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West [Jewel Case Version] | ![West [Jewel Case Version]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Zkwm8ieFL._SL500_.jpg)
| Artist: Lucinda Williams
Label: Lost Highway
Category: Music
List Price: £13.99
Buy New: £12.69
You Save: £1.30 (9%)
New (19) Used (1) from £4.70
Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 30367
Media: Audio CD
Running Time: 69
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.7 x 0.4
UPC: 602517235632
EAN: 0602517235632
ASIN: B000N4S9Z6
Release Date: February 19, 2007
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | Are You Alright? | | • | Mama You Sweet | | • | Learning How To Live | | • | Fancy Funeral | | • | Unsuffer Me | | • | Everything Has Changed | | • | Come On | | • | Where Is My Love? | | • | Rescue | | • | What If | | • | Wrap My Head Around That | | • | Words | | • | West |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Though the arrangements stray from Lucinda Williams's motherlode blend of blues, country, and folk, West may well be her best album. It is easily her most musically adventurous, and often her most lyrically inspired. Williams's singing has never sounded better, from the aching tenderness of "Where Is My Love?" to the ravaged catharsis of "Unsuffer Me." New York producer Hal Willner, who has worked with artists such as Marianne Faithful and Lou Reed, enlists the support of eclectic progressives like guitarist Bill Frisell, keyboardist Bob Burger, and violinist Jenny Scheinman, along with harmonies from the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, to weave a subtly rich sonic tapestry. Much of the material was inspired by the death of Williams's beloved mother ("Mama You Sweet," "Fancy Funeral") and the bitter breakup of a relationship (the jagged-edged emasculation of "Come On," the repetitive incantation of "Wrap My Head Around That"), though "Are You Alright?," "Learning How to Live," and "Everything Has Changed" could reflect the aftermath of both. Other highlights include "Rescue," with a languid subtlety and ambient pulse reminiscent of Beth Orton, and the dreamy, wistful title track. Where Williams's music has long cut close to the bone, the best of West slices right through it. --Don McLeese
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| Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 Bold, concise, emotional - and exceptionally well produced November 17, 2008
Lucinda uses her talents to perfection on this one. The songs about loss and lost love make this a true album effort. Learning How To Live digs itself deep into your subconsciousness right away. Wrap My Hand Around That may be a bit streched though. Where Car Wheels could still be classified as Americana, if such classification for Williams mix of folk, blues, rock, and some country is warranted at all, West really finds here on an island by herself. And I'm more than happy to listen to her on my own little reatreats in to good music. Granted, 4.5 stars might be enough. But given the previous reviews I really feel this needs a shot in the arm.
Unbelievable! November 11, 2008
I am amazed at the controversy this recording has produced. I first heard 'Learning how to live' on one of those Radio 4 programmes where celebrities play each other strange tunes, and thought 'what on earth is this, it sounds godawful...' but over the next few days the memory of it ate into my subconscious and I just had to go and buy the CD. After a couple of listens, I now think the album is the best thing out for years. It is profoundly simple, hypnotic and gut-wrenching. What more could you want? The rest of Lucinda Williams back catalogue for starters.
Gone West? May 5, 2008
This is a charming album of simple and heartfelt songs, mostly gentle but intimately powerful. I found the approach thoroughly engaging, with sparse production and instrumentation complementing the lyrics and Lucinda's vocals. The simplicity of 'Mama you Sweet' (with one very long verse) draws you in to the emotion of the song. 'Are You Alright' and 'Where is my Love' are great, beautiful songs and Jenny Scheinman's expressive violin adds a unique layer to the arrangements.
I thought some of the songs could have been shorter, and that the CD might have been better with a few tracks omitted. The album isn't full of instant hits but reveals itself over time, and is well worth taking the time to get to know it.
 Not Her best April 11, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was excited to see West come out and not too bothered when I didn't hear much I liked on first listen (if I love an album on first listen then I am disappointed because it always means that I will become bored of the album quickly). However, I have now listened to West many many times and although it has improved I still find much of it bland and some of it annoying. I never liked Lucinda's repetative songs but she seems to have a few. Even now Joy is my least favourite Car Wheels song. This album has several "joy" type songs and they really begin to grate after a while. I like a melody and these tracks lack that "Wrap My Head Around That" being a prime example. The album also suffers from some over production which makes it sound bland. There some good tracks on this album too "West" and Where is My Love" are personal favourites but overall I was expecting better. Many people have given this album good reviews so maybe I am missing something but where in the past I have disagreed with critics of Essence and World (both albums I love almost as much as Car Wheels) this time I have to agree with the criticism. It has obviously been a hard time in her life so hopefully she has exorcised some demons and she will be back to her best next time out.
one of her best February 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although esssence is my favourite, i think there are stronger tracks on this album. I just love the way she breaks down the barriers between rock.blues ,country and folk. After a while it is just music you are listening to . Initially the lyrics and arrangements seem simple but somehow she seems to get more from so little that it does not matter.In the beginning i just liked her but now i listen to her music almost all the time. Someone called her the femail neil young but i think they were doing her a disservice because i am a neil young and i think when you have listened her neil seems a little tame.
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