Nobody's Fault But Mine

...or is it "wholly smokes!"? The reason I say this is because every single cut in this album is good, if not great. It's been a loooong time since I bought an album that, from beginning to end, was surprising, enjoyable and very much worth the money. Edwin McCain is as versatile, talented, polished-yet-unpolished an artist, singer/songwriter I have ever followed. And, if he goes to your city, you just have to go see his show, particularly THIS tour. He does a version of "Love TKO" that will just throw you off your seat. This guy is a star. While he and his band are worthy of filling arenas, I, frankly and selfishly, surely enjoyed the more personal setting at HOB in Houston. Best show I'd seen in years. Thanks for cranking out yet another great album, Mr. McCain. You've got my vote!

I've been a fan forever - since Solitude, but wow...no. I admire that he embraced the music and tried to make it his own but this just comes across as amateurish and rough. I think he hit his pinnacle with Messenger and has been on a downhill slide since. His voice is so beautiful and soulful and deserves much better than this.

OK, this guy has only one good song and that is ILL BE and even that is pushin it.

this is the perfect match of edwin's exceptionally soulful voice and a group of extremely talented musicians. his gift for songwriting is well known, but sometimes overshadows his musicianship and vocal range. a timeless covers album everyone should have in their collection!!

He still is one of my favorites!

This great singer,musician, song writer has picked some of the best of the 60's rock (Stax,Chess,etc) and MADE THEM HIS OWN. These are not simply other covers of these old favorites but rather Edwin has added his own touch to these tunes while having respect for the sound of the originals. I love listening to these moldie oldies with a new twist.

It's so interesting to read the big-time fans of Edwin's. They are such die hards that they will not gie him any room to explore his voice and creativity. I wouldn't say they're true fans. Like true friends, real fans have some tolerance for their favorite artists. If Edwin wants to explore a different side to his voice, then, by all means, why not let him? It's not as if he disappoints. In fact, he does just the opposite. Edwin rocks this album from start to finsih in a much more unpolished way than he ever has. All in all, McCain has taken several leaps on this album in an effort to, as I see it, just let go, put the top down and cruise along the highway with some of the best soul covers ever written. The other point his "FANS" seem to miss is that, by covering these classic songs, he is exposing his favorite material to a whole new genration of people. So, if you're truly a fan, you should probably embrace this concept at least. After all, if these are his favorite songs then howcome the "fans" won't give it a chance? Sorry, everyone, "I'll Be" is a long time ago. Get with the times and get out from under your close minded rocks and embrace this nothing-less-than-incredible perfomance by a world class singer.

Nice enough covers, but this is Edwin McCain - not Michael McDonald, attempting to do Motown. I don't need to hear Edwin covering a bunch of overplayed, overdone R&B classics. Does he do them well? Sure. Great voice, great delivery, great band behind him and great selection of tunes. That said, give me Edwin McCain doing Edwin McCain. His last two CDs ("Lost In America" and "Scream & Whisper") were as good as anything he'd ever done. His new band set up was amazing, with Larry Chaney on guitar. It was a new sound and a new dynamic for the mostly acoustic artist. Very disappointed to see Edwin doing an album of covers instead of an album of fresh new tunes. I hope he's not out of ideas and merely did this as a tribute. The music he created between 2004-2006 was some of his best work and I really hope he gets back to where he was a few years ago. This departure isn't welcomed by a long-time fan who wants to hear new music and no covers.

A must buy for any Edwin McCain fan. As always, he mixes things up and puts his own spin on songs in this album of covers. I was surprised he didn't include Love T.K.O. on this album, but it only makes seeing him in person - more special. His cover of "In Your Eyes" is something you don't want to miss.

Not a big "cover" person --- I like originality, but hey, since Edwin is doing this, I had to get it! And he doesn't disappoint -- it is an awesome collection, done so well -- true Edwin -- the dude can do no wrong regardless of what he sings!! Excellent, well worth the bucks!