Ridin’ Thumb/Hand-Me-Down Shoe/Purple Hand/Robin/Hollow Reed/Gabriel Go On Home/Tin Town/Today/ Cotton Mouth/Granny Will Your Dog Bite/Leave
Down Home was the follow up album from the American soft-rock duo Seals & Crofts. They would move to Warner with their next release, achieving significant commercial success in the States during the mid 1970s. (US:122)
“Compared to the first album there are more upbeat songs here, whereas the debut has a dreamier, more reflective feel. The songs have a little more stylistic variety as well. The album isn't perfect but any shortcomings are foibles rather than failures.”
“I can't say enough about this album, with its outstanding lyrics and arrangements. The production quality is perfect and full. Jimmy's moving words soulfully sung carry songs like Gabriel Go Home and the best of all, Leave with its aching theme and wondrous vocals that come from someway deep inside these guys. Their voices never blended so well together.”
“For me, the anchor of the album has always been side two. Starting with Gabriel Go Home, with its beautiful piano intro, and their stunning harmonizing vocals on the opening lyric, have remained truly magical to my ears for decades now. Tin Town is a bittersweet reminder not to judge covers and those within. Today with its joyous chorus soars and echoes the heartfelt feelings of new found love with all its heightened senses. Cotton Mouth is a somewhat strange, trippy and tasteful production where the instruments really tickle your ears and mind.”
“Before they became purveyors of syrupy pop tunes, these guys rocked. Or perhaps I should say the rockin' songs rocked and the mellow tunes were hauntingly beautiful. This one was their high point; it's vibrant, alive and musically satisfying from start to finish.”
“Lots of nice mandolin playing and the softer tracks work really well. Robin is a particularly pretty song and Today is as good as anything Seals and Crofts have written. But then there is the tuneless up-tempo stuff; I particularly dislike the horrible Cotton Mouth, it's as tuneless as its title would suggest. Some of the other tracks are just OK. Sorry, I prefer some of their later albums.”
“Each instrument is clear and clean. I love the variety as few bands use flutes and mandolins the way Seals and Crofts do. And the harmonies and offset voices are pure and distinct.”
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