I Don't Want Your Millions Mister." Unfortunately, most of the songs are taken at a sluggish pace, as though Brown was trying to see how long he could make them. "Down in the Valley" and "Old Smokey" wear out their welcome in three minutes, but stick around for five. Despite Brown's lethargic pacing, fans of traditional music will be glad someone dusted off these venerable songs and put a bit of life in them. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Why Greg Brown isn't a star on the order of Springsteen is one of life's mysteries. He's a superb American songwriter, able to distill the experience of living, whether on the stark "Lull It By" or the sensual sway of "Let Me Be Your Gigolo." If anything, his writing is becoming sparer than ever before; short lines create a succession of images on "Smell of Coffee," building into an overall image. His love songs have a tender maturity -- "Milk of the Moon," for example, is the passion of a grown man. Brown is a man of the Midwest and doesn't try to hide it; quite the opposite -- he celebrates it and its flavor suffuses every piece of his work. He can look back without ever seeming overly sentimental, too, as in "Telling Stories," which evokes small scenes from the past without ever feeling it needs a conclusion -- just a mood. His deep voice -- like Tom Waits without the whiskey crack -- sounds like the voice of long experience, as in "Oh You," which sounds like a life story in a few minutes, the tale of a woman whose journey isn't over. Brown doesn't so much tell stories as suggest them, letting them work their way into the imagination. And in that way, he's a master, an American icon. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If you still haven't discovered Greg Brown, this is as good a place to start as any. His deep, vibrant voice -- as instantly recognizable as that of Fred Neil, Tim Buckley, or Van Morrison -- remains a national treasure, and so does his songwriting, which has gone from great to better over the years. Wisely keeping the production simple and his voice upfront on this release, he unveils some of his best songs about love, life, friendship, dreams, and the American scene. There are no major departures from form here, but hope and love -- not to mention hummable melodies -- are perhaps in greater evidence than in the past. There's not a rotten apple in the bunch, but highlights include the effusive "Rexroth's Daughter"; "Lullaby," about a long-married couple; and the lilting "Walkin' Daddy." And stay tuned after the album's official end for a "hidden" track, the very funny "Marriage Chant," whose lyrics offer a sort of modern variation on Rodgers and Hart's "I Wish I Were in Love Again." ~ Jeff Burger, All Music Guide
'Down in the Valley, Barn Aid'
Release Date 1/1/2000
Tracks 16
Label Greg Brown/Charlie Parr/Jeff White
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Taking a vacation from Red House, his regular label, Greg Brown recorded this collection for the even smaller Trailer Records, which is based in his home state of Iowa. Recorded in just two days, it has a live-in-the-studio feel, which for the most part, is probably just what it is. There are some off-the-cuff and even off-the-wall experiments here -- stuff that might not have made it onto a more official Brown release on Red House. Be that as it may, though, this is mostly terrific stuff. Brown's gravelly vocals are as good as ever, and so are his songs, which range from playful and silly to poignant and powerful. Among the best in the latter category: "857-5413," in which a more than slightly drunken man calls up his now-married ex-lover. Brown fans will find a lot on this album to get excited about, and aside from the cheap cardboard packaging, virtually nothing to complain about. ~ Jeff Burger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Taking a vacation from Red House, his regular label, Greg Brown recorded this collection for the even smaller Trailer Records, which is based in his home state of Iowa. Recorded in just two days, it has a live-in-the-studio feel, which for the most part, is probably just what it is. There are some off-the-cuff and even off-the-wall experiments here -- stuff that might not have made it onto a more official Brown release on Red House. Be that as it may, though, this is mostly terrific stuff. Brown's gravelly vocals are as good as ever, and so are his songs, which range from playful and silly to poignant and powerful. Among the best in the latter category: "857-5413," in which a more than slightly drunken man calls up his now-married ex-lover. Brown fans will find a lot on this album to get excited about, and aside from the cheap cardboard packaging, virtually nothing to complain about. ~ Jeff Burger, All Music Guide
