Couples in Trouble: Robbie Fulks: Amazon.ca: Music

1. In Bristol Town One Day

2. Anything for Love

3. Dancing on the Ashes

4. She Needs You Now

5. My Tormentor

6. Real Money

7. Mad at a Girl

8. Brenda's New Stepfather

9. I've Got To Tell Myself The Truth

10. Banks of the Marianne

11. The Grip of Our Love

12. Never Could

Product Description

From Amazon.com

None of Robbie Fulks's previous releases anticipated the range of moods, melodies, approaches, and arrangements on display here, from the traditional balladry of the album-opening "In Bristol Town One Bright Day" through the supper-club elegance of "She Needs You Now." His first CD for his own Boondoggle label defies categorization, though you could plot its ambitions on an axis that extends from the sophistication of Paul Simon ("My Tormentor") and the bite of Elvis Costello ("Mad at a Girl," "I've Got to Tell Myself the Truth") through the Southern soul of Lucinda Williams ("Real Money") and the industrial clang of Tom Waits ("Brenda's New Stepfather"). As the title suggests, love's darker side provides the connecting conceptual thread, with most of the material striking a note of bittersweet maturity rather than the sardonic streak so prevalent in Fulks's earlier work. --Don McLeese

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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.9 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, Dec 18 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Couples in Trouble (Audio CD)

This record was not what I expected. I was a little disappointed at first as it seemed to lack the high-flying alt-country stuff I appreciated about his music. Also, Fulks' sense of humor is not nearly as up front as in his earlier disks. However, having re-listened to the disk and read the lyrics, I can honestly say it has become my favorite Fulks disk! He continues to grow, and this work embodies that journey in a very satisfying way! Just listen to "She Needs You Now"....

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4.0 out of 5 stars Blurb review: Robbie Fulks - Couples in Trouble (4.5 stars), Jun 5 2003

By

Scott Walldren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Couples in Trouble (Audio CD)

Chicago resident, known for his sardonic sense of humor in alternative country music, Robbie Fulks aims for the stars on 2001's Couples in Trouble, an album that departs from his normal style. Fulks' high tenor cries out on the opening troubadour ballad "In Bristol Town One Bright Day" plays like an old country vinyl record from the depression era. The arrangements wander from track to track but like the album's title suggests, the overall theme of misery in relationships prevails. Completely written and produced by Fulks, Couples in Trouble is a fine achievement in songwriting.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Now THIS is the very best of Robbie Fulks!, Feb 2 2002

By

Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Couples in Trouble (Audio CD)

"Couples in Trouble" represents a quantum leap in the development of Robbie Fulks, placing him squarely among the greatest living American songwriters in any genre. This album is a long way from the smart-alecky humor of "Country Love Songs" or "South Mouth," but it's hard to see how any listener could fail to be impressed with "Couples in Trouble." All of the songs are sensational, and they come in a bewildering range of styles--from the traditional Appalachian sound of "In Bristol Town One Fine Day" to the mordant jazz of "Anything for Love," from the dark cabaret of "My Tormentor" to the sweet bounciness of "Mad at a Girl." Fulks' wit is still there, but far more mixed with tenderness and worldly wisdom than in his previous work. I don't know about you, but personally, I will buy any CD Robbie Fulks puts his name on from this day forward. I will be delighted to hear anything--and everything--he does next.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent songwriter continues to find his musical identity.
Much like the majority of 90's young "no depression" acts, Robbie Fulks has dropped much of his country aesthetic in favor of cleaner pop production. Read more

Published on Dec 19 2001 by ChokeCake

5.0 out of 5 stars His best yet!
"Couples in Trouble" is breathtaking. By far his best and most consistent effort. All 12 of the songs are very listenable; it only takes a few trips through the cd for... Read more

Published on Sep 4 2001 by 2xjmb