Speaking in Tongues - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
Riding on top of their funky, blues-rock instrumental combination, the Holmes Brothers work vocal magic here, digging vigorously into their customary gospel roots. Rich, soulful harmonies and a moving blend of grit and sincerity give Wendell and Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon their distinction and power. Their voices suggest depths of religious conviction that get added punch from the band's kicking intensity. "Jesus Is the Way," "Jesus Got His Hooks in Me," "Thank You, Jesus," and "King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away" reveal the primary lyrical subject matter of the songs, and they are done with reverence and conviction. Bob Dylan's "Man of Peace," Ben Harper's "I Want to Be Ready," and Gamble-Huff's "Love Train" are also given the Holmes treatment: throaty, heartfelt harmonies layered amid rocking church organ, shimmering guitars, and rich backbeats. And Wendell Holmes's tasty guitar is always around to give the tunes a rockish feel. This is, though, a well-recorded, loving tribute to the gospel music heritage, and the Holmes Brothers prove themselves worthy carriers of that rich tradition. --Wally Shoup

Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

A Musical Revelation that is Soulfully alive... April 18, 2001
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

For more than 10 years the rhythmic bass of Sherman Holmes, the driving guitar of Wendell Holmes, the drums of Popsy Dixon and the group's soaring vocals have consistently pushed the envelope of what it means to have soul. On this newest CD, the group has now managed to show us what it means to be spirit filled. Like 1992's "Jubilation", the group offers up its trademark combination of traditional gospel, blues, and juke-joint funk and in the process has managed to re-define the meaning of the word "sanctified" providing an example of what Christian Music really could be if it wasn't so afraid of its own humanity.

As with past disks, the group mixes up a potent stew of the original, the traditional, and the contemporary with an infectious energy that never ceases. On this disk, the four original songs written by Sherman and Wendell Holmes have the feel of old time gospel and sit solidly beside traditional favorites like "Thank you Jesus" and "Farther Along". Also included are songs by Ben Harper and Bob Dylan. Harper's "I Shall Not Walk Alone" is presented as a soulful ballad of comfort that tenderly offers up the hope of salvation. Bob Dylan's "Man of Peace" with its tambourine and organ takes you into a Sunday Afternoon gospel tent-revival and the trio's soul-drenched version of the 60's soul anthem "Soul Train" with its slyly sensual vocals is worth the price of the whole CD.

The Holmes Brother's interplay of Pentecostal gospel, funk, blues, and soul takes the listener on an uplifting journey through southern churches and the revival tent providing us with a glimpse of Americana along the way. If this disk fails to move both your body and your soul and bring you closer to your maker then it is only because you have no pulse. For both the believer and the non-believer the music of the Holmes Brothers can be summed up in a single word: Amen.

5 out of 5 stars Wow! February 25, 2001
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I read a brief review for this album in US News or Newsweek and decided to give it a listen at the store. About 10 minutes later I was home listening to it over and over again.

I am not into gospel or Christian music, but I love the blues and man this is great blues. I guess if you are a fan of Christian/gospel music you will love this too. But as a blues fan...wow this album really rocks.

These guys can sing and these guys can play.

In a time of scripted bands, singing with the aid of computers it is quite refreshing to here some good old fashion blues, rock, and funk.

This is a great album!

5 out of 5 stars dancing music   June 6, 2001
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I heard about the Holmes Brothers and their CD "Speaking in Tongues" on Public Radio and I ordered the CD that day. Some of the songs are new twists on old songs, some are great new songs. Every cut is wonderful. This morning, at 1:00 AM, I realized how absolutely incredible it is. Any music that is able to make me dance while I am refinishing floors is miracle music. Any music that I am able to listen to over and over for two hours and still want to hear more is powerful. "Speaking in Tongues" is one of the most positive CDs I have ever owned. If you like blues, if you like gospel, if you like to dance, if you wished you liked to dance, if you wish you had a reason to dance order "Speaking in Tongues" today.

5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece!   February 19, 2001
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

American roots music doesn't get deeper or more powerful. Old friend Joan Osborne produced the Holmes Brothers, plus contributes gospel style backing vocals and liner notes. The result is a masterpiece of heartfelt, shake the rafters, spiritually based soul music. Great songs, top flight instrumetal work, and vocals that live and breath and even moved me to tears.

5 out of 5 stars dancing music   June 6, 2001
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I heard about the Holmes Brothers and their CD "Speaking in Tongues" on Public Radio and I ordered the CD that day. Some of the songs are new twists on old songs, some are great new songs. Every cut is wonderful. This morning, at 1:00 AM, I realized how absolutely incredible it is. Any music that is able to make me dance while I am refinishing floors is miracle music. Any music that I am able to listen to over and over for two hours and still want to hear more is powerful. "Speaking in Tongues" is one of the most positive CDs I have ever owned. If you like blues, if you like gospel, if you like to dance, if you wished you liked to dance, if you wish you had a reason to dance order "Speaking in Tongues" today.

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