2005 Folk CD Reviews
Check out my reviews of folk, Americana, alt.country, and bluegrass CDs that came out in 2005. CD reviews are listed alphabetically by the artist's first name.
Brandi Carlile (self-titled)
Brandi Carlile's debut self-titled album is full of songs that have touching lyrics and infectious melodies.
Brandi Carlile's debut self-titled album is full of songs that have touching lyrics and infectious melodies.
Carole King - The Living Room Tour
King's candid, lovely lyrics and well-humored onstage persona absolutely shine on this record, which features pretty much every great ballad from the last thirty years - and of course they're all written by King herself.
King's candid, lovely lyrics and well-humored onstage persona absolutely shine on this record, which features pretty much every great ballad from the last thirty years - and of course they're all written by King herself.
Dan Bern - Anthems
Dan's latest record, released just before the presidential election in 2004, is both timely and poignant.
Dan's latest record, released just before the presidential election in 2004, is both timely and poignant.
Dar Williams - My Better Self
Find out why Dar Williams just keeps getting better and better with every new record she puts out!
Find out why Dar Williams just keeps getting better and better with every new record she puts out!
Greg Brown - In the Hills of California
Greg Brown's 25th CD is one of the most comprehensive collections of his work. Recorded over a couple of years at the Kate Wolf Music Festival, this CD captures Greg in his element - live on stage.
Greg Brown's 25th CD is one of the most comprehensive collections of his work. Recorded over a couple of years at the Kate Wolf Music Festival, this CD captures Greg in his element - live on stage.
Kate Rusby - The Girl Who Couldn't Fly
In your imagination, Kate Rusby can shore up images of dark, starry nights, rain showers, and slow, easy mornings. Her songs of love, loss, loneliness, and longing are so endearingly lovely and honest, you almost want to find a tree to nap under.
In your imagination, Kate Rusby can shore up images of dark, starry nights, rain showers, and slow, easy mornings. Her songs of love, loss, loneliness, and longing are so endearingly lovely and honest, you almost want to find a tree to nap under.
The Mountain Firework Company - A Rough Guide to Feeling Rough
Check out this debut release by Brighton, UK, Folk Rock/alt.country band The Mountain Firework Company. These boys are bright, intuitive players with a great unique sound.
Check out this debut release by Brighton, UK, Folk Rock/alt.country band The Mountain Firework Company. These boys are bright, intuitive players with a great unique sound.
Nickel Creek - Why Should The Fire Die?
Nickel Creek features three of the most prodigious young players in Bluegrass. But this is not a bluegrass record.
Nickel Creek features three of the most prodigious young players in Bluegrass. But this is not a bluegrass record.
Susan Werner - I Can't Be New
On her fourth nationally-distributed CD, "I Can't Be New" (Koch Records, 2004), singer/songwriter Susan Werner takes us deep into the throes of her fierce exploration of jazz crooning.
On her fourth nationally-distributed CD, "I Can't Be New" (Koch Records, 2004), singer/songwriter Susan Werner takes us deep into the throes of her fierce exploration of jazz crooning.
Tim O'Brien - Fiddler's Green
Released in tandem with Cornbread Nation, Fiddler's Green is decidedly more Bluegrass-influenced, with fabulous renditions of traditional Folk and Celtic Bluegrass tunes.
Released in tandem with Cornbread Nation, Fiddler's Green is decidedly more Bluegrass-influenced, with fabulous renditions of traditional Folk and Celtic Bluegrass tunes.
Tim O'Brien - Cornbread Nation
Some of the most well-arranged versions of traditional American Old Time and Bluegrass tunes, as well as some of O'Brien's excellent originals.
Some of the most well-arranged versions of traditional American Old Time and Bluegrass tunes, as well as some of O'Brien's excellent originals.
Uncle Earl - She Waits for the Night
The first nationally-distributed record from the hottest band of girls to show up in the Bluegrass and Old Time Music world.
The first nationally-distributed record from the hottest band of girls to show up in the Bluegrass and Old Time Music world.
Various Artists - This Bird Has Flown
Razor & Tie has released a 40th anniversary tribute to the Beatles' "Rubber Soul" album, with all the songs performed in the same order by some of today's favorite singer/songwriters.
Razor & Tie has released a 40th anniversary tribute to the Beatles' "Rubber Soul" album, with all the songs performed in the same order by some of today's favorite singer/songwriters.