Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
like a big warm hug, 4 Feb 2001
If, like me, you're an avid listener of alternative american indie/rock, I'd urge you to try this wonderful album. For a while, back in the mid-eighties, it looked like even money on whether it would be REM or Miracle Legion who broke through from the fertile U.S underground arthouse music scene. No prizes for guessing who got the 7 figure deals and sell-out stadium tours, but it's probably only REM's slightly rockier leanings that gave them the edge. Both bands explored rich folksy traditional roots and both had a predilection for byrds-style guitar and harmonies. Mark Mulcahy sang with a lovely twang to his voice and he and Michael Stipe shared a vivid poetic lyricism. On "me and mr ray", Miracle Legion itself was stripped down to mulcahy ("me") and " Mr Ray", the erstwhile lead guitarist. The rest of the band had gone I know not where, but the enforced economy of the set-up brought a superb streamlined quality to the songs, most of which are simple acoustic set-ups. The whole thing buzzes with the feel of authentic lo-fi indie folk. for latter-day comparisons, look to the richer, less "rhinestone" sounds of alt. country so ubiquitous these days.For a more alt. rock comparison, try Modest Mouse, whose vocalist is the living spit of Mulcahy. "Me and Mr Ray" is the warmest sunday morning album I know and I'll carry it with me into old age. For the record, the album track "you're the one-lee" ( also recorded on a rare 12" single with the sugarcubes -the jewel in my collection ) is my favourite track OF ALL TIME. "i don't care what your eyes see, i don't care what your arms feel, i don't care what you want to know, i don't care, just let your feet say go"...If I can persuade a single person to buy this beautiful, beautiful album, my work on this planet will be done.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you've never heard of them, buy it anyway., 12 Dec 2000
By A Customer
Released in the late Eighties, this was the best record from Mark Mulcahy's old band. Since they were American and played acoustic guitars, however, they were often dismissed over here as a poor man's REM. Not long after, Rough Trade went under and this genuine classic was doomed to genuine cult status. There was a lot of other quirky college rock around at the time, but Me & Mr. Ray was a deeply emotional experience (especially the tracks "Sailors & Animals", "Pull The Wagon" and "Gigantic Trans-Atlantic Trunk Call"). It was one of those records that you didn't just listen to - it became a part of you. It's great to see that it's still available.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MR. RAY NEAL, 28 Jul 2004
By A Customer
So much has been said about Miracle Legion singer/lyricist, Mark Mulcahy. And all they say is true: he is truly one of the Greats. However, Mr. Ray Neal seems to get the short end of the publicity stick. As co-writer, Mr. Ray Neal should be given as much credit as Mulcahy for making Miracle Legion of the best overlooked bands of all time. His solo work, although not as widely known as Mulcahy's, is profound and beautiful. He performances are passionate and gentle, like his off-stage personality. Contact dwebbbooking@yahoo.com for information about Mr. Ray Neal.
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