2006 Folk Music CD Reviews
Check out my reviews of folk, Americana, alt.country, and bluegrass CDs that came out in 2006. CD reviews are listed alphabetically by the artist's first name.
Allison Moorer - Getting Somewhere
There are a few slow spots on Allison Moorer's latest record, but, for the most part, it's a completely harmless alt.country-pop record – by which I mean it's too alternative to sound like Shania, but too poppy to be comparable with Earle's own work.
There are a few slow spots on Allison Moorer's latest record, but, for the most part, it's a completely harmless alt.country-pop record – by which I mean it's too alternative to sound like Shania, but too poppy to be comparable with Earle's own work.
Amos Lee - Supply and Demand
Amos Lee is guided by a strong soul and gospel bent on his already tightly wedged focus on contemporary American folk-rock. On his latest effort, Supply and Demand, Lee opens up with a gospel-pop number, and the first single from the record, "Shout Out Loud."
Amos Lee is guided by a strong soul and gospel bent on his already tightly wedged focus on contemporary American folk-rock. On his latest effort, Supply and Demand, Lee opens up with a gospel-pop number, and the first single from the record, "Shout Out Loud."
Ani Difranco - Reprieve
Ani Difranco's 18th record in 16 years is a return to what she does best – just playing guitar well and singing great songs.
Ani Difranco's 18th record in 16 years is a return to what she does best – just playing guitar well and singing great songs.
Anne McCue - Koala Motel
Imagine a combination of Neko Case, Rosanne Cash and PJ Harvey, and you’ll come pretty close to imagining Anne McCue’s latest effort, Koala Motel. McCue's lyrics blend sweetly with her alt.country instrumentals, and the result is an album that shines.
Imagine a combination of Neko Case, Rosanne Cash and PJ Harvey, and you’ll come pretty close to imagining Anne McCue’s latest effort, Koala Motel. McCue's lyrics blend sweetly with her alt.country instrumentals, and the result is an album that shines.
Bluegrass Hits (Various Artists)
New from Rounder Records - a compilation of some of the best Bluegrass recordings "from Yesterday and Today." Featuring artists from Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss to The Cox Family and Weary Hearts.
New from Rounder Records - a compilation of some of the best Bluegrass recordings "from Yesterday and Today." Featuring artists from Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss to The Cox Family and Weary Hearts.
Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome (The Seeger Sessions)
Bruce Springsteen was right on target with not trying too hard to make this record polished. As a result, it comes off as a rather impromptu affair - something folk music is known for adoring. Still, hard core folkies and true blue Pete Seeger fans may be a little disappointed.
Bruce Springsteen was right on target with not trying too hard to make this record polished. As a result, it comes off as a rather impromptu affair - something folk music is known for adoring. Still, hard core folkies and true blue Pete Seeger fans may be a little disappointed.
Carol Ames - Shades of Indigo
Carol Ames isn't much of a folk poet, but she can sure carry a tune. Aesthetically, Shades of Indigo brings to mind songwriters like Catie Curtis and Heather Eatman, but Ames is certainly her own artist.
Carol Ames isn't much of a folk poet, but she can sure carry a tune. Aesthetically, Shades of Indigo brings to mind songwriters like Catie Curtis and Heather Eatman, but Ames is certainly her own artist.
Catie Curtis - Long Night Moon
Catie Curtis has a very, very sad voice. When she sings, her lyrics can't help but be filled with longing and regret, even when she's singing what would appear to be a happy tune; and you can't help but want to listen. On her latest effort, Long Night Moon (Compass, 2006), Curtis continues with more great songs from the darkest reaches of her heart.
Catie Curtis has a very, very sad voice. When she sings, her lyrics can't help but be filled with longing and regret, even when she's singing what would appear to be a happy tune; and you can't help but want to listen. On her latest effort, Long Night Moon (Compass, 2006), Curtis continues with more great songs from the darkest reaches of her heart.
The Chieftains - The Essential Chieftains
This greatest hits collection features not only The Chieftains' finest work, but also stellar guest appearances by Sinead O'Connor, Sting, and more.
This greatest hits collection features not only The Chieftains' finest work, but also stellar guest appearances by Sinead O'Connor, Sting, and more.
Chris Thile - How to Grow a Woman From the Ground
The album kicks off with a backwoods instrumental, and quickly moves further through Thile's bluegrass roots. From there, he drives his listeners down a long, fast country road, past characters that alternately rock, cry, and hoe-down.
The album kicks off with a backwoods instrumental, and quickly moves further through Thile's bluegrass roots. From there, he drives his listeners down a long, fast country road, past characters that alternately rock, cry, and hoe-down.
Dale Ann Bradley - Catch Tomorrow
Dale Ann Bradley seriously throws down on her latest effort, Catch Tomorrow.
Dale Ann Bradley seriously throws down on her latest effort, Catch Tomorrow.
Dan Bern - Breathe
Dan Bern's 11th album is quite possibly his best effort in some time.
Dan Bern's 11th album is quite possibly his best effort in some time.
Dan Bern - Fifty Eggs
Dan Bern has made nearly a decade's-worth of great records, but if you want to get a good idea of his witty and insightful style, Fifty Eggs is a great place to start!
Dan Bern has made nearly a decade's-worth of great records, but if you want to get a good idea of his witty and insightful style, Fifty Eggs is a great place to start!
Danielle Howle - Thank You, Mark
Danielle Howle has a big, big voice, and Thank You, Mark is full of sad, sad songs. Compared to her previous albums - which have either been absolutely folky or a little more southern-rocky - Thank You is a bit of a departure for this great songwriter.
Danielle Howle has a big, big voice, and Thank You, Mark is full of sad, sad songs. Compared to her previous albums - which have either been absolutely folky or a little more southern-rocky - Thank You is a bit of a departure for this great songwriter.
The Duhks - Migrations
The Duhks are so much fun to see live. Their energy and dynamic presence are undeniably captivating. Their musicianship is equally as incredible, as is their cohesion as a band. On their latest album, Migrations, they explore traditional and contemporary folk music, including covers and originals alike.
The Duhks are so much fun to see live. Their energy and dynamic presence are undeniably captivating. Their musicianship is equally as incredible, as is their cohesion as a band. On their latest album, Migrations, they explore traditional and contemporary folk music, including covers and originals alike.
Grayson Capps - Wail and Ride
Like the Big Easy, you'll leave this record feeling a little hungover, but more alive than you were when you started.
Like the Big Easy, you'll leave this record feeling a little hungover, but more alive than you were when you started.
Harry Smith Project - Anthology of American Folk Music, Revised
When Harry Smith released the original Anthology of American Folk Music in 1952, his work helped incite a generation to action through music. The giant collection reinvigorated the careers of folksingers like Mississippi John Hurt, Ramblin Jack Elliot and Blind Lemon Jefferson, and to inspire folks like Bob Dylan to create their own American folk songs in the same vein.
When Harry Smith released the original Anthology of American Folk Music in 1952, his work helped incite a generation to action through music. The giant collection reinvigorated the careers of folksingers like Mississippi John Hurt, Ramblin Jack Elliot and Blind Lemon Jefferson, and to inspire folks like Bob Dylan to create their own American folk songs in the same vein.
Indigo Girls - Despite Our Differences
The Indigo Girls are back with one of the most cathartic records of their career. Though not much has changed aesthetically, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray are still great songwriters, and this collection features thirteen more reasons why their mark on contemporary folk music is so unignorable.
The Indigo Girls are back with one of the most cathartic records of their career. Though not much has changed aesthetically, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray are still great songwriters, and this collection features thirteen more reasons why their mark on contemporary folk music is so unignorable.
Janis Ian - Folk is the New Black
Janis Ian is one of those artists that could make a record about mayonnaise and her emphatically dedicated fanbase would love it. Luckily for the rest of us, though, she's always made a point of using that artistic power to create some of the most beautiful, timeless folk songs around.
Janis Ian is one of those artists that could make a record about mayonnaise and her emphatically dedicated fanbase would love it. Luckily for the rest of us, though, she's always made a point of using that artistic power to create some of the most beautiful, timeless folk songs around.
Jeffrey Foucault - Ghost Repeater
On Ghost Repeater, with Bo Ramsey producing and Kris Delmhorst on backing vocals, among other great players, Foucault leaves his listeners with no room to complain.
On Ghost Repeater, with Bo Ramsey producing and Kris Delmhorst on backing vocals, among other great players, Foucault leaves his listeners with no room to complain.
Jerry Douglas - The Best Kept Secret
There’s a reason Jerry Douglas is often hailed as one of the best dobro players to have ever met the instrument. On his latest record, The Best Kept Secret, Douglas demonstrates just that, time and again.
There’s a reason Jerry Douglas is often hailed as one of the best dobro players to have ever met the instrument. On his latest record, The Best Kept Secret, Douglas demonstrates just that, time and again.
Jesse DeNatale - Soul Parade
Jesse DeNatale is one of the best songwriters you've probably never heard of. His songs bring to mind all the other great songwriters you have heard of, like Randy Newman, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan. His lyrics are so simple and poetic, you might think of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. And his melodies will haunt you for hours – in a good way, of course.
Jesse DeNatale is one of the best songwriters you've probably never heard of. His songs bring to mind all the other great songwriters you have heard of, like Randy Newman, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan. His lyrics are so simple and poetic, you might think of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. And his melodies will haunt you for hours – in a good way, of course.
John Fahey & Friends - Friends of Fahey Tribute
Guitar legend John Fahey may be gone, but his music prevails. On this Friends of Fahey Tribute CD, Fahey's work is recaptured on piano, harmonica, acoustic guitar, and harp guitar.
Guitar legend John Fahey may be gone, but his music prevails. On this Friends of Fahey Tribute CD, Fahey's work is recaptured on piano, harmonica, acoustic guitar, and harp guitar.
Johnny Cash at San Quentin Boxed Set
In 1969, Johnny Cash put on a show at San Quentin prison in California that would become nearly synonymous with the singer's image and career. It wasn't his first performance at a prison, and wouldn't be his last; but with the help of The Carter Family, Carl Perkins and The Statler Family, Johnny Cash at San Quentin boxed set in an excellent glimpse at Cash's early career.
In 1969, Johnny Cash put on a show at San Quentin prison in California that would become nearly synonymous with the singer's image and career. It wasn't his first performance at a prison, and wouldn't be his last; but with the help of The Carter Family, Carl Perkins and The Statler Family, Johnny Cash at San Quentin boxed set in an excellent glimpse at Cash's early career.
Johnny Cash - America V: A Hundred Highways
It's always a little creepy when artists manage to release records from beyond the grave. But in the case of Johnny Cash's latest, America V: A Hundred Highways (American, 2006), the eeriness is rooted much deeper. The songs producer Rick Rubin chose to include here span from depressingly sad to sadly hopeful, and beyond – to just plain heartbroken.
It's always a little creepy when artists manage to release records from beyond the grave. But in the case of Johnny Cash's latest, America V: A Hundred Highways (American, 2006), the eeriness is rooted much deeper. The songs producer Rick Rubin chose to include here span from depressingly sad to sadly hopeful, and beyond – to just plain heartbroken.
José González - Veneer
The Argentinian Swede is raising eyebrows and invigorating the 00's folk revival further with his international debut.
The Argentinian Swede is raising eyebrows and invigorating the 00's folk revival further with his international debut.
Kaki King - Until We Felt Red
Kaki King is a great guitar player. She has a natural sense of innovaive sound techniques, and, once again, she puts them to use on Until We Felt Red (Velour).
Kaki King is a great guitar player. She has a natural sense of innovaive sound techniques, and, once again, she puts them to use on Until We Felt Red (Velour).
k.d. lang - Reintarnation
For anyone that's only mildly familiar with lang's early roots, Reintarnation serves as a worthy introduction to this undefinable artist.
For anyone that's only mildly familiar with lang's early roots, Reintarnation serves as a worthy introduction to this undefinable artist.
Kelly Joe Phelps - Tunesmith Retrofit
If it's possible to not love Kelly Joe Phelps' songs, I'd love to hear an explanation. This man can write, and he's proven this fact time and time again on all of his eight cds. His newest, Tunesmith Retrofit brings to mind pretty much every other great contemporary singer/songwriter, but only in the sense that the songs are, well, great.
If it's possible to not love Kelly Joe Phelps' songs, I'd love to hear an explanation. This man can write, and he's proven this fact time and time again on all of his eight cds. His newest, Tunesmith Retrofit brings to mind pretty much every other great contemporary singer/songwriter, but only in the sense that the songs are, well, great.
Kris Delmhorst - Strange Conversation
On Strange Conversations, Delmhorst decided to explore the work of other poets: ee cummings, Virgil, Richard Browning, and Rumi, to name a few.
On Strange Conversations, Delmhorst decided to explore the work of other poets: ee cummings, Virgil, Richard Browning, and Rumi, to name a few.
Landon Pigg - LP
Landon Pigg may look remarkably like pretty boy Ashton Kutcher, but his sound leans more toward the flowy, groovy melodies of Brandi Carlile and Rufus Wainwright. His voice is sweet, clear, and honest. Much like the work of Carlile and Wainwright, Pigg's songs all start small and swell from there until they've just about swallowed you whole.
Landon Pigg may look remarkably like pretty boy Ashton Kutcher, but his sound leans more toward the flowy, groovy melodies of Brandi Carlile and Rufus Wainwright. His voice is sweet, clear, and honest. Much like the work of Carlile and Wainwright, Pigg's songs all start small and swell from there until they've just about swallowed you whole.
Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Deluxe Edition
It's been 8 years since Lucinda Williams released the original verion of Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The original release pushed Williams well into the realm of being considered one of the great living singer/songwriters. Now, with the reissue Deluxe Edition, it is revisited in the most tasteful way, complete with a stellar live performance of Lucinda Williams live at the World Cafe.
It's been 8 years since Lucinda Williams released the original verion of Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The original release pushed Williams well into the realm of being considered one of the great living singer/songwriters. Now, with the reissue Deluxe Edition, it is revisited in the most tasteful way, complete with a stellar live performance of Lucinda Williams live at the World Cafe.
Mark Erelli - Hope and Other Casualties
If you have $10 to spend on Mark Erelli, you may be more pleased by spending it on a ticket to his live show. Especially after seeing him live, you might really want to like his lates effort, but unfortunately, Hope and Other Casualties will likely leave you feeling at least a little disappointed.
If you have $10 to spend on Mark Erelli, you may be more pleased by spending it on a ticket to his live show. Especially after seeing him live, you might really want to like his lates effort, but unfortunately, Hope and Other Casualties will likely leave you feeling at least a little disappointed.
Michael Meldrum - Open Ended Question
When I arrived in Buffalo in 1997, Michael was one of the kindest, most encouraging souls I encountered; and I was impressed by his dedication to great songs. It's this honest dedication that shines on his long-awaited debut.
When I arrived in Buffalo in 1997, Michael was one of the kindest, most encouraging souls I encountered; and I was impressed by his dedication to great songs. It's this honest dedication that shines on his long-awaited debut.
Neil Young - Living With War
No doubt, Young will get a lot of flak for this record. After all, he's a Canadian citizen bashing American policy; but he's not alone. In this year of protest albums (Ben Harper's latest record, Bruce Springsteen's tribute to Pete Seeger, Ani DiFranco's forthcoming post-Katrina musical commentary, etc.), Young proves that he's just adding his voice to the choir.
No doubt, Young will get a lot of flak for this record. After all, he's a Canadian citizen bashing American policy; but he's not alone. In this year of protest albums (Ben Harper's latest record, Bruce Springsteen's tribute to Pete Seeger, Ani DiFranco's forthcoming post-Katrina musical commentary, etc.), Young proves that he's just adding his voice to the choir.
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
On this, her fourth studio album since her debut in 2000, Neko Case fashions her beautiful brand of alt.country into old folk tales from around the world.
On this, her fourth studio album since her debut in 2000, Neko Case fashions her beautiful brand of alt.country into old folk tales from around the world.
Nickel Creek - Reasons Why
Soon after announcing their impending split in 2007, Nickel Creek released Reasons Why – a greatest hits album and DVD combo that tours through the most poignant songs and videos of their career, including highlights like "The Lighthouse's Tale," "When In Rome," and the touching title track "Reasons Why."
Soon after announcing their impending split in 2007, Nickel Creek released Reasons Why – a greatest hits album and DVD combo that tours through the most poignant songs and videos of their career, including highlights like "The Lighthouse's Tale," "When In Rome," and the touching title track "Reasons Why."
Ramblin' Jack Elliot - I Stand Alone
Thank God for Ramblin’ Jack. In a time when everyone and their brother seems interested in calling themselves a folksinger, here comes the old vagabond storyteller with an album of honest-to-goodness traditional gems … and even one song he wrote himself.
Thank God for Ramblin’ Jack. In a time when everyone and their brother seems interested in calling themselves a folksinger, here comes the old vagabond storyteller with an album of honest-to-goodness traditional gems … and even one song he wrote himself.
Railroad Earth - Elko
Railroad Earth is a great live band. Like any band that's usually great live, their CDs have always left a little something to be desired, but "Elko" manages to capture some of that concert energy.
Railroad Earth is a great live band. Like any band that's usually great live, their CDs have always left a little something to be desired, but "Elko" manages to capture some of that concert energy.
Ray LaMontagne - Till The Sun Turns Black
Ray LaMontagne writes the kinds of songs that just make you feel like every next line will be dripping with meaning. Luckily, on Till The Sun Turns Black, he delivers time and time again. From the cool cascading breeze that sweeps in with the opening song, "Be Here Now," to the album's close, "Within You," LaMontagne suspends his listeners with calm, easy melodies.
Ray LaMontagne writes the kinds of songs that just make you feel like every next line will be dripping with meaning. Luckily, on Till The Sun Turns Black, he delivers time and time again. From the cool cascading breeze that sweeps in with the opening song, "Be Here Now," to the album's close, "Within You," LaMontagne suspends his listeners with calm, easy melodies.
Rhonda Vincent - All American Bluegrass Girl
From the very beginning of All American Bluegrass Girl, Rhonda Vincent isn't wasting any time stating her purpose. She came to sing about God and America, and she ain't gonna stop ‘til she gets it all out.
From the very beginning of All American Bluegrass Girl, Rhonda Vincent isn't wasting any time stating her purpose. She came to sing about God and America, and she ain't gonna stop ‘til she gets it all out.
Rosanne Cash - Black Cadillac
It may be too soon to say this, but I think Roseanne Cash's "Black Cadillac" could be my favorite record of 2006.
It may be too soon to say this, but I think Roseanne Cash's "Black Cadillac" could be my favorite record of 2006.
Sandi Thom - Smile ... It Confuses People
Sandi Thom is just one among a slew of young woman singer/songwriters coming from the US and UK these days, innovating folk-rock by integrating the genre with unique rhythms, melodies, and approaches to the craft. On Smile ... It Confuses People, Thom kicks off the album with one of these great, wholly unique tunes.
Sandi Thom is just one among a slew of young woman singer/songwriters coming from the US and UK these days, innovating folk-rock by integrating the genre with unique rhythms, melodies, and approaches to the craft. On Smile ... It Confuses People, Thom kicks off the album with one of these great, wholly unique tunes.
Sean Watkins - Blinders On
Sean Watkins, the quietest member of Grassrock super group Nickel Creek, makes his third fabulous solo effort with Blinders On.
Sean Watkins, the quietest member of Grassrock super group Nickel Creek, makes his third fabulous solo effort with Blinders On.
Shawn Colvin - These Four Walls
Shawn Colvin is another one of those artists who has the saddest, sweetest voice. When she starts to sing, "Fill me up, cause you're all that I've got and I traveled a long long way," you just feel it in your gut. Her latest album, These Four Walls is full of more of those great heartbreaking tunes.
Shawn Colvin is another one of those artists who has the saddest, sweetest voice. When she starts to sing, "Fill me up, cause you're all that I've got and I traveled a long long way," you just feel it in your gut. Her latest album, These Four Walls is full of more of those great heartbreaking tunes.
Shawn Mullins - 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor
Shawn Mullins' latest CD, 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor, like the city to which it pays tribute, has some ups and some downs.
Shawn Mullins' latest CD, 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor, like the city to which it pays tribute, has some ups and some downs.
Slaid Cleaves - Unsung
Slaid Cleaves is an incredible songwriter in his own right, so the fact that he decided to sing a bunch of other people's songs could make his devout fans a little nervous. But there's no need to be nervous – it's an outstanding record.
Slaid Cleaves is an incredible songwriter in his own right, so the fact that he decided to sing a bunch of other people's songs could make his devout fans a little nervous. But there's no need to be nervous – it's an outstanding record.
Solomon Burke - Nashville
Burke's career doesn't just span decades, it spans generations. Like this album's namesake, Nashville, Burke's craft spans genre lines and speaks to musicians, songwriters, and fans of blues, rock, country and contemporary folk. Most prevalent on the album, though, is a high-clapping amalgam of folk-blues and gospel.
Burke's career doesn't just span decades, it spans generations. Like this album's namesake, Nashville, Burke's craft spans genre lines and speaks to musicians, songwriters, and fans of blues, rock, country and contemporary folk. Most prevalent on the album, though, is a high-clapping amalgam of folk-blues and gospel.
Sonya Kitchell - Words Come Back To Me
Sonya Kitchell reaches beyond her years to bring insightful lyrics and pretty melodies to her smooth folk-pop.
Sonya Kitchell reaches beyond her years to bring insightful lyrics and pretty melodies to her smooth folk-pop.
Subdudes - Behind the Levee
The Subdudes get your booty shaking on their latest release.
The Subdudes get your booty shaking on their latest release.
Tim O'Reagan (self-titled)
At times O'Reagan's originals can sound a little bit like Dan Bern's rockier side. At other times ("Girl/World"), there's an obvious Beatles influence.
At times O'Reagan's originals can sound a little bit like Dan Bern's rockier side. At other times ("Girl/World"), there's an obvious Beatles influence.
Various Artists - I Am The Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey
I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey is easily one of the best tribute albums released in a while.
I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey is easily one of the best tribute albums released in a while.
Various Artists - City Folk Live 8 (WFUV)
One of New York City's best radio stations, WFUV, has released the eighth compilation of recordings made during its show, City Folk Live. The disk features Patti Smith, Moby, M Ward, Mary Gauthier, Nancy Griffith, and others.
One of New York City's best radio stations, WFUV, has released the eighth compilation of recordings made during its show, City Folk Live. The disk features Patti Smith, Moby, M Ward, Mary Gauthier, Nancy Griffith, and others.
Various Artists - City Folk Live 9 (WFUV)
From David Grey to Alejandro Escovedo, Brandi Carlile to Rosanne Cash and T Bone Burnett, there are just not very many places you can go for this many great songs in one place at one time. WFUV's taste is impeccable once again, as they have compiled 18 of the year's best songs for their City Folk Live 9 CD.
From David Grey to Alejandro Escovedo, Brandi Carlile to Rosanne Cash and T Bone Burnett, there are just not very many places you can go for this many great songs in one place at one time. WFUV's taste is impeccable once again, as they have compiled 18 of the year's best songs for their City Folk Live 9 CD.
Various Artists - Classic Railroad Songs
Smithsonian Folkways does it again - with the recent release of a compilation of classic railroad songs, featuring Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, The New Lost City Ramblers, Rosalie Sorrels, and more.
Smithsonian Folkways does it again - with the recent release of a compilation of classic railroad songs, featuring Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, The New Lost City Ramblers, Rosalie Sorrels, and more.
Various Artists - Hail to the Thieves Volume III
Hail to the Thieves is a CD for the skeptical leftist who feels unimpressed with the number of protest songs emerging from the mainstream these days, or for the open-minded right-leaning music fan looking for an excuse to vote out their incumbents this election year.
Hail to the Thieves is a CD for the skeptical leftist who feels unimpressed with the number of protest songs emerging from the mainstream these days, or for the open-minded right-leaning music fan looking for an excuse to vote out their incumbents this election year.
Various Artists - Harlan County USA
Harlan County does a great job of capturing the "determination ... and trumph that mark the Appalachian coal mining experience."
Harlan County does a great job of capturing the "determination ... and trumph that mark the Appalachian coal mining experience."
Various Artists - Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman
David Wild states in the liner notes, "If you are reading these words and you write songs, know this much right upfront: you are not as good as Randy Newman." Considering the songwriters included on this record: Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien, Sam Bush, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, and Sonny Landreth, to name a few, it may be safe to say Wild isn't alone with that sentiment.
David Wild states in the liner notes, "If you are reading these words and you write songs, know this much right upfront: you are not as good as Randy Newman." Considering the songwriters included on this record: Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien, Sam Bush, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, and Sonny Landreth, to name a few, it may be safe to say Wild isn't alone with that sentiment.
The Waybacks - From the Pasture to the Future
With their fourth studio album, San Francisco's crabgras warriors The Waybacks bring a new slant to their already undefinable work.
With their fourth studio album, San Francisco's crabgras warriors The Waybacks bring a new slant to their already undefinable work.
The Weepies - Say I Am You
The Weepies have mastered the integration of everything that makes a song good. "Say I Am You" is absolutely wrought with intuitively poetic lyrics, calm and easy vocals, and hooks so catchy you sing along without realizing you're doing it.
The Weepies have mastered the integration of everything that makes a song good. "Say I Am You" is absolutely wrought with intuitively poetic lyrics, calm and easy vocals, and hooks so catchy you sing along without realizing you're doing it.
The Wilders - Throw Down
When I caught these guys at Wintergrass this year, I thought they were the best new group at the festival. Throw Down's brightest moments are when the group tosses their cares into the wind and just ... well, throws down.
When I caught these guys at Wintergrass this year, I thought they were the best new group at the festival. Throw Down's brightest moments are when the group tosses their cares into the wind and just ... well, throws down.
Willie Nelson - The Complete Atlantic Sessions
Featured here is a reissue of his 1973 "debut" Shotgun Willie, 1974's Phases and Stages and another record made live at the Texas Opry House.
Featured here is a reissue of his 1973 "debut" Shotgun Willie, 1974's Phases and Stages and another record made live at the Texas Opry House.
Willie Nelson - The Complete Atlantic Sessions
This Willie Nelson boxed set of classic tunes includes a reissue of Willie Nelson's 1973 "debut" Shotgun Willie, 1974's Phases and Stages and another record made live at the Texas Opry House.
This Willie Nelson boxed set of classic tunes includes a reissue of Willie Nelson's 1973 "debut" Shotgun Willie, 1974's Phases and Stages and another record made live at the Texas Opry House.
Yusuf - An Other Cup
Cat Stevens is an incredible songwriter. We know this because he's released a heap of inimitable songs through the years, beginning with his classic album, Tea for the Tillerman, to which, no doubt, his latest effort refers.
Cat Stevens is an incredible songwriter. We know this because he's released a heap of inimitable songs through the years, beginning with his classic album, Tea for the Tillerman, to which, no doubt, his latest effort refers.
Zoe Lewis - Small is Tremendous
Provincetown folksinger Zoe Lewis integrates latino horns, jazzy pianos, and traditional Americana into her most recent release on Judy Collins' Wildflower Records.
Provincetown folksinger Zoe Lewis integrates latino horns, jazzy pianos, and traditional Americana into her most recent release on Judy Collins' Wildflower Records.