•
Rating: The Neville Brothers were an R & B, Soul, and Jazz group that was formed in 1976 in New Orleans. The band consisted of Aaron Neville, who was the singer and also pursued a solo career over the years, Art Neville the keyboardist, Cyril Neville on drums, Charles Neville the guitarist, and Ivan Neville on bass.
The Neville Brothers, a group that throughout their long career often saw the band members come to disagreements. Within the band, there were always misunderstandings between the brothers. They argued about everything, song titles, arrangements, album covers. Paradoxically, these issues proved beneficial during the recording of the album.
In 1989 the Neville Brothers released 'Yellow Moon', their best album. The record features various music genres, resulting in a sound so unique that no one has been able to classify it yet. 'Yellow Moon' is one of those records that defies any definition, unique in its kind. An album with a truly intense, unique sound. Consisting of songs that move and enchant with their beauty. Despite the various misunderstandings among the Neville brothers, what emerged was a masterpiece.
Within the album, there are continuous references to pagans, the beliefs of indigenous tribes. Prayers to various deities. Continuous references also to the animals that these populations regard as deities and thus respect. The Neville Brothers embraced these elements, respecting the origins of each group member. The album is produced by Daniel Lanois, who also plays keyboards on the record, and during the recordings, makes important decisions on how to arrange and compose the songs. Throughout the album, Lanois's genius touch can be heard. Lanois himself stated that he was surprised by the band's prowess, and especially by the genuinely original sound that was emerging during the album's recordings. The Neville Brothers, in collaboration with Lanois, formed a perfect team that brought this jewel to life. Aaron himself revealed in an interview that he had deep admiration and esteem for Lanois.
The album opens with ''My Blood', where Lanois's touch is already evident, with keyboards in the background that remain present throughout the track. Aaron Neville's splendid voice enchants. The album includes two covers by Bob Dylan, a master for the Neville Brothers, 'With God On Our Side' and 'The Ballad Of Hollis Brown' executed very well by the band. 'A Change Is Gonna Come', the most beautiful song of the album, is a cover of Sam Cooke, a classic. Here Aaron truly reaches perfection, singing in an excellent manner with infinite sweetness. He puts heart and passion into it, resulting in a splendid track. 'Sister Rosa' is a tribute to Rosa Parks, who fought for the freedom and independence of black people. A person who meant a lot to the Neville Brothers. Beautiful 'Voodoo' which discusses indigenous beliefs. 'Wake Up' has a very fitting rhythm with an impressive Lanois.
A wonderful album for a band that, through musical language, was able to tackle sensitive topics such as the slavery of indigenous people and the mistreatment they suffered. The deities and customs of various people and tribes. Their habits, but mostly the 'yellow moon', a fundamental element for them.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
05 Sister Rosa (03:34)
December 1, 1955, our freedom movement came alive. And because of Sister Rosa you know, we don’t ride on the back of the bus no more.
Sister Rosa Parks was tired one day
after a hard day on her job.
When all she wanted was a well deserved rest
Not a scene from an angry mob.
A bus driver said, "Lady, you got to get up
cuz a white person wants that seat."
But Miss Rosa said, "No, not no more.
I’m gonna sit here and rest my feet."
Thank you Miss Rosa, you are the spark,
You started our freedom movement
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
Thank you Miss Rosa you are the spark,
You started our freedom movement
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
Now, the police came without fail
And took Sister Rosa off to jail.
And 14 dollars was her fine,
Brother Martin Luther King
knew it was our time.
The people of Montgomery sit down to talk
It was decided all gods’ children should walk
Until segregation was brought to its knees
And we obtain freedom and equality, yeah
Thank you Miss Rosa, you are the spark,
You started our freedom movement
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
We’ll sing it again
Thank you Miss Rosa, you are the spark,
You started our freedom movement
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
So we dedicate this song to thee
for being the symbol of our dignity.
Thank Sister Rosa Parks.
06 With God on Our Side (06:38)
Oh my name it means nothing, and my age it means less.
For the country I come from, is called the Midwest.
I was taught and brought up, to the laws to abide.
That the land that I live in,has God on its side.
Oh the history books tell it,they tell it so well.
The Calvaries charged,and the Indians fell.
The calvaries charged,and the Indians died.
Oh The Country was young then, with God on its side.
The Spanish-American, War had its day.
And the civil war to us, was soon laid away.
And the names of the heroes, I was made to memorize.
With guns in their hands, and God on their side.
The First World War,it came and it went.
And the reason for fighting,I never did get.
But I learned to accept it, accept it with pride.
For you don't count the dead, when God's on your side.
In the nineteen-sixties,came the Vietnam war.
Can someone tell me, what we were fighting for?
So many young men died, so many mothers cried.
No I ask the question, was God on our side?
I learned to hate the russians, all through my whole life.
If another war comes, it's them must fight.
And to hate them and fear, to run and to hide.
And accept it all bravely, with God on my side.
Through many dark hours, I've been thinkin' bout' this.
That Jesus Christ was betrayed by a kiss.
But I can't think for you, you'll have to decide.
Whether Judas Iscariot had God on his side.
Now that I'm leaving, I'm weary as hell.
The confusion I"m feeling, ain't no tongue cna tell.
The words fill my head, and they fall to the floor.
That if God's on our side, he'll stop the next war.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By kosmogabri
How can I even review this album—perfect disc, emotional and spiritual, a superb sound, and an amazing band, a musical depth like few others—when it brings such a personal story to me?
Listening to this album still takes me into the savannah, the giraffes swinging their necks, the elephants flaring their ears, the zebras staring at us serenely.
