Cold Fact [VINYL]

It's difficult to review this album without lapsing into cliché and, indeed, repetition of so much which has already been written about Rodriguez's engaging and moving story. It’s enough to say that, if you have the opportunity to listen to this inspired mix of virtuoso guitar playing and pointed lyrics, take it. Echoing, among others, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan – but often transcending the work of both of these iconic figures – there isn’t a bad track on the album and Rodriguez hits more emotive topics (and hits them hard) with a perceptive and rather wonderful range of anger, despair, heartbreak, need, pathos and tragedy which stays with the listener.It would be quite possible to keep on listing the superlatives but, really, people just need to listen to the songs; they’re brilliant. To finish, though, I can’t resist quoting a few lines from “Like Janis” – one amongst many truly brilliant tracks – to illustrate the worth of Rodriguez’s songwriting:“And your measure for wealth by the things you can holdAnd you measure for love by the sweet things you're told…And don't try to enchant me with your manner of dress'Cause a monkey in silk is a monkey no less.”

Not heard of this fella before, but someone recommended it to me, and the vinyl was a decent price.Wasn't expecting the pressing to be as good as it and to have a poly lined inner sleeve, with it being a Universal release. A lot of their pressings are poor in my experience, or are damaged when they are placed in their paper sleeves, in the pressing plant.The music is very late 60's / early 70's sounding but is great. Sings in a similar way to Dylan, but is voice isn't as annoying. Reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel in some ways but the songs aren't as memorable.Some lovely bass lines in the songs too. Not over produced and nice simple instrument arrangement makes a nice change from the over produced, compressed sounds of modern releases.I'll definitely try to get some more of his albums.

I recently watched a BBC World documentary about Rodriguez whilst overseas and the story and music was truly fascinating.This, his first LP has a strong 'Dylan, Donovan, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake' feel about it - all the songs contain clever and meaningful lyrics, great melody, a variety of styles and several should have been classics in the early 70's.... as Rodriguez and Cold Fact subsequently became in South Africa with huge success later on. And then he disappeared until now.In a kind-of-related way, this album also predates Tracey Chapman's debut, many of the songs have an edgy, political message (Establishment Blues, Hate Street Dialogue, Crucify Your Mind, Rich Folks Hoax) - all are extremely listenable and I wouldn't be surprised if she listened to this when growing up.'Crucify Your Mind', 'Forget It', 'Inner City Blues', Rich Folks Hoax' and 'I Wonder' are truly beautiful songs and although I have a vast music collection, this album is on constant rotation. It really is that good.No filler here, every song is inspiring, recorded with a very typical '60-70's sound but timeless at the same time. I guess you could say Folk-Blues-Pop. The 180gm reissue LP also has a nice inner bi-fold pull-out with lots of commentary about RodriguezHis other album 'Coming From Reality' is excellent too although not quite as perfect as 'Cold Fact'Please give this a try.

After watching the Searching For on terrestrial tv for the first time I have to admit, to my great shame, that I had never even heard of Rodriguez. And I guess that there is the conundrum. WHY did this guy never make it bigtime.A very humble guy, even in his resurgence, who just wrote some of the best songs you will ever hear.Far superior vocally than Dylan, and yet who wrote heart wrenching songs on life and the darker side of it . Rodriguez wrote about life as he knew it and experienced it, ergo making the songs all the more poignant.It would seem that there was a lot going on during this time,70/71, external factors and corporate greed that ultimately dashed any prospects of worldwide recognition of his talent.He did sell a substantial ammount of albums in South Africa and Australia and yet he made nothing off the back of it.In this day and age whereby a tv show can make squillions for an average at best singer or band it is a tragedy when a TRUE talent like Rodriguez can go unnoticed and relatively unrewarded for so long.Newcomers take note, as I did, watch the documentary, get caught up in the myth which even the best script writer couldn't have wrote, be humbled by the man, but more so, get hooked on this fabulous music.

It's not just the lyrics that make you listen but in many cases the melodies also demonstrate a good musical knowledge. It's such a shame that because of some inate racism - Rodriguez was half-mexican - he didn't achieve the the type of world-wide fame and financial success Dylan had. Make no mistake, this bloke was as good....actually, I'm going to say better than Bob but unfortunatley it was bizarrely only really Australia and South Africa that gave him the recognition he deserved. Watch the documentary Sugarman and prepare to be astonished by this humble man's journey.Listen to this album and you'll find yourself putting it on the turntable regualrly.

Bonne musique et mon style

Muito boa edição. Apesar da capa relativamente simples, o som compensa.

Es un disco para escuchar de principio a fin, es una pena que en su momento no haya sido promocionado, la relevancia actual de Rodríguez le da la razón a qué hubiera sido un éxito, por su puesto que ayuda la historia que hay detrás, pero es innegable el talento de este artista que al final, en sus últimos días, logro ser visto y apreciado en escenarios que mereció pisar desde décadas atrás.La impresión del disco es muy buena y en conjunto con su corriente musical es excelente en este formato.

Great quality pressing on 180g vinyl with faithful reproductions of the original Sussex label and album artwork. Good quality, heavyweight, plastic-lined white paper inner sleeve. Sticker indicates it was made in the Czech Republic. Vinyl surface is quiet, and the sound quality is excellent.I only learned about Sixto Rodriguez the week he passed away, and then I watched the fascinating Sugar Man documentary. He had such a grounded life story with a feel-good ending. Listening this record gives me a sense of both nostalgia and discovery. What a surprising and fantastic vinyl collection addition!

Un trabajo magnífico desde el principio al final, tema tras tema obra maestra injustamente olvidada, pero nunca es tarde para descubrir a este gran artista intemporal, recomiendo el documental sobre su vida, precioso y enternecedor. Gracias Sixto Sugar Man!!!!!!!