Closer To The Bone (Deluxe Edition)
Kris Kristofferson
One of the most revered songwriters of the last half century Los Angeles Times
Intimate and spectacular.
In his 70s now, Kris Kristofferson has nothing to prove. His last couple records have shown that--intimate, acoustic arrangements complete with personal, highly poetic lyrics that shun the story-songs of yesteryear, instead emphasizing reflection and contentment. This leads to records that aren't as overwhelmingly amazing as his earlier work, but are somehow more mature, more satisfying on the whole.
Such is CLOSER TO THE BONE. Few of these songs could stand, alone, among his best; but together, they create a reflective collection that is nothing less than astonishing. The album is much in the vein of THIS OLD ROAD; in fact, this could be considered a "sequel" album of sorts. Kristofferson has songs on here about his kids ("From Here to Forever"), his wife ("Holy Woman"), Johny Cash ("Good Morning John," including the heart-stopping line "You can lose your mind and memory/But you won't lose me as a friend"), and other people near and dear to him. The album is made oddly complete by the inclusion of a hidden track, the first full song he wrote (at age 11) entitled "I Hate Your Ugly Face." Even as a kid, he knew how to put it honestly.
And that's a word that sums up this whole album: honest. A Rhodes Scholar, a movie star, a sex symbol, a living legend...Kris Kristofferson is, first and foremost, the world's preeminent songwriter of honest, lasting songs. CLOSER TO THE BONE ranks with THIS OLD ROAD as his most captivating album; even if the songs here don't rank, individually, among his best work, as a whole they create a beautiful, elegant portrait of a man who's found contentment in his life...and, thank God, is talented enough to write about it.
Still the best
Kris Kristofferson is one of American's greatest songwriters, he is part of that elite group that includes masters such as Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Kristofferson's voice has always been a rough and limited instrument, he once likened his own singing to the croaking of a frog, but in spite of this (or perhaps because of it) he manages to transmit a sense of true significance and meaning through the performances of his songs in a way that a pretty-but-empty, american idol-esque voice could never replicate. When Kristofferson sings, its not to show off an impressive range through various vocal acrobatics, but rather to communicate some truth, something of importance to his audience.
This latest release maintains the high level of excellence that one has come to expect of Kristofferson. "Closer to the Bone" can legitimately stand alongside the best of Kristofferson's vast catalogue. It is perhaps more quiet and contemplative than his early masterpieces, but that is perfectly reasonable given Kristofferson's age and the accompanying realization that there are more days behind than there are ahead. Nonetheless, when all is said and done, he is still the best!
Up Close & Personal
This is a really nice intimate traditional country/folk album. I grew up listening to a lot of Kris' country stuff in the 80's and this is a nice stripped-down version of the singer. Nothing earth-shattering going on just well-made, heartfelt songs stripped to the bone (haha) for maximum impact and a stark beauty. Highly recommended for fans of simple guitar-and-vocal tales of heartbreak, dreams, love and loneliness.
