Fan reviews for My Hand My Heart |
Send in your review for My Hand My Heart: (Please put "fan review" in the subject line) Updated: February 15, 2006 |
From Eve: Very much enjoying MHMH. Had never heard RC's music before, and was pleasantly surprised that it had a 60's/70's folk/rock pub band quality to it. Russell has a rich earthy voice perfect for this style music. "Raewyn" speaks so lovingly of a grown child's love for his
parents and regret at not being a comfort to them.
Loved the lyrics to "Weight of a Man" and how it speaks to the strength
and organic quality of a woman's love.
**************************************** From Bea: Review of My Hand My Heart - 2/2/06 My reactions to My Hand My Heart are now necessarily colored by my first trip to Australia and seeing the music performed live, both in Le Thor and up and down the Gold Coast. I’m not a technically analytical music lover, with not much formal musical education and having performed only as a singer, so discussing instrumentation isn’t my forte. What I’ve learned about music comes from working with musical acts for the past 30 years. So this wont be a detailed commentary on the musicality of the album, I come to it from a personal intellectual and emotional perspective. The first time I heard TOFOG1 was Gaslight in late spring 2000 after learning that Russell had a band. Because I liked what I heard, I went to the last Austin concert at Stubbs. Despite all the physical problems of that show, I thoroughly enjoyed the live performance and to this day am convinced that the only true measure of Russell’s music is to hear it live. In my mind, the recorded music has become progressively more personal thru BLOC and OWOS to this one. And I’m using the 12 track version as MHMH, I think the newest tracks really round out the album. When I heard Gaslight I felt the way I did the first time I heard Neil Finn (My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof ) or Sting – who could resist a lyricist who could pen “caught between a Scylla and Charybdus?” Someone who could say “No one in my heart is going to call me from the other room Expecting me to move” had my full attention. MHMH is also full of wonderful lyrics, I’ve always been fascinated by how Russell’s mind works and the poetry of his songs is infinitely appealing. My Hand My Heart is an interesting potpourri of musical styles –jump started by the talented Alan Doyle. I first became aware of GBS because of TOFOG1’s version of “How Do I Get.” But I quickly found that I preferred Russell’s version, much like I prefer his “Folsom Prison Blues” – while the originals were good, the TOFOG versions pulse with a different energy. And that’s what shines thru MHMH for me, the energy and passion in every line. Yes, the live versions of all the songs are better, but absent that, the album is a journey thru the life of a master storyteller. “Weight of a Man” is a poignant and revealing song of love – from a man who knows himself too well. It’s tempting to react to the lyrics by thinking, despite them, how lucky his wife is, but the song is a tribute to what real marriage is like, the bad with the good. “How Did We Get” is obviously about a love affair that died, why we don’t know, but it’s over. Speculation on why Russell chose to sing it brings some specific mental pictures to my mind, but it applies to everyone’s life. “Land of the Second Chance” is a peon to the frontier spirit that lives in Australia as it once did in America – the chance to make a new life and find new love. Of course, I can’t listen to this song without fondly recalling the “Ruuussell, sit to Mario!” story. As the child of Italian immigrants I hear my relatives’ tones in every line. Now “Raewyn” is a special song – and when Russell said at the Vanguard that it was the first song he & Alan wrote and the reason they wrote more, it’s even more touching. I cried the first time I heard it and it continues to tear me up. There’s an awful amount of young death in the Antipodes and obviously Russell has been touched by these (and other) losses. As a mother of sons I’m inordinately moved by “a son needs to say it when he loves his mother.” This song is full of arresting visuals, from “her print top & her flares” to Jolly Jack drowning his grief. Russell uses it to stop the current live show cold, but cleverly turns it into a fond appreciation for his loved ones, specially the newest Charlie Crowe. I’d like to meet “Mickey” – I grew up on Staten Island too, and at the same time as he did – but the song takes a turn almost immediately from being his story, to also being Russell’s. And it’s filled with lyrics that resonate with me and once again reveal so much about the person writing the song. I’d been listening to Rob Thomas’ Something to Be cd all summer so when I heard “I am my own invention” it was the counterpoint to Rob’s “but I’m not real anymore, I am an illusion”. Wow, talk about the wages of fame…….. I also thoroughly enjoy the other covers here; I’d not heard much of Nick Cave’s work and am now interested in hearing more after “Breathless”. I specially enjoy the tempo change in “One Good Year” – a perfect song for TOFOG2. I’m particularly fond of “Miss My Mind” – it’s obvious why Russell would like it – relating to both a few years ago, and of course, about 2005, as he said from the stage in January. We’ve all had some crazy times in our lives so we understand, but using the classical motif from M&C is inspired. I have to mention how much I’ve always admired Stewie’s trumpet playing and how important it’s been to the changing sound of the band. Russell’s voice is always unique - in a range of vocal strength, sometimes it’s rough, sometimes smooth, and sometimes uncomfortable – but always enjoyable. I have a few quibbles about diction and once in a while the vocal twang gets out of hand, but as always he delivers the emotional truth with style. Of course the music shines when the harmonies work, and having been lucky enough to hear them in person, (in “Mr., Harris” for example) they work wonderfully. And finally there’s “Testify.” It’s disturbing to think that such a frustrating and maddening event generated this terrific song, but from the first moment I heard it in Le Thor I knew that it’d be successful on many levels. It’s a great rocker/come to Jesus song. It’s redemption with a subversive twist – it’s the voice of a man facing a multi-faceted disaster and making the best of it. And it was the perfect song to introduce the ‘new’ band to fellow Aussies – and hopefully will do the same in March in America. More revealing lyrics: “…not the reddest handed bandit here, but …the one who’ll take the fall.” With the addition of the excellent Ms Hines, you gotta love it. To end this totally subjective ‘review’ – this
configuration of Russell’s band is top notch – each musician
brings TOFOG2 to a new level. I have the songs playing in my head all
the time – and seeing them performed in various venues to a wide
variety of audiences was a totally delightful addition to a once-in-a-lifetime
trip. I’m delighted they will visit the States – audiences
may come for the ‘freak show’ but they will leave impressed. |
| 1/28/06 - Thoughts
on the recorded and live version of MHMH
I
have listened to this album countless times since its release
on iTunes. It soothes me on my way home from work. It was wonderful
to be able to buy the twelve-track version at the shows. Twenty-eight
friends are very happy to have it as a souvenir of my trip
to Australia. LoL I play it for anyone who will hold still
and listen.
Of
the original compositions, my favorite is Raewyn.
It is rather a large departure from my previous favorite Crowe
song, What’s Her Name, but I was delighted
to find how much he has matured as a writer. The delicate melody
evokes the preciousness and the fragility of life while the
imagery captures our greatest sorrows, fears and joys in a
few spare verses. As is still so often the case with TOFOG,
the live versions surpass the recorded ones. With other songs,
this is because the band kicks ass live. But with Raewyn, it was all the emotion Russell
pours into his performance. It brought tears to my eyes all
five nights. It is simply beautiful. (We stopped in Gosford
on the way back down from Byron Bay but alas, I was unable
to imagine it before all the houses.)
At
the other end of the word count spectrum is Land
of the Second Chance. Russell tends more often toward verbosity
in his songs, but I do not mind, so do many of my favorite
singer/songwriters. Land offers up a clearly defined and
compelling character, as well as being an allegory for a laudable
quality about Australia and Australians. I just managed to
restrain myself from asking the Italian gentlemen in Bill and
Tony’s if any of them was Mario.
Mickey is another terrific character
story. Testify is
naughty fun and enormously catchy. Worst
in the World is much more engaging live, maybe because
of the faster tempo. Somehow, it sounds lighter, more offhand
and less like a serious complaint. The only song I am not wild
about on the album is the title track, My Hand My Heart. It seems an indulgence
in a compilation of otherwise tight and compelling story songs,
although I do like the sentiment expressed.
I
like the choice of cover songs as well. TOFOG makes How
Did We Get From Saying I Love You very much their own here
and it cooks live. Although Cleaves/Brooks wrote One
Good Year, I can easily see it interpreted as Jimmy Braddock’s
theme song. I think Russell’s vocal on Breathless is one of his best ever. There
is something sweetly whimsical about that deep, rich voice
singing those Byronesque lyrics about gamboling lambs and leaping
fish.
If
I had a wish, it would be for a fourteen-song version including
Jock Stewart and Molly Malone, since I think they fit perfectly.
And speaking of enormously catchy, what about finishing the
verses to the Christmas ditty? - Tamara
******************************** 1/26/06 - Hi Murph, I am listening to MHMH again as I write this, I love it, especially Land of the Second Chance, Raewyn (which I cannot listen to without getting goosebumbs), and One Good Year. All the tracks are great, I wish I'd been able to get to one of the concerts - but alas a trip to Oz is not on the cards for a couple of years. I dream of a UK tour, so do my two girls aged 19 and 20, and a good friend who now is also hooked on the album. Truely one of the best albums I have ever heard. Ruth ************************************ 11/7/05 - I heard of the release of Raewyn and My Hand My Heart but I had no way of listening to them. When the concerts in Sydney and Coffs Harbour were announced, I was blissfully ignorant, sailing the Whitsunday Islands and travelling with my friend down the East Coast, in our beloved old van without a radio. I really had no idea what was about to hit me when we got to Coffs Harbour. We'd been there before, in November 04, and had been to the Plantation Hotel for some information. It was only because back then, the staff had been so nice and supportive (we were looking for work at the time), that we decided to stay there this time around. No one ever believes me that we stumbled upon a concert of my
favourite actor/singer in this way, half way across the world,
by accident, but there you go. I call it fate, because so many
dreams of mine had come true in Oz, someone up there wanted the
biggest and least likely one to come true as We didn't even see the posters that announced the concerts until we were about to leave on the second day. Needless to say that those plans were changed immediately... Well, what can I say? The concert was great. It might have taken some time for the audience to get used to the music, but when they did, the athmosphere was gigantic. It was because of this experience right at the end of my travels through Oz, that most of the songs have taken on a very personal meaning for me. "I miss my mind" was the first one they played. Even though it is actually about someone who wants to get out of a bad situation, for my travelmate and me it took on quite a different meaning. We were both proud of having left our brains at the arrivals hall of Sydney airport, which led to a wonderful year of experiences we wouldn't have had otherwise, because we both usually tend to overthink situations. And here, at the end of that year, Russell stands on stage in front of us, singing the line "of all the things I lost last year, I miss my mind the most". My heart really skipped a beat when I heard it first. Musically I love this song, especially the end with the trumpet solo. Brought a smile to my face :) "One good year" is along the same lines for me. I could have written that song just before I went to Oz, it was so true. And there I had that one good year, which changed me and my attitude towards life completely. I love the song and sing along at the top of my lungs everytime I listen to it. I think "Mr Harris" is about the best tribute song for a person there is - simply because it is impossible not to think about Richard Harris for days after listening to it. You just can't get the song out of your head. And then the visual of them all on stage singing it - it was just great. "Land of the second chance" didn't stand out that much for me back then. But now I am absolutely in love with it, it is just so Aussie. And it always makes me smile and dance. What better effect could a song have on a person? I like "Worst in the world" musically, but not the
lyrics. Stone me if you want to, but I just don't buy it that
he didn't write this about himself and his situation - at least
in the back of his head. It's just too obvious. "Weight of a man" is beautiful too, though I do think
that he should have thought the lyrics through at least once
more. I mean, I have no doubt about how some things are meant,
but still... he could have put them differently. "Mickey" - where do I begin? LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!! In case you haven't noticed, it's a favourite. The music, the lyrics - I have met so many people in Oz who fit that description, if not to a tee, than at least enough to make me think of them and smile. What a gift this song is. "My Hand my Heart" is a good one too, though not one of my favourites. I like the memory of Russell on stage though, a bottle of Toohey's in his hand, winking and saying "Cheers!" I didn't really like "Raewyn" at first, but it's growing
on me. It's a nice ballad, but the very thing that many people
love it, kind of rubs me wrong: the fact that it's so personal.
Gives me the feeling that I'm listening to something that's none
of my business. Call me stupid, and I know he CHOSE to share
it, while he doesn't choose to share many other things, but still.
Then again, that's just me. All in all, I really like the individual songs, yet as an album,
I kind of have the impression that something is missing. TOFOG
was somehow more raw and earthy, this one is rather calm and,
though beautiful, a bit too tame for my taste. Maybe if they
decided to include "Testify", it would give it a bit
more... juice, I guess, and thereby make it perfect. (Jen, Germany) 10/17/05 - A brilliant album of a brilliant musician. A voice
which allows to forget everything around myself (also if I
have to work or whilst I have to drive my car). A talent that
controls the canvas as well as the mike. Also the hearts of the
women all over the world ... incredibly
attractively!!! Hey Russ, when do you come to Germany and
confuses my senses? Till then I'll have to enchant my ears
with this lovely album. And when we meet us ... than look in
my eyes and tell me what you have seen. Cheers, Danny in Germany 10/3/05
- Like all the ballads my wife 'I -Tuned' from MH/MH album.
I LOVE ONE
GOOD YEAR. Been there - a few times. Also, that classic
three cord riff really punches it. Where to find Grace? I
finally found that - in Jesus Christ (Gospel of John 1:17). -
Dave in Colorado 10/3/05 - I have been following RC's music (a.k.a. his poetry to music) for a while. MHMH is the best to date. I suppose my intrigue is with the way he looks at all aspects of life and takes it in. His poetry is, like his acting, a creative outburst of a inquisitive mind, analyzing all the emotion humanity displays. I think there is a deep well of creative energy that still waits to be released. I don't think we have seen the crest yet. My personal favorite on MHMH is Land of the Second Chance--a biography to music. Definitely a character study.- CH ************************************************ ****************************** I was surprised to learn that Russell Crowe is a musician. I have become interested in him due to his acting skills. I found and listened to some TOFOG music. When I found My Hand My Heart, I was amazed. That is not an exageration. The man's a poet. When I listen to his lyrics I can see where he has a really complicated inner self. He's more that a brawler and party hound. The MHMH album is beautiful. The stories are varied, touching and personal to him. I hope it will be successful for Russell and lead to more music from him. ~ Darlyn ~ **************************** I got to
listen to MHMH when a friend send me a copy from her download.
Of course I was looking forward to listen to the new CD, especially
when I knew, it wasn't TOFOG but Russell solo. I was disappointed,
when I found out, I wasn't able to download the software. But thanks
to my friend I had the CD a little while after it was released.
When I first listened to it, I thought it was very different to what
he used to do with TOFOG, it was easy listening and nice in the
background. The next few times I paid more attention to each song,
as in lyrics and the music. In each song Russell has to say so
much. Each song is a little story, and the lyrics are so wonderful,
they take me away into my imagination, and I can almost see his
pictures. The music goes so well with the lyrics and emphazises
the meaning of each song. All in all
I'm more than pleased with the album and I look forward to hear
more of the combination Crowe/Doyle! - Cheers, Marie ***************************** Hey Murph, loved MHMH, but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. R.C. and friends have any intention of playing here in the U.S. hmm??? He said not, for now anyhow. It's too bad, he's got some die hard music fans here who have been open minded enough to see through the movie image and except him as a song writer and singer. Wasn't that his intention? Come on Russell, give us a chance. Well, talk to you, Gail ************************** “My Hand My Heart” is a beautiful and inspiring collection
of songs that span the spectrum of emotions...love, loss, reflection,
hope and optimism. The lyrics are introspective, personal and very
poetic. Songs like “Raewyn” and “Land of Second Chance” tell
powerful stories that stay with you. “My Hand, My Heart” is
the perfect drinking song. I especially love “One Good Year”, “Mr.
Harris” and “Land
of Second Chance”. You can't help but fall in love with this
CD. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Great job, Russell, Alan
and all of the musicians involved. Thank you for sharing your music.
- Carrie I love Russell's music, what can I say. A friend of mine downloaded it for me today and I listened to it tonight. He was right you can't listen to those songs without getting emotionally involved. I just love the way he writes. His music comes straight from the heart and that's the best kind. My other CD's are nearly worn out. I look forward to more of his music, I''ve seen him in concert 3 times and was lucky enough to meet him and get his autograph. He was just wonderful. I really miss not being able to see him this summer. I had a very serious brain operation this past winter, I'm alright now, but I woke up from the anesthetic saying I'm glad I was alive so I could see Russell's new movie. I guess he helps out even when he doesn't know it. Anyway I loved the CD. Thanks for the opportunity to give my opinion. ****************************** Yup, this is my second review of "My Hand, My Heart". Why am I sending in a second review? To say that I AM enjoying MYMH much better now because of two things. First, I've moved on from thinking and wanting to hear a TOFOG CD. This isn't TOFOG. This is quite frankly Russell laying his emotions out for all the hear. With the way Russell is treated in the press, you'd think his first "solo" CD would be quite the opposite. This CD shows a great strength of character. Slainte, mate! Second, I'm enjoying it much better now that I've done some tweaking
to the mix. By that I mean I've personally rearranged the playing
order so that, at least for me, the songs -- lyrics and melody -- are
much more obvious. For me, I've taken a good CD and made it a
great CD.
The song I keep going back to? Mr. Harris.
Look forward to more, as frankly, Russell is a great story teller
in song and in life. - Sherri
******************************** I so miss the rockier
side to him. My favorites with TOFOG were the likes of "Somebodyelses
Princess", "Mission Beat", "Memorial Day" and
so on. He's got a great singing voice and it is a pleasure to hear
it, but this cd doesn't make me want to listen to it over and over
again. Hope he finds his rockier self again. - lykner I have enjoyed this CD more than his previous ones. Probably because it is mainly his voice we hear. I also prefer ballads to rock songs. Wish I were in Coffs Harbor to hear him sing. Thanks for your wonderful site. - Sandy ********************************** I didn't know what to expect after Raewyn was
released as a single. I liked it, but it was definitely
not TOFOG type material. I think the album is a
wonderful expression of Russell's talent as a song writer
as well as a singer. It's definitely his Best work to
date! Way to go Russell, I loved every
song and listen to it over and over! I hope Russell
takes the time to release another album in the near future. -
Heather ******************************* I downloaded My Hand, My Heart last week. I must
say I missed the contribution from Reverand Billy Dean. I appreciate
the feelings that Russell conveyed. Sometimes an artist
just has to do a cd of songs that mean a lot to them. This
is that cd. Hopefully the next cd will feature a more
varied list of songs, as most of the songs tunes were not very
varied. The words were, but not the tunes. ******************************* The man has a way with words. You feel his sorrow,his love all his feelings. I enjoyed everyone of the songs,am very glad I got the album.hope he's doing well,at home with family. Trudi Ramey ***************************** MHMH is Russell's best to date. I downloaded from iTunes and sent a cd (legal) to my sister. After listening she, said it all: "Sure is smokey, isn't he!" - Ginger ************************* As one of the few people in the world to have heard all the songs from the terrific album live I have to give a review of the live performance of Russell Crowe and Alan Doyle as the two song writers played each and every song from "My Hand, My Heart". The two played last night in St. John's, Newfoundland for what Russell called the second public performance of the album. The first was in his hometown. The concert was low key and alive with sincerity. As if the lyrics of songs like "Land of the Second Chance" and "Weight of a Man" weren't enough, the stories that Alan and Russell told between was just as artistically beautiful. I know many fans aren't turned on by this album because it is so not TOFOG, but this is true storytelling folks. The songs and the stories need to go hand in hand. However, the most delightful part of the evening was when Russell handed out several copies of the song and story book "My Hand, My Heart" and encouraged all of us Newfoundlanders to sing along to "Mr. Harris". I don't know if we sounded good, but picture this. An entire bar of people who would never have imagined seeing Russell Crowe in their local watering hole, people whom, I might add, are Irish to the core, singing "For the green, the glorious green, the emerald green of Ireland's pride" along with Russell and Alan. The moment was such that one will never forget for it felt like magic. As good as the album is, I now believe that "My Hand, My Heart" is an experience that should be lived. Hearing the songs and the stories of the people and the moments that inspired the soul baring lyrics has made me understand just what Crowe and Doyle were doing when they worked on this piece. Well done, boys. - Vicki ********************************* I have
just received the gift of My Hand, My Heart, from a very
generous and kind friend Maxi in U.S.A. ****************************** This new collection seems to be a musical reflection on a maturing
life. I am a more visual than verbal person, so a picture I'd taken
years back (when my older son was small) kept coming to mind when I
listened to this album. I dug it out: ************************************* In a simple word: Awesome! This cd is simply awesome, I haven't stopped listening to it since I was able to download it last wednesday morning and the more I listen, the more it moves me. I love the music, the sensitivity, the words, the voice... everything is just perfect. Like a lot of people, every time I hear Raewyn, it tugs at my heart and brings a tear to my eye, thinking about those who have past and those who stayed and had to suffer their lost. How amazing it must be to be able to sit at a bar and listen to you tell stories... Thank you Mr. Crowe for opening your heart and your soul, and sharing it with us in such a wonderful way. Please come to Montreal and grace us with your presence, we'd love to hear these songs live. Your fan and friend, always, from across the pond and more...Madeleine (Madtex) ********************************* My Hand My Heart: Just as with each previous album, it's clear to see the growth and maturity represented here. I LOVE all of Russell/TOFOG's music and this is no exception. The first words I said when hearing TOFOG for the very first time was a shocked, "You can understand the words!" I've always said that the lyrics are what make the song. Songs where you can't understand the words should be instrumentals! I love the stories of these songs and I love the fact that Russell has shared the background stories of them. Knowing their stories gives them a much greater impact. The use of so many wonderful instruments gives the album a fullness, a wholeness that completes it perfectly. Now I just have to hope Russell will be able to allow us to hear it all live, with a tour ASAP! Im sure that just as in the past, he's even better live, Russell will not disappoint us! Thank you for sharing so much with us, Russell -- satex *********************************** It gives me great joy to see one of you human types finally find his
stride. ********************************* Russell, I think you've outdone yourself with this album. Every song
is a revelation; insightful, candid, and, I suspect, deeply personal.
It's a sort of departure from what I've been used to hearing from you
and the other guys, but I love it! I haven't stopped listening to it
since I downloaded it and often find myself singing along in the car,
while here on the computer, etc. ******************************* I have always been a huge fan of TOFOG & was pleasantly surprised. This CD to is a very touching collection of songs. The peeking inside of Russell's emotions, his love for his wife & child are very obvious & I love that. When someone takes the time to listen to the lyrics, to really understand what the music is saying, it seems he is opening his heart up to all that are willing to see that he has quite a talent for entertaining in more ways than only acting. It makes you understand that he is in fact, very human & I for 1 will continue to keep my ears open. Very well done! - Middymoo ******************************* I played My Hand, My Heart for a friend today. She didn't know at first she was listening to Russell Crowe. She loved it. I then revealed who the artist was. She was pleasantly surprised. As with Russell's prediction, she felt moved to cry when she heard "Raewyn." -- Debbie Morgan ************************************* This CD was worth the wait, I was downloading until 1.00 am in the
morning ********************************** My Hand My Heart, Cheer's to you too Russell, and everyone who was
involved, ******************************* This is my second time writing about the My Hand-My Heart CD. The more
I listen to the songs, the more they are growing on me. This morning
while listening to Land of the Second Chance, I found myself "dancing
with my sweeper" as I was house cleaning. Love Stewie's trumpet!
Another favorite of mine is How did we get from saying I love you, to
I 'll see you around some day. Being 64 years of age, the words bring
back a time of my youth, whenever I left my first love go. ****************************** First of all thank you Russell for this wonderful gift. ****************************** I tasted every word as they ran down my cheek. The background music
was dancing around your voice in every song in which you sang. This
album shook me to my soul. I love words and the words in this album
are not only moving, but perfectly placed, like every snowflake. They
just fit, like you and Dani, like the name Charlie, it all fits, a perfect
puzzle. ***************************** MYMH is one of the most heartfelt and touching albums I have had the pleasure of hearing. The mix of arrangements - from horns, to guitars, to piano, to that wonderful celtic style in Mr. Harris - doesn't overwhelm the lyrics or the voice. They enhance the messages and the tune. The selection of songs speaks from one heart to others and tells a very powerful story. Russell's new songs paint pictures that open his soul to us - and tells us in a very powerful way that he is in a wonderful place in his life. I have always loved his singing voice, these songs just enhance those
feelings. Vicki Ferrantello - Dallas, Texas ********************************** Mr. Harris brought tears to my eyes. Russell's tribute to his friend
with that lilting melody and his beautiful voice must have echoes in
Heaven. ****************************** The heart is so much more than just an organ that pumps blood through
our bodies; it's where our spirit and soul reside - the heart is home
to our deepest emotions. Truly, to share what's in your heart is giving
in it's purist form. And when we are so moved by something in life,
even the words and music of a song, the reactive gesture of placing
your hand to your heart speaks of how deeply we have been touched. A
gesture that expresses what words cannot. ********************************** Russell, it is fantastic. The lyrics are poetic and full of meaning. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished with this album. I can't wait until you tour again. -- Debbie Morgan *********************************** I'm new to Russell's music so I can't compare to TOFOG but I know I
like this album very, very much after just one play. I downloaded Raewyn
when it came out and was surprised at how much it stayed with me - the
other tracks are all different; the variety is a true sign of real talent.I
grew up with stories in music - e.g., Carly Simon, Carol King, and mourn
their popular demise - so thank you, Russell, for such a personal expression
of your story (and others). I will be singing along as soon as I learn
the words (even before I learn the words!) I might even get this album
past my husband on the car CD... ********************************* This CD has surpassed my highest expectations. ******************************* Gut reaction after just one listen through to the whole album... Fave tracks: One Good Year - Found myself bopping in my seat to this one. That's
always a good sign! This lyric from Mickey really clicked for me" I'd rather regret the things I've done than the things I didn't do"....... sums up my own philosophy. The horn throughout the tracks was a great addition. All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised by this album. Certainly a divergence
from what we've been used to with TOFOG for the most part (with the
exception of maybe Painted Veil or The Same Person). What I'd really
love to see is some live performances with a combination of the new
music and some of the older stuff sprinkled in there too for old times
sake. The best of both worlds eh? - BB ******************************** Russell, your new album is magnificant. Your voice sounds so smooth
and happy. I do think that Dani and Charlie have made your life so wonderful
that it shows, definately in your music. Keep up the good work and thank
you.. ********************************** I'm lost in love again! This is an exceptional body of work which will
touch your soul -- it certainly touched mine. I can't pick a favorite,
yet -- I've only been listening to them for almost two days. And shades
of Master & Commander in the trumpet on "I Miss My Mind"
-- what a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Russell, and all the talented
musicians who participated in this beautiful album. ******************************* ******************************** In one word excellent. Even my 21 year old son has it playing in his
car! - Cheryl ********************************* Well, I've given it a couple of listens and gotta be honest, I'm not
loving it. I guess I'm missing the raucousness of TOFOG. The groove
of Mission Beat and the stomping fun of Afraid. If he plans to tour
with this stuff there is nothing on here that one can throw their hands
in the air and "WhooHoo" too (does that make sense?). Everything
is just so solemn. ******************************** I really enjoyed this album. For me, it had all the qualities I would
expect from Russell's music. There is great storytelling, heartfelt
emotion, rocking rhythms and solid, tight production. The band sounds
great, (it is wonderful to hear Stewart so clearly) and Russell's vocals
are top notch. To me anyway, it sounded as though they had a great time
putting this together and their enthusiasm is catching. I will be listening
to this for days to come, as it puts a smile on my face. ********************************** MHMH is simply marvellous! I loved TOFOG's music (well, I still do),
but this album is way better, the best in Russell's musical path. His
voice is great, the lyrics are deep and touching (I'm Italian and The
Land Of The Second Chance just struck me, Russell is a natural born
story-teller indeed), the melodies are so different from all he's done
so far, much more beautiful and fascinating and tender (I love the piano
and the horn). **************************** The album is beautiful. As always Russell is able to communicate his thoughts and feelings to his audience like no one else. Well done Russell Crowe. - Carol S **************************** Writing this little reaction, I'm listening to the album, as I have
been all morning. It's a wonderful palet of colourful, haunting stories
and beautiful melodies. I love it. ************************** I really like many of the songs on the album. I particularly enjoy
One Good Year, Land of the Second Chance, Weight of a Man, Worst in
the World and Mr. Harris. The piano and horn added wonderful touches
on several songs. All of the lyrics were touching and felt personal
and very human. Love the horn and piano. ***************************** I agree with Murph's review. Russell has said he is a "Story teller"
and this CD is like a book. I am 64 years old and it does make me think
of the days of my life. Well done, Russell and boys! I am glad I down
loaded the CD and as some have said, I urge others to do the same. ********************************** Well, I've just managed to download the music from iTunes UK and have
spent the morning listening to it - over and over. When Raewyn came
out, I really wasn't that keen, but the albumn is amazing ! I love it
to bits, especially 'How did we get..?' and the haunting 'Mr. Harris'.
********************************** My Hand, My Heart is absolutely worth the lack of sleep I had because I stayed awake until iTunes had it put up. I simply love it. It’s the perfect combination of ballads and faster songs. Russell’s voice is great. The songs touched my heart deeply. The melodies and the lyrics go so well together. Some songs make me sigh, cry, laugh, and ALL songs make me think. This album is an absolute gem! Thanks a lot, Russell, for sharing your thoughts and emotions with
us, your fans. And PLEASE consider a tour in Europe too …. Babette,
Berlin (Germany ************************** I don't think mere words can convey the emotions this album manages to bring to the surface. All I can add to what has already been said is that it is sensitive and beautiful...and I love the horn solo! - Bejay ********************************* If I were Russell Crowe, I'd be very proud of this CD. ******************************** ************************* My Hand My Heart in a word is wonderful. I can't remember the last
time an album, on its first hearing, has touched my heart so. Yes, Mr.
Crowe, you are a sensitive man! This album touches the heart, speaks
of love and loyalty and humanity. Thank you! ******************************* Thanks for the need you feel to continue to express yourself, Russell. Just some initial thoughts… - Weight of a Man – economy of lyrics, heartfelt love and appreciation very much along the lines of Painted Veil. Danielle was right, she is your core inspiration. - Land of Second Chances – an on going growth in narrative lyric/poetry that started with Barry that evolved to Raywyn and this novel of a song. Love the piano and I didn’t expect it to end in an anthem. - Mickey – the older I get the more I realize in the larger sense it’s so true - I’d rather regret the things I've done, than the things I didn't do.” In a more narrow sense, regarding this 5 year fandom, going from Austin to Australia and all point too many to mention in between, it resonates. In total the songs are a great mix of fun and contemplation. Bring on those concerts!!! - CGee ********************************* I love this CD. Russell is obviously in a good place emotionally right now. His passion for the music really shines through. The voices blend beautifully and I love the horn as usual. The songs each have their own personality and I’m very happy to have this music. Way to go Russell, you’ve done it again. I am entertained!!! - JenRaven ************************** The best he's ever done!! The lyrics moved me deeply. He really bares
his soul and isn't afraid for us to see and feel his love and pain.
The melodies and instrumentals add even greater depth to the feelings
expressed in this "confession" Frannie I LOVE “One Good Year” and I want to hear it live!!!! Get your butt to the states!!! Great cd – thanks! J - Madchen ***************************** From Cindy: If this CD is indicative of where Russell is in his life
now, he's in a great place and sounds pretty 'together'. I'm very happy
he 'has' to continue writing music and as long as he's writing, I'll
be buying. A very poignant and completely cohesive group of songs and
songs which give one plenty to think about. ****************************** wouldn't it be wonderful to find the well he draws the water of his
life from? ******************************* |