Folk Music CDs - 2007 Folk Music CD Reviews
Check out my reviews of folk, Americana, alt.country, and bluegrass CDs that came out in 2007. CD reviews are listed alphabetically by the artist's first name.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - Soundtrack
If you love classic country music, contemporary folk, protest songs, rockabilly and corny showtune pop songs, and you need a good laugh, look no further. Built on a solid foundation of rather talented songwriters like Dan Bern and Marshall Crenshaw, this soundtrack is mostly just downright funny.
If you love classic country music, contemporary folk, protest songs, rockabilly and corny showtune pop songs, and you need a good laugh, look no further. Built on a solid foundation of rather talented songwriters like Dan Bern and Marshall Crenshaw, this soundtrack is mostly just downright funny.
Various Artists - Sowing the Seeds
Part tribute to Pete Seeger, part nod to Appleseed Recordings' 10th anniversary, Sowing the Seeds is an exquisite collection of classic tunes sung by folk music legends, including Seeger, Lou Reed, Ani DiFranco, Bruce Springsteen, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins and a slew of others.
Part tribute to Pete Seeger, part nod to Appleseed Recordings' 10th anniversary, Sowing the Seeds is an exquisite collection of classic tunes sung by folk music legends, including Seeger, Lou Reed, Ani DiFranco, Bruce Springsteen, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins and a slew of others.
Ani DiFranco - Canon
Ani DiFranco is probably one of the most beloved artists to never have a number one song or a platinum selling CD. Considering she's seen as a musical revolutionary, ground-breaking instrumentalist and the closest thing to "our generation's Dylan" as possible, it's notable that none of the songs on her greatest hits CD Canon ever went gold.
Ani DiFranco is probably one of the most beloved artists to never have a number one song or a platinum selling CD. Considering she's seen as a musical revolutionary, ground-breaking instrumentalist and the closest thing to "our generation's Dylan" as possible, it's notable that none of the songs on her greatest hits CD Canon ever went gold.
Ann Wilson - Hope and Glory
It's been a long time coming for this rock and roll vocalist. Her fans have long been looking forward to the day when Wilson would release her solo album. What's remarkable about this disc is that she chose, her first time out, to record some of the great, influential songs of the 20th century, from artists like Elton John to Led Zeppelin, Lucinda Williams and Bob Dylan.
It's been a long time coming for this rock and roll vocalist. Her fans have long been looking forward to the day when Wilson would release her solo album. What's remarkable about this disc is that she chose, her first time out, to record some of the great, influential songs of the 20th century, from artists like Elton John to Led Zeppelin, Lucinda Williams and Bob Dylan.
Kill Henry Sugar - Swing Back and Down
Quirk masters Kill Henry Sugar (KHS) are up to their old tricks again. A dobro and drum duo from New York City, KHS immerses their music firmly in the roots of their surroundings. Their musicianship is competent and the vocals are a pleasure to listen to.
Quirk masters Kill Henry Sugar (KHS) are up to their old tricks again. A dobro and drum duo from New York City, KHS immerses their music firmly in the roots of their surroundings. Their musicianship is competent and the vocals are a pleasure to listen to.
Serena Ryder - If Your Memory Serves You Well
Listening to Serena Ryder is like watching an excellent movie: there are so many moving, magical narrative elements that otherwise would seem elusive and unreal. Her careful, well-toned voice slides from jazz crooner in one tune to folksinger in the next, and then on to indie rocker and beyond. Her easy guitar picking is backed ably by a skilled, intuitive band.
Listening to Serena Ryder is like watching an excellent movie: there are so many moving, magical narrative elements that otherwise would seem elusive and unreal. Her careful, well-toned voice slides from jazz crooner in one tune to folksinger in the next, and then on to indie rocker and beyond. Her easy guitar picking is backed ably by a skilled, intuitive band.
Hot Buttered Rum Stringband - Live in the Northeast
Drawing on influences that clearly began with Grateful Dead and spread from there, Hot Buttered Rum's latest addition to its live recordings, Live in the Northeast showcases yet another excellent performance from this band of rising stars.
Drawing on influences that clearly began with Grateful Dead and spread from there, Hot Buttered Rum's latest addition to its live recordings, Live in the Northeast showcases yet another excellent performance from this band of rising stars.
Putumayo Presents Americana
Putumayo is known for putting together incredible compilations that serve not only to introduce their listeners to the genre (or, often, country) featured, but also to honor the musical style contained within. On their CD, Americana, Putumayo collects the work of inimitable folk artists ranging from Tim O'Brien to the Little Willies and Eliza Lynn.
Putumayo is known for putting together incredible compilations that serve not only to introduce their listeners to the genre (or, often, country) featured, but also to honor the musical style contained within. On their CD, Americana, Putumayo collects the work of inimitable folk artists ranging from Tim O'Brien to the Little Willies and Eliza Lynn.
Various Artists - I'll Fly Away: Country Hymns and Songs of Faith
I'll Fly Away is a CD full of Christian hymns and Gospel-inspired bluegrass tunes, and believers will appreciate this lovely compilation of well-arranged folk songs. But that doesn't mean non-believers need to shy away, either. There's plenty on this disc for everyone, with performances by Dolly Parton, Sara Watkins, Kortnie Heying, Ed Cash, Vince Gill and more.
I'll Fly Away is a CD full of Christian hymns and Gospel-inspired bluegrass tunes, and believers will appreciate this lovely compilation of well-arranged folk songs. But that doesn't mean non-believers need to shy away, either. There's plenty on this disc for everyone, with performances by Dolly Parton, Sara Watkins, Kortnie Heying, Ed Cash, Vince Gill and more.
Sam Baker - Pretty World
Sam Baker is one of the most unlikely singers ever recorded. His vocals, more spoken than sung, make musicians like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits sound lyrical and melodic. However that's not always a bad thing.
Sam Baker is one of the most unlikely singers ever recorded. His vocals, more spoken than sung, make musicians like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits sound lyrical and melodic. However that's not always a bad thing.
Eli Cook - Miss Blues' Child
Eli Cook's debut release, Miss Blues' Child, offers him live and unedited in the studio. Along with a few guest musicians, all that's present are Eli's haunting voice and his guitar.
Eli Cook's debut release, Miss Blues' Child, offers him live and unedited in the studio. Along with a few guest musicians, all that's present are Eli's haunting voice and his guitar.
Suzanne Vega - Beauty and Crime
On her latest, Beauty & Crime, Suzanne Vega returns with the same lovely and difficult imagery, touching on so many genres it's silly to label it. These are just great songs.
On her latest, Beauty & Crime, Suzanne Vega returns with the same lovely and difficult imagery, touching on so many genres it's silly to label it. These are just great songs.
Kane, Welch, Kaplin - self-titled CD
On their third release, Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin share more of the exquisitely sparse arrangements that have made their collaborations memorable each time. This time around, Lucas Kane joined the trio, adding his instrumental expertise to what Kaplin already does so well.
On their third release, Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin share more of the exquisitely sparse arrangements that have made their collaborations memorable each time. This time around, Lucas Kane joined the trio, adding his instrumental expertise to what Kaplin already does so well.
Various Artists - Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook, Vol. 2 & 3
Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music is one of the only places you can go to study the art and history of American folk music and dance. For 50 years, the Old Town School has operated in the heart of Chicago—a town known for its jazz, blues, theater, rock and other forms of music.
Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music is one of the only places you can go to study the art and history of American folk music and dance. For 50 years, the Old Town School has operated in the heart of Chicago—a town known for its jazz, blues, theater, rock and other forms of music.
KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
KT Tunstall spent a good amount of time busking on the street for spare cash before breaking onto the mainstream music scene last year. A couple years and a Grammy nomination later, Tunstall's follow up, Drastic Fantastic has been a well-anticipated release.
KT Tunstall spent a good amount of time busking on the street for spare cash before breaking onto the mainstream music scene last year. A couple years and a Grammy nomination later, Tunstall's follow up, Drastic Fantastic has been a well-anticipated release.
John Gorka - The Gypsy Life
John Gorka's The Gypsy Life CD-DVD set gives fans an excellent opportunity to see the artist at work in the studio, onstage and behind the scenes.
John Gorka's The Gypsy Life CD-DVD set gives fans an excellent opportunity to see the artist at work in the studio, onstage and behind the scenes.
WFUV City Folk Live X
WFUV's latest compilation of these performances is an exquisite two-disc set featuring the best performances from 2007, as well as a collection of favorites from the past decade.
WFUV's latest compilation of these performances is an exquisite two-disc set featuring the best performances from 2007, as well as a collection of favorites from the past decade.
Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II
Neil Young is no stranger to great songs. He’s become a machine of great songs, releasing record after record of perfectly polished, tightly wound albums that don’t waste time with mundane songs, forgettable tunes, or tunes that just hang in there...
Neil Young is no stranger to great songs. He’s become a machine of great songs, releasing record after record of perfectly polished, tightly wound albums that don’t waste time with mundane songs, forgettable tunes, or tunes that just hang in there...
Joni Mitchell - Shine
Backed by an incredibly sharp group of jazz players, Joni Mitchell has returned from her decade-long musical hiatus with a superb collection of new songs, and a nice tropical island spin on an old classic, "Big Yellow Taxi."
Backed by an incredibly sharp group of jazz players, Joni Mitchell has returned from her decade-long musical hiatus with a superb collection of new songs, and a nice tropical island spin on an old classic, "Big Yellow Taxi."
Mountain Heart - Road That Never Ends: The Live Album
Mountain Heart is, without question, one of the tightest, fastest draws in the contemporary folk music scene. Their live shows are exceptionally energetic, and their fierce instrumental skills are only matched by one another. Road That Never Ends is an excellent addition to their discography, and an exquisite cd of choice for anyone interested in learning about this great band.
Mountain Heart is, without question, one of the tightest, fastest draws in the contemporary folk music scene. Their live shows are exceptionally energetic, and their fierce instrumental skills are only matched by one another. Road That Never Ends is an excellent addition to their discography, and an exquisite cd of choice for anyone interested in learning about this great band.
Emmylou Harris - Songbird Box Set
On Songbird, Harris collects four CDs-worth of material that is most integral and poignant from her entire career. This includes recordings with Gram Parsons and her more recent collaborations with Mark Knopfler, as well as favorite songs from her decades-long recording career.
On Songbird, Harris collects four CDs-worth of material that is most integral and poignant from her entire career. This includes recordings with Gram Parsons and her more recent collaborations with Mark Knopfler, as well as favorite songs from her decades-long recording career.
Claire Lynch - Crowd Favorites
For her latest album, Crowd Favorites, Claire Lynch turned to her fans. They voted on which songs they would most like to see turn up on her greatest hits album.
For her latest album, Crowd Favorites, Claire Lynch turned to her fans. They voted on which songs they would most like to see turn up on her greatest hits album.
Spook Handy - Whatcha Gonna Do?
There's a reason I chose Spook Handy as one of the best American folk singers you've never heard of, and his latest album Whatcha Gonna Do? is an excellent example.
There's a reason I chose Spook Handy as one of the best American folk singers you've never heard of, and his latest album Whatcha Gonna Do? is an excellent example.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant - Raising Sand
Bluegrass singer/songwriter/producer/fiddler extraordinaire (and 20-time Grammy winner) Alison Krauss would probably not be the first person I'd think to team up with Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, but then again, Krauss has become quite the master collaborator.
Bluegrass singer/songwriter/producer/fiddler extraordinaire (and 20-time Grammy winner) Alison Krauss would probably not be the first person I'd think to team up with Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, but then again, Krauss has become quite the master collaborator.
Johnny Cash - The Great Lost Performance
Johnny Cash is unquestionably one of the best performers in contemporary music to ever hit the stage. Since his death, numerous records have been released in hopes of carrying on Cash's legacy as a great performer. So it only makes sense that a live collection should be released. The Great Lost Performances is pretty much exactly what it says it is.
Johnny Cash is unquestionably one of the best performers in contemporary music to ever hit the stage. Since his death, numerous records have been released in hopes of carrying on Cash's legacy as a great performer. So it only makes sense that a live collection should be released. The Great Lost Performances is pretty much exactly what it says it is.
Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Iron and Wine's CD, The Shepherd's Dog shows a clear departure from work he's done in the past. It's a more experimental, more sonically forward record, for better or worse.
Iron and Wine's CD, The Shepherd's Dog shows a clear departure from work he's done in the past. It's a more experimental, more sonically forward record, for better or worse.
David Olney - One Tough Town
Once again, Dave Olney delivers. One Tough Town is a beautiful disc, once you wade through the weeds, muck, and humidity. It's not an easy listen, but few things with as much integrity are simple. If it feels to abrasive at first, just listen again.
Once again, Dave Olney delivers. One Tough Town is a beautiful disc, once you wade through the weeds, muck, and humidity. It's not an easy listen, but few things with as much integrity are simple. If it feels to abrasive at first, just listen again.
John Denver - The Essential John Denver
This compilation is great for anyone getting to know Denver's music, though it lacks for true fans. All the material on this compilation has previously been released.
This compilation is great for anyone getting to know Denver's music, though it lacks for true fans. All the material on this compilation has previously been released.
The Greencards - Viridian
There seems to be this trend in contemporary grass-pop where young bands are popping up sounding an awful lot like Nickel Creek. With the actual Nickel Creek on the verge of hiatus, it's no wonder. There's an awfully big hole to fill; but the Greencards fit nicely in there
There seems to be this trend in contemporary grass-pop where young bands are popping up sounding an awful lot like Nickel Creek. With the actual Nickel Creek on the verge of hiatus, it's no wonder. There's an awfully big hole to fill; but the Greencards fit nicely in there
Infamous Stringdusters - Fork in the Road
Players in the Stringdusters have played with just about everyone from Tony Trischka to Earl Scruggs to Lee Ann Womack, and back again. From those experiences, they come together on Fork in the Road—one of the most impressive albums by a young band in contemporary bluegrass.
Players in the Stringdusters have played with just about everyone from Tony Trischka to Earl Scruggs to Lee Ann Womack, and back again. From those experiences, they come together on Fork in the Road—one of the most impressive albums by a young band in contemporary bluegrass.
Grateful Dead - Live at the Cow Palace, New Years Eve 1976
The Grateful Dead are legends and pioneers, and that's largely due to performances like the one they gave ten years into their 30-year career, on New Year's Eve, 1976, Live at the Cow Palace.
The Grateful Dead are legends and pioneers, and that's largely due to performances like the one they gave ten years into their 30-year career, on New Year's Eve, 1976, Live at the Cow Palace.
Tony Trischka - Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular
Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular is everything its title claims to be. Tony Trischka starts the album out with a fireball dueling banjo tune featuring the legendary Earl Scruggs, follows it with "Bon Aqua Blues," which feels like it rose straight out of a Louisiana Bayou, and keeps the mastery alive all the way through to his final duet with Steve Martin—"Plunkin' Rag."
Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular is everything its title claims to be. Tony Trischka starts the album out with a fireball dueling banjo tune featuring the legendary Earl Scruggs, follows it with "Bon Aqua Blues," which feels like it rose straight out of a Louisiana Bayou, and keeps the mastery alive all the way through to his final duet with Steve Martin—"Plunkin' Rag."
Patty Griffin - Children Running Through
Once again, Patty Griffin slays us with her well-cooked blend of blues, jazz, and American folk melodies. Griffin's career has played out like one homerun after another, and Children Running Through is no exception. After years of great albums, one has to wonder, how is it possible for one woman to keep knocking out more great albums.
Once again, Patty Griffin slays us with her well-cooked blend of blues, jazz, and American folk melodies. Griffin's career has played out like one homerun after another, and Children Running Through is no exception. After years of great albums, one has to wonder, how is it possible for one woman to keep knocking out more great albums.
KT Tunstall - Acoustic Extravaganza
Acoustic Extravaganza feels like a real KT Tunstall album. That she was able to churn it out in a relatively short amount of time with few missteps is a testament to the wealth of talent we can expect to hear from KT Tunstall in the future.
Acoustic Extravaganza feels like a real KT Tunstall album. That she was able to churn it out in a relatively short amount of time with few missteps is a testament to the wealth of talent we can expect to hear from KT Tunstall in the future.
Keller Williams - Dream
Despite the prevalence of folk music superheroes like Bela Fleck, Martin Sexton and Michael Franti throughout the record, Keller Williams's songs are not well represented here. Like a dream from which one awakens feeling disoriented and disgruntled, Dream falls short on cohesion, vision and charm ... though it's not easily forgettable.
Despite the prevalence of folk music superheroes like Bela Fleck, Martin Sexton and Michael Franti throughout the record, Keller Williams's songs are not well represented here. Like a dream from which one awakens feeling disoriented and disgruntled, Dream falls short on cohesion, vision and charm ... though it's not easily forgettable.
Kim and Reggie Harris - Get on Board!
On their latest effort, Get on Board!: Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Freedom Songs, Volume 2, Kim and Reggie Harris sing their way through African-American history, from mourning to celebration.
On their latest effort, Get on Board!: Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Freedom Songs, Volume 2, Kim and Reggie Harris sing their way through African-American history, from mourning to celebration.
Tony Furtado - Thirteen
Tony Furtado hardly has to prove himself as a guitar player. On Thirteen, Furtado allays any speculation his skills as a singer/songwriter are anything but incredible. Every single song is excellent, be it an original like "Stay Awhile" or an Elton John Cover.
Tony Furtado hardly has to prove himself as a guitar player. On Thirteen, Furtado allays any speculation his skills as a singer/songwriter are anything but incredible. Every single song is excellent, be it an original like "Stay Awhile" or an Elton John Cover.
Erin McKeown - Sing You Sinners
On Sing You Sinners, Erin McKeown expands her musical mastery even further, bringing classic Americana standards from jazz, swing, vaudeville and beyond, through a wringer of surf-rock, rockabilly and more.
On Sing You Sinners, Erin McKeown expands her musical mastery even further, bringing classic Americana standards from jazz, swing, vaudeville and beyond, through a wringer of surf-rock, rockabilly and more.
John Waite - Downtown Journey of a Heart
With Downtown - Journey of a Heart, John Waite tours through what are some of the most prevalent forces in contemporary Americana, including a deliciously ragged version of Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited," and a duet with Alison Krauss. From "The Hard Way" to "When I See You Smile," Waite tells melodic stories that, like their characters, are only heartbreaking when you listen closely. Let them play in the background, and it can feel like a real good time.
With Downtown - Journey of a Heart, John Waite tours through what are some of the most prevalent forces in contemporary Americana, including a deliciously ragged version of Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited," and a duet with Alison Krauss. From "The Hard Way" to "When I See You Smile," Waite tells melodic stories that, like their characters, are only heartbreaking when you listen closely. Let them play in the background, and it can feel like a real good time.
Johnny Cash - Ultimate Gospel
I guess if you're going to keep releasing albums after you've passed away from this world, it makes enough sense to make at least one of them a gospel collection. The Man in Black is back once again with a collection of gospel songs that's part Elvis-in-Vegas, part Carter Family, and a whole lot of Johnny Cash.
I guess if you're going to keep releasing albums after you've passed away from this world, it makes enough sense to make at least one of them a gospel collection. The Man in Black is back once again with a collection of gospel songs that's part Elvis-in-Vegas, part Carter Family, and a whole lot of Johnny Cash.
Susan Werner - The Gospel Truth
The Gospel Truth is that agnostics can worship just as hard as their devout God-fearing counterparts. According to her official bio, Susan Werner came upon this album after a friend remarked on gospel music, "Is there a way you can get all this joy, but without Jesus?" If ever there was a challenge that Susan Werner was up for, this is the perfect one, as her latest effort could testify.
The Gospel Truth is that agnostics can worship just as hard as their devout God-fearing counterparts. According to her official bio, Susan Werner came upon this album after a friend remarked on gospel music, "Is there a way you can get all this joy, but without Jesus?" If ever there was a challenge that Susan Werner was up for, this is the perfect one, as her latest effort could testify.
Eilen Jewell - Letters From Sinners and Strangers
From the onset, Eilen (pronounced like 'wheelin') Jewell's second CD, Letters from Sinners and Strangers, starts jumping. The first words she almost moans, "Well, it's a rich man's world," come in over a backdrop of rockabilly and country with a modern feel. It's impossible to miss the smooth, sultry loneliness as she sachets through every song on the album.
From the onset, Eilen (pronounced like 'wheelin') Jewell's second CD, Letters from Sinners and Strangers, starts jumping. The first words she almost moans, "Well, it's a rich man's world," come in over a backdrop of rockabilly and country with a modern feel. It's impossible to miss the smooth, sultry loneliness as she sachets through every song on the album.
Laura Love - NeGrass
In a recent interview, Laura Love told me that she became inspired to work on her latest CD, NeGrass after reading her father's memoir and discovering that her paternal grandmother was in the first generation of Texas ancestors born free...
In a recent interview, Laura Love told me that she became inspired to work on her latest CD, NeGrass after reading her father's memoir and discovering that her paternal grandmother was in the first generation of Texas ancestors born free...
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver - More Behind the Picture Than the Wall
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver is one of the lightning-fastest group of pickers in contemporary bluegrass, but it's not all just speed that makes these guys and their new album, More Behind the Picture Than the Wall (Rounder Records, 2007), so great. As songs like "Can You Hear Me Now" attest, the band is just as comfortable taking it slow and steady.
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver is one of the lightning-fastest group of pickers in contemporary bluegrass, but it's not all just speed that makes these guys and their new album, More Behind the Picture Than the Wall (Rounder Records, 2007), so great. As songs like "Can You Hear Me Now" attest, the band is just as comfortable taking it slow and steady.
John Prine and Mac Wiseman - Standard Songs For Average People
If anyone's going to tackle songs like "Blue-Eyed Elaine" and "Saginaw, Michigan" these days, it makes perfect sense that it would be a collaboration between singer/songwriter John Prine and bluegrass master tenor Mac Wiseman. Together, these legendary artists make the standards great again.
If anyone's going to tackle songs like "Blue-Eyed Elaine" and "Saginaw, Michigan" these days, it makes perfect sense that it would be a collaboration between singer/songwriter John Prine and bluegrass master tenor Mac Wiseman. Together, these legendary artists make the standards great again.
Leonard Cohen - Early CDs Reissued
Leonard Cohen is, inarguably, one of the greatest living songwriters. His songs have spanned generations and have never lost their poignancy. Now, as Columbia Records has reissued his first three albums: Songs of Leonard Cohen, Songs From a Room, and Songs of Love and Hate, Cohen's classics and previously unreleased songs resound as fiercely as they did thirty years ago.
Leonard Cohen is, inarguably, one of the greatest living songwriters. His songs have spanned generations and have never lost their poignancy. Now, as Columbia Records has reissued his first three albums: Songs of Leonard Cohen, Songs From a Room, and Songs of Love and Hate, Cohen's classics and previously unreleased songs resound as fiercely as they did thirty years ago.
Jerry Douglas - Americana Masters Series ... Best of the Sugar Hill Years
Jerry Douglas is an exquisite instrumentalist, and often considered one of the best dobro players to have ever met the instrument. This collection aptly captures his artistry and musicianship.
Jerry Douglas is an exquisite instrumentalist, and often considered one of the best dobro players to have ever met the instrument. This collection aptly captures his artistry and musicianship.
Guy Clark - Americana Masters Series ... Best of the Sugar Hill Years
Guy Clark's expertise is narrative story-songs, and Sugar Hill has done an exquisite job of compiling some of his best work in one place at one time on this Americana Masters CD.
Guy Clark's expertise is narrative story-songs, and Sugar Hill has done an exquisite job of compiling some of his best work in one place at one time on this Americana Masters CD.
James McMurtry - Americana Masters Series ... Best of the Sugar Hill Years
James McMurtry's brand of roots rock—blending blues, jazz, rock, and country-folk—is well represented on this CD. This record is certainly a great introduction to a wonderful artist.
James McMurtry's brand of roots rock—blending blues, jazz, rock, and country-folk—is well represented on this CD. This record is certainly a great introduction to a wonderful artist.
Rosie Thomas - These Friends of Mine
The first thing I thought about upon hearing Rosie Thomas' latest record, These Friends of Mine was springtime in New York: that quiet place between the biting, whirring hibernation of winter and the happy, loud, flaunting summertime...
The first thing I thought about upon hearing Rosie Thomas' latest record, These Friends of Mine was springtime in New York: that quiet place between the biting, whirring hibernation of winter and the happy, loud, flaunting summertime...
Brandi Carlile - The Story
Brandi Carlile's latest effort—The Story—aptly picks up where her self-titled debut left off. The result is a remarkably memorable record that exemplifies both Carlile's musicianship and natural poetics.
Brandi Carlile's latest effort—The Story—aptly picks up where her self-titled debut left off. The result is a remarkably memorable record that exemplifies both Carlile's musicianship and natural poetics.
Uncle Earl - Waterloo, Tennessee
Despite the resurgence of old time music at folk festivals in the last few years, Uncle Earl still seems to be one of the most popular groups in this traditional music revival. For their sophomore effort, the g'earls employed Led Zeppelin alum John Paul Jones as producer, presenting their newer original tunes in old time clothes.
Despite the resurgence of old time music at folk festivals in the last few years, Uncle Earl still seems to be one of the most popular groups in this traditional music revival. For their sophomore effort, the g'earls employed Led Zeppelin alum John Paul Jones as producer, presenting their newer original tunes in old time clothes.
Anais Mitchell - The Brightness
With the whimsically simple guitar part and Mitchell's reticent, pixie-ish voice, The Brightness is a tempting invitation. It may take a few listens, but sooner or later, your bound to follow Mitchell into The Brightness.
With the whimsically simple guitar part and Mitchell's reticent, pixie-ish voice, The Brightness is a tempting invitation. It may take a few listens, but sooner or later, your bound to follow Mitchell into The Brightness.
Xavier Rudd - Food in the Belly
Xavier Rudd has all the qualities that make an artist great: timeless songs with memorable melodies, masterful instrumentation, and infectious energy. Marrying the genres of reggae, jazz, and folk-pop, Food in the Belly makes a case for indigenous cultures everywhere, social awareness, and environmental conservation.
Xavier Rudd has all the qualities that make an artist great: timeless songs with memorable melodies, masterful instrumentation, and infectious energy. Marrying the genres of reggae, jazz, and folk-pop, Food in the Belly makes a case for indigenous cultures everywhere, social awareness, and environmental conservation.