Border Lord - KRIS KRISTOFFERSON***

Josie/Burden Of Freedom/Stagger Mountain Tragedy/Border Lord/Somebody Nobody Knows/Little Girl Lost/ Smokey Put The Sweat On Me/When She's Wrong/Gettin' By High & Strange/Kiss The World Goodbye

During the early seventies Kris Kristofferson was riding high as one of the most influential country artists, particularly through his songwriting. Border Lord cemented his reputation. (US:41)

“Kristofferson's strength, both as a songwriter and musician, was his arrow-sharp directness. There's not a frill in sight or sound on Border Lord. Every lyric has a purpose, as does every note.”

“Border Lord is a rather short album, and can become dull with repeated listens. The emotions are complex but delivered simply, which is the fantastic strength of the album but works against it over repeated listens.”

“This album is one of my favourite all-time albums. Kristofferson is at best. Songs are stream-lined, lyrics first rate. Stagger Mountain Tragedy is one of the best songs ever written.”

“The sound here is great. It's real. Acoustic guitars, fiddle, piano. No frills. No overproduction which mired him later on. This sound is perfect for his raspy, grunting singing style. These songs are so great and do not need elaborate production, just musicians with heart.”

“Kris Kristofferson's voice is edgy, raw and sensuous in these vocals. The guitar is tried and true. This is one of few albums I own that I can listen to and enjoy each and every song, all of which have lasting replay value.”

“Probably, the most meaningful song is Kiss The World Goodbye, a ballad about coming to terms with one's own death. Among the songs religious and bar room references, the only really new subjects were about life on the road, which was treated in such songs as Border Lord and Gettin' By High & Strange, an indication that this confessional songwriter was writing about his current life as a touring musician. Fiction has nothing on reality, as this album proves.”

This man's poetry and genius marvelled me many years ago and continues to do so today. Those who have not been touched by his soulfulness must do so now.”