Album : Steve Forbert – Alive On Arrival

I probably listened to this record more than most of the albums I have. This was my introduction to Steve Forbert and his music. Nothing sophisticated or mind boggling    just great songwriting delivered with the perfect voice for it. I remember when this album was released and some folks were hanging the Dylan/ Springsteen thing on him. I guess there are some similarities but Steve is his own guy.

CB likes words and people who have the talent to string them together to create images and emotions. Forbert does that for me. I just dig his vibe. His music puts me in a good space.

The opening cut ‘Going Down To Laurel’ still sounds good after all these years. So many good cuts. ‘Thinkin’ is pointed at CB or he thinks it is. ‘What Kinda Guy’ would have fit on Springsteen’s Nebraska. It’s a very catchy acoustic rocker. A favorite. ‘Big City Cat’ and ‘Grand Central Station’ (a street musicians lament, beautiful) have to be born out of life experience (hell the whole album is). It’s been said to write from what you know. I think .Forbert does that on this record. The last 3 cuts take the album out with. ‘You Cannot Win If You Do Not Play’ ends the record with a bang. A CB style rocker.

There is only so much music you can spend time with. I always felt my time was well spent with people like Forbert. Never disappoints. He sings with feeling and emotion. He’s a special talent in my book. No filler on this vinyl. Bunch of very good songs that add up to make a very good record.

Another one of the best debut albums I own (all his albums are worth the time and I have a few). It’s like an old friend. He still performs and from what I hear, gives you your money’s worth. I was lucky enough to see him a few times. Great nights.

(  Vinyl Connection did a little bit on some Steve Forbert music he came across in his travels. He said something interesting about the music he was listening to bands like Yes, King Crimson etc and here’s this guy with a guitar , harmonica getting his attention. Me too Bruce)