Dangerous Spirits

 (9 customer reviews)

This is one of those albums that cannot be experienced through the little sound bites listed above. You have to listen to the album, in its entirety, to really enjoy it and Ray for all they are worth.If you don't know Ray Wylie Hubbard, you have no doubt heard at least one of his songs as recorded by some other artist. Though "Redneck Mother" has become his legacy, it is very far from representative of Hubbard's work. On the other hand, "Dangerous Spirits" is Ray at his best!The craftsmanship that one can experience on this album is rare in this day and age. Hubbard weaves melody and story with a skill befitting a man who once lived in a place called "Poetry, TX." (He really did!) You will never witness better modern folk songwriting and perfomance than can be heard on "Dangerous Spirits."The first track of the album grabs you and you are held under his spell all the way through to the last track. "If Heaven is Not a...Read more

"Dangerous Spirits" is perhaps Ray Wylie Hubbard's most spiritual CD. The racuous and rowdy side of Hubbard, as exemplified by "Redneck Mother," isn't much present here. The songs are mostly acoustic, thoughtful and several of them are just plain beautiful.

In addition to acoustic guitar, Ray plays a mean mandolin on a couple of cuts and a harmonica on the deep and dark spiritual "Resurrection;" a variety of girl singers, including Lucinda Williams, and top-notch guitar players like "Buffalo" Ware and Lloyd Maines contribute their talents. The sound is mostly folk rather than country or rock.

Several songs are really outstanding: "Last Train to Amsterdam and "The Last Younger Son" are what Hubbard would call "dark power ballads." "Ballad of the Crimson Kings" and "Crimson Dragon Tattoo" are exquisite up-tempo tunes with a great interplay among voices, mandolin, dobro, acoustic, and electric guitars. I could go on...and on. This CD will grow on you. The songs...Read more

Ray Wylie Hubbard never seems to take the easy way out. "Dangerous Spirits" sums up nicely the cast of characters he sings about in this album. Mr. Hubbard's voice may not be the strongest around, but his unwavering look at life and its hard choices, often in the face of temptation, makes for fascinating material. One character, for instance, faces the dilemma of acceding to a preacher's demands "to kneel and pray" versus his attraction to a blonde who "gets to him in a real bad way." Another hears of the latest misadventures of his ex with what seems to be pangs or remorse that ultimately are topped by glee. The curse of those who are "born to write" is explored in another track.

This recording, which is more country than rock but not dyed-in- the-wool country, sparkles with plenty of crisp playing, from multiple guitars, to catchy percussion and keyboards. The arrangements here are more open and flowing than the thick sound on "Growl" and "Delirium Tremolos."...Read more