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Thursday, August 7, 2008

CD Review: Ratcliff & Bailey - Demo


Ratcliff & Bailey - Demo
2008, Ratcliff & Bailey


Tim Ratcliff and Ken Bailey are an Ironton, OH duo who have written more than 160 songs together. They are one of those bands that have almost made it a few times, but never quite cracked the ceiling of the level they're on. Despite that they are a very talented duo, with a collection of songs that are both musically complex and lyrically prescient. Ratcliff-Bailey submitted a demo CD to Wildy's World for review. It is our understanding that while this CD is not currently commercially available, some or all of the songs will be available at a later point in time.

The demo submitted for review on behalf of Ratcliff & Bailey is something of a career retrospective. The duo has written in excess of 160 songs together over the years, and continues to create together even as you read this. The live recording of Disguise is fun and shows off the arena rock guitar play of Ratcliff & Bailey. I honestly am not a big fan of the vocals on these songs, but that's not to say you won't be. Ratcliff & Bailey's strengths are definitely more on the instrumental and songwriting side. Highlights include Calling Off, She Is, the bluesy Everybody's Lookin' and Fakers And Takers.

Ratcliff & Bailey are a fertile songwriting pair with a wide variety and range of quality of songs. About half of the material submitted here is strong, with the other half less so to varying degrees. I would recommend that readers check out their catalog, perhaps by reviewing some streaming audio first. I am confident you will some things you like, but the songs can be hit or miss, so definitely sample before you buy.

Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Ratcliff & Bailey and catch some streaming audio at www.westfieldrecording.com.

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