3 Pears

Dwight Yoakam, a country singer, who will be the first to tell you, ”No I’m not,” and Yes I am,” in the same sentence is more than a walking contradiction ... he actually is who says he is and isn’t, the consummate outsider. And never more so than on this release, 3 Pears, an album that rolls across your stereo like you’re reliving the British invasion, is that more evident.If you’re a fan of straight ahead country music, especially of todays ilk, then 3 Pears will probably not be for you. But if you’re willing to look a bit deeper, and hear the ringing jangling pop songs co-produced by Beck, or consider that the album title and song was taken from the documentary on George Harrison, Living In The Material World, where you’ll see John Lennon fooling around with three pairs of glasses, or that Yoakam has always shrugged off his country market category, delivering honky tonk mixed with Nirvana inspired deliveries, and pop songs that will ring in your head ... then this outing may just be for you. After all, this is the man who discovered his back to basics calling in Los Angeles of all places, back in the mid 1980’s, the last bastioned thrown of America’s Punk movement.If anything, 3 Pears is Dwight Yoakam letting his freak flag fly, perhaps bitter that he’s never received praises equal to the likes of Ryan Bingham, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, or that Toy Story cowboy Garth Brooks, but never the less, surfacing with yet another solid body of work that’s sure to go unnoticed by the greater masses. And truth be told, I doubt he’d have it any other way.Review by Jenell Kesler

Dwight Yoakam is a bridge from the honky tonk country of the 50s and 60s, but that bridge doesn't really connect to any modern country music, even though Yoakam's rocking band is crisp and punchy. The closest analogy to Yoakam might be Robbie Fulks, another county delinquent who is too smart for a broad audience, or Hank Jr in the 80s, who had a lot of success marrying old and new sounds.I listened to this album (and bought it) because NPR put in in their 2012 Top 50. Many reviewers are swooning over his maturing sound, and I appreciate that this is the grown-up Dwight here. Still, I confess that the song I'm enjoying most so far is "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke" -- a throwback to the sound Yoakam established 20 years ago. But heck, that jukebox rave-up alone is worth the Abe Lincoln I paid to download the entire album here on Amazon.I'm in my first week of listening, and I haven't found a clunker yet, although the lyrics of "Waterfall" sometimes make me wince:If I had a jellyfishI betcha we would never missA single peanut butter kiss or squeezeStill, he wraps these child-like lyrics into the them of this song and tugs your heart:Babies get bornEven in a warI guess just to show usWhat livin's forIf you like Dwight, or if you appreciate modern country but want to dig a little deeper than the surface-oriented commercial stuff polluting the airwaves, this album will brighten your playlist. I cannot recommend too strongly that you also listen to Robbie Fulks; begin with the "Georgia Hard" album.

3 PEARSBeing a long time Yoakam fan, I was delighted to see a new CD being released. Never one to disappoint, Dwight kicks things into high gear and leaves you wanting for more.The twelve tracks on this CD vary in mood, tempo, thoughts, music. Each one is dependently different from the others. The lyrics are heart-felt, ringing true with the human touch and emotions. Yoakam penned all but two; he still has what it takes and the other two are also excellent lyric-wise.DIM LIGHTS, THICK SMOKE makes you get up and shake your bootie, yell yeehaw!, and have some good old fun. I don't know how anyone could sit still while listening to this track.A HEART LIKE MINE is sweetly romantic; I love everything about this song. MISSING HEART is another favorite; sad, romantic, and wonderful.Hey, this entire CD is good listening. Dwight has mixed things up and the result is nothing but fantastic! His voice is strong, easy-going, and first rate.The wait for this new work was worth it. This is a CD that you simply must add to your collection. It's fun, it's dynamic, it's simply Dwight.Thank you.Pam

Listening to my second copy of this and this copy is better. The first one I received was noisy (see below). This second copy is better but still not the best sounding vinyl I've heard on a modern record. Sounds like it was pressed too hot. Even the cuts on the outer edge are a little distorted.All that being said, I think this is a gorgeous record. The songwriting is spot-on. DY and Beck collaborated on a great production. Fans of great songwriting, music, production and beautiful vocal delivery will not be disappointed. People who think Dwight is obligated to write and deliver the same songs he did 20+ years ago may be. Get over it.--- Previous Review of 1st Copy of vinyl ---First, this is an outstanding album. Every song is great. The problem is, I got a bad copy of the vinyl. Lot's of static and dirty-distortion, even after thorough cleaning. Unlistenable. Fortunately I have a digital copy to listen to. I've returned it and we'll see what the new one sounds like. Maybe it was the master or just a bad copy. I will re-rate when the new one arrives.All that said, this is a gorgeous album. I've listened to the digital version and the songs are great (except the whole digital thing.)

It's been seven long years for Dwight Yoakam fans, but this new studio album is well worth the wait. There is not one song on here I don't like, and picking a favourite would be very hard. Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (the only song not written by Dwight) is just jumpin' and I can't wait to hear it live. Same goes for A Heart Like Mine and Nothing But Love. However, it's the heartbreak songs that Dwight does best - and there is a lot of quite stunning heartbreak on this album - Trying, It's Never Alright, Missing Heart, Long Way To Go (especially the reprise track), and Rock It All Away - all quite wonderful. Dwight has never sounded better - his voice is much richer and less nasal than in his younger days and his songwriting is second to none. Even Waterfall - a fun yet cleverly written ditty - just stays with you. Be prepared for funny looks at work when you go around singing "If I had a big giraffe ...." I love Dwight, I love this album and I am sure you will too.

Essential if you are a Dwight fan

Wonderful cd great tracks not a bad one on there. Another good cd from the very talented singer songwriter

Brilliant

I love the energy that emanates from this album. Each track a gem.Another masterpiece from my favourite male country singer.