Folk Music CDs - 2008 Folk Music CD Reviews
Check out my reviews of folk, Americana, alt.country, and bluegrass CDs that came out in 2008. CD reviews are listed alphabetically by the artist's first name.
Asylum Street Spankers - 'A Christmas Spanking'
The Asylum Street Spankers would not have been the first folk band to come to mind if I was thinking of artists I'd expect to record Christmas albums, but their 2001 release 'A Christmas Spanking' does a pretty fantastic job of delivering on the old standards and a few unexpected tunes, as well.
The Asylum Street Spankers would not have been the first folk band to come to mind if I was thinking of artists I'd expect to record Christmas albums, but their 2001 release 'A Christmas Spanking' does a pretty fantastic job of delivering on the old standards and a few unexpected tunes, as well.
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis - 'Two Men With the Blues'
There's no question about it: Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis are two of the best, most well-respected artists in their respective genres. Nelson's voice lends itself exquisitely to the country blues, and Marsalis' trumpet is a smooth, fine instrument. Together, the duo made an excellent go of 'Two Men With the Blues.'
There's no question about it: Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis are two of the best, most well-respected artists in their respective genres. Nelson's voice lends itself exquisitely to the country blues, and Marsalis' trumpet is a smooth, fine instrument. Together, the duo made an excellent go of 'Two Men With the Blues.'
Cara Luft - 'The Light Fantastic'
Cara Luft was an original founding member of Canadian folk supergroup the Wailin' Jennys, which became one of the most beloved Canadian folk groups of the early 2000s. As a solo artist, Luft is decidedly more resolute, packing her album 'The Light Fantastic' (released originally in 2007) with songs about life, light, and gratitude.
Cara Luft was an original founding member of Canadian folk supergroup the Wailin' Jennys, which became one of the most beloved Canadian folk groups of the early 2000s. As a solo artist, Luft is decidedly more resolute, packing her album 'The Light Fantastic' (released originally in 2007) with songs about life, light, and gratitude.
Drew Emmitt - 'Long Road'
Drew Emmitt is probably best known for fronting pioneering jamgrass group Leftover Salmon, but on his latest solo effort, 'Long Road,' he's teamed up with some of the contemporary bluegrass world's greatest contributors.
Drew Emmitt is probably best known for fronting pioneering jamgrass group Leftover Salmon, but on his latest solo effort, 'Long Road,' he's teamed up with some of the contemporary bluegrass world's greatest contributors.
The Grascals - 'Keep on Walkin'
There's a reason the Grascals have received honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for being the Entertainer of the Year. The energy they produce through their music could likely power a small city.
There's a reason the Grascals have received honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for being the Entertainer of the Year. The energy they produce through their music could likely power a small city.
Infamous Stringdusters - Self-Titled
On their second album, Infamous Stringdusters take the reigns from their debut Fork in the Road and steer in a whole new direction. Maybe it's the addition of guitarist Andy Falco (Greencards, Vanessa Carlton), maybe it's the influence of producer Tim O'Brien, or maybe it's just the band's self-actualization. Either way, this self-titled disc is more defining than their debut.
On their second album, Infamous Stringdusters take the reigns from their debut Fork in the Road and steer in a whole new direction. Maybe it's the addition of guitarist Andy Falco (Greencards, Vanessa Carlton), maybe it's the influence of producer Tim O'Brien, or maybe it's just the band's self-actualization. Either way, this self-titled disc is more defining than their debut.
Avett Brothers - 'The Second Gleam'
It's fitting that the Avett Brothers release 'The Second Gleam' in the dead middle of summer. The whole record sounds like summer nights. You can almost hear the buzz of a mosquito lamp and the crickets in the dank, heavy heat; you can almost watch the sunset.
It's fitting that the Avett Brothers release 'The Second Gleam' in the dead middle of summer. The whole record sounds like summer nights. You can almost hear the buzz of a mosquito lamp and the crickets in the dank, heavy heat; you can almost watch the sunset.
Ferron - 'Boulder'
On her latest album, singer-songwriter Ferron is joined by some of modern music's greatest female contributors: Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Bitch, Samantha Parton, and JD Samson.
On her latest album, singer-songwriter Ferron is joined by some of modern music's greatest female contributors: Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Bitch, Samantha Parton, and JD Samson.
Martha Wainwright - I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too
Martha Wainwright will probably always be associated with the work of her family, by default. However, her habit of releasing stellar album after stellar album ensures that she's hardly living in the shadow of her parents and older brother. 'I Know You're Married...' is yet another exquisite collection.
Martha Wainwright will probably always be associated with the work of her family, by default. However, her habit of releasing stellar album after stellar album ensures that she's hardly living in the shadow of her parents and older brother. 'I Know You're Married...' is yet another exquisite collection.
Emmylou Harris - 'All I Intended to Be'
When you have a voice like Emmylou Harris, you may as well sing the saddest songs you can find. Even the title of this record, 'All I Intended to Be,' is drenched with sadness and regret.
When you have a voice like Emmylou Harris, you may as well sing the saddest songs you can find. Even the title of this record, 'All I Intended to Be,' is drenched with sadness and regret.
Abbie Gardner and Anthony da Costa - Bad Nights/Better Days
Anthony da Costa and Abbie Gardner are both excellent songwriters, and their collaboration on 'Bad Nights/Better Days' only accentuates that point. Together, their voices blend beautifully, driving this collection of incredibly sad songs from shadow to shadow.
Anthony da Costa and Abbie Gardner are both excellent songwriters, and their collaboration on 'Bad Nights/Better Days' only accentuates that point. Together, their voices blend beautifully, driving this collection of incredibly sad songs from shadow to shadow.
Ani DiFranco - 'Red Letter Year'
On 'Red Letter Year,' Ani DiFranco delivers some good old fashioned catharsis. After several years of albums full of introspective, navel-gazing heartbreak songs and tunes that rip the government, 'Red Letter Year' delivers a collection of songs that recognizes the beauty in the world, celebrates love, and admits the rare peace that comes with vulnerability.
On 'Red Letter Year,' Ani DiFranco delivers some good old fashioned catharsis. After several years of albums full of introspective, navel-gazing heartbreak songs and tunes that rip the government, 'Red Letter Year' delivers a collection of songs that recognizes the beauty in the world, celebrates love, and admits the rare peace that comes with vulnerability.
'Johnny Cash Remixed' [PREVIEW]
The phrase "Johnny Cash Remixed" is a bit of a head-scratcher at first, but once you work your way into the first two or three songs on this disc, you'll find it makes perfect sense. Cash, after all, made his own "remixes" of popular songs by artists of other genres (his cover of NIN's "Hurt," for example). So, it only makes sense that artists would return the favor.
The phrase "Johnny Cash Remixed" is a bit of a head-scratcher at first, but once you work your way into the first two or three songs on this disc, you'll find it makes perfect sense. Cash, after all, made his own "remixes" of popular songs by artists of other genres (his cover of NIN's "Hurt," for example). So, it only makes sense that artists would return the favor.
Rodney Crowell - Sex and Gasoline
Rodney Crowell has written some great songs in his career, and a few of them are even on this album. Unfortunately, 'Sex and Gasoline' is a little too hit-or-miss to praise outright. Taken separately, songs like "Closer to Heaven" are honest, introspective tunes about coming to terms with a less-than-stellar world.
Rodney Crowell has written some great songs in his career, and a few of them are even on this album. Unfortunately, 'Sex and Gasoline' is a little too hit-or-miss to praise outright. Taken separately, songs like "Closer to Heaven" are honest, introspective tunes about coming to terms with a less-than-stellar world.
Brett Dennen - 'Hope for the Hopeless'
Brett Dennen is one of the most exciting, well-rounded up-and-coming singer-songwriters on the scene these days. His songs are earnest beyond earnest, like little sonic pockets of hope. So it's only fitting that his latest disc is titled 'Hope for the Hopeless.' On it, he grooves his way through danceable slow jams that comment on everything from love to heaven and the endless quest for peace.
Brett Dennen is one of the most exciting, well-rounded up-and-coming singer-songwriters on the scene these days. His songs are earnest beyond earnest, like little sonic pockets of hope. So it's only fitting that his latest disc is titled 'Hope for the Hopeless.' On it, he grooves his way through danceable slow jams that comment on everything from love to heaven and the endless quest for peace.
Mark Erelli - Delivered
This time around, on 'Delivered,' Mark Erelli opens the disc with an answer to his own provocation: "Hope Dies Last." It's an indication of how vastly things can change in the course of a couple of years. However, luckily, what hasn't changed is Erelli's ability to nail a good topical ballad. It's only too bad there aren't more of them on this disc.
This time around, on 'Delivered,' Mark Erelli opens the disc with an answer to his own provocation: "Hope Dies Last." It's an indication of how vastly things can change in the course of a couple of years. However, luckily, what hasn't changed is Erelli's ability to nail a good topical ballad. It's only too bad there aren't more of them on this disc.
Bob Dylan - 'Tell Tale Signs'
Bob Dylan's 'Tell Tale Signs' provides, if anyone still needs it, proof of why Bob Dylan still matters to modern music. Sure, the studio albums he's put out over the past decade have been timely, impressive, relevant, and stirring in their own right.
Bob Dylan's 'Tell Tale Signs' provides, if anyone still needs it, proof of why Bob Dylan still matters to modern music. Sure, the studio albums he's put out over the past decade have been timely, impressive, relevant, and stirring in their own right.
James Taylor - 'Covers'
Everyone knows that James Taylor can write a good song. He is, after all, one of the most universally appreciated American songwriters. It's this fact that makes his 'Covers' album even more disappointing.
Everyone knows that James Taylor can write a good song. He is, after all, one of the most universally appreciated American songwriters. It's this fact that makes his 'Covers' album even more disappointing.
Delta Spirit - 'Ode to Sunshine'
Delta Spirit is the kind of band that pulls you in, makes you part of the music until you have no excuse but to march around the room clapping and stomping along. There are so many elements of musical genres at work on 'Ode to Sunshine' that it's impossible to separate them into any category. The only adequate descriptor is "celebration."
Delta Spirit is the kind of band that pulls you in, makes you part of the music until you have no excuse but to march around the room clapping and stomping along. There are so many elements of musical genres at work on 'Ode to Sunshine' that it's impossible to separate them into any category. The only adequate descriptor is "celebration."
Joan Baez - 'Day After Tomorrow'
Joan Baez isn't one of the most prized American folksingers for nothing. Her voice is powerful, and her presence within the songs is remarkable. When she sings a song, it sounds more like the song is singing her. That was as true when she started her career a half-century ago as it is now, on her latest album 'Day After Tomorrow.'
Joan Baez isn't one of the most prized American folksingers for nothing. Her voice is powerful, and her presence within the songs is remarkable. When she sings a song, it sounds more like the song is singing her. That was as true when she started her career a half-century ago as it is now, on her latest album 'Day After Tomorrow.'
Dar Williams - 'Promised Land'
Dar Williams has been playing her songs for people for 15 years. There's nothing shocking to the fact that her music sounds more and more fitting for her with each record she releases. 'Promised Land' is a confident, well-composed, cathartic step forward in Williams' ongoing canon.
Dar Williams has been playing her songs for people for 15 years. There's nothing shocking to the fact that her music sounds more and more fitting for her with each record she releases. 'Promised Land' is a confident, well-composed, cathartic step forward in Williams' ongoing canon.
Sonya Kitchell - 'This Storm'
Sonya Kitchell has grown tremendously as a songwriter and vocalist since her 2006 HEAR Music debut. While so many artists strive just to match the magic of their debut albums, on 'This Storm' Kitchell has far surpassed it with her sophomore effort.
Sonya Kitchell has grown tremendously as a songwriter and vocalist since her 2006 HEAR Music debut. While so many artists strive just to match the magic of their debut albums, on 'This Storm' Kitchell has far surpassed it with her sophomore effort.
Carrie Elkin - 'The Jeopardy of Circumstance'
Carrie Elkin's sweet-voiced melodies and navel-gazing lyrics paint pictures of starry skies and heartbroken mornings. Starting with "Obadiah," one of the sadder songs on the disc, Elkin establishes herself as a well-intentioned story teller ready to pull in listeners any way she can.
Carrie Elkin's sweet-voiced melodies and navel-gazing lyrics paint pictures of starry skies and heartbroken mornings. Starting with "Obadiah," one of the sadder songs on the disc, Elkin establishes herself as a well-intentioned story teller ready to pull in listeners any way she can.
Tony Joe White - 'Deep Cuts'
Tony Joe White has had a long, impressive career, and 'Deep Cuts' easily carries on his legacy of great songwriting. It captures the deep, dark dankness of the Louisiana swamps and bayous where White was born and raised. Drawing from his extensive catalogue of hits, reworking the classics, and presenting a couple of new tunes...
Tony Joe White has had a long, impressive career, and 'Deep Cuts' easily carries on his legacy of great songwriting. It captures the deep, dark dankness of the Louisiana swamps and bayous where White was born and raised. Drawing from his extensive catalogue of hits, reworking the classics, and presenting a couple of new tunes...
Sierra Hull - 'Secrets'
It must be intimidating to live up to the "prodigy" label once it's been lumped on you. But, 16-year-old Sierra Hull doesn't seem to have any problem living up to that expectation on her highly anticipated Rounder Records debut, 'Secrets.'
It must be intimidating to live up to the "prodigy" label once it's been lumped on you. But, 16-year-old Sierra Hull doesn't seem to have any problem living up to that expectation on her highly anticipated Rounder Records debut, 'Secrets.'
Emily Elbert - Bright Side
The buzz at Folk Alliance 2008 around Emily Elbert was that she looked like she was 12 years old, and then she sang these beautiful songs that bring to mind Norah Jones, among others. In fact, there is a subtle quality to her songs that sounds a little like Norah Jones, but there's also a little Catie Curtis quality.
The buzz at Folk Alliance 2008 around Emily Elbert was that she looked like she was 12 years old, and then she sang these beautiful songs that bring to mind Norah Jones, among others. In fact, there is a subtle quality to her songs that sounds a little like Norah Jones, but there's also a little Catie Curtis quality.
Wil - By December
Wil was one of my favorite new artists at the Folk Alliance official showcases during the 2008 conference. He showed up with only a drummer and his acoustic guitar as accompaniment but, on his CD By December, he's backed by a full band.
Wil was one of my favorite new artists at the Folk Alliance official showcases during the 2008 conference. He showed up with only a drummer and his acoustic guitar as accompaniment but, on his CD By December, he's backed by a full band.
Krista Detor - Robert Johnson Has Left Mississippi CD Sampler
Judging from this sampler of Krista Detor's work, which I received at Folk Alliance '08, I would definitely be interested in checking out one of her full-length albums.
Judging from this sampler of Krista Detor's work, which I received at Folk Alliance '08, I would definitely be interested in checking out one of her full-length albums.
Winterpills - The Light Divides
There's something ethereal about just putting the Winterpills' new CD in your player. It's like moving a magical curtain aside, only to reveal a magical room where colored lights swirl and glitter dances through the air.
There's something ethereal about just putting the Winterpills' new CD in your player. It's like moving a magical curtain aside, only to reveal a magical room where colored lights swirl and glitter dances through the air.
Two Man Gentlemen Band - Heavy Petting
I'm just going to cut to the chase: The Two Man Gentlemen Band's sophomore album, Heavy Petting is supreme, outstanding, and downright fun. It plays like a party, and even the sappy love songs are sonic celebrations with lyrics like, "My love for you is like the square root of two / That's a nerdy way of flirting, but it's true."
I'm just going to cut to the chase: The Two Man Gentlemen Band's sophomore album, Heavy Petting is supreme, outstanding, and downright fun. It plays like a party, and even the sappy love songs are sonic celebrations with lyrics like, "My love for you is like the square root of two / That's a nerdy way of flirting, but it's true."
Sheryl Crow - Detours
On her seventh studio album, Sheryl Crow pulls out all the stops, boldly going in a direction so many pop artists seem timid about pursuing: songs that blatantly address the times in which we live.
On her seventh studio album, Sheryl Crow pulls out all the stops, boldly going in a direction so many pop artists seem timid about pursuing: songs that blatantly address the times in which we live.
Malcom Holcombe - Gamblin' House
Malcom Holcombe's songs are the artistic equivalent of ripping off a bandaid: they kind of sting, but you know jumping into it fully is the best way to heal.
Malcom Holcombe's songs are the artistic equivalent of ripping off a bandaid: they kind of sting, but you know jumping into it fully is the best way to heal.
Woody Guthrie - The Live Wire
Nora Guthrie—daughter of Woody, sister of Arlo, proprietor of the Woody Guthrie Archives and Museum—has always believed that nobody managed to record a single live performance her father gave during his unfortunately abbreviated career...
Nora Guthrie—daughter of Woody, sister of Arlo, proprietor of the Woody Guthrie Archives and Museum—has always believed that nobody managed to record a single live performance her father gave during his unfortunately abbreviated career...
Rhonda Vincent - Good Thing Going
There's no question about whether Rhonda Vincent can deliver exquisite bluegrass tunes. There are plenty of them on Good Thing Going, to be sure. But, sometimes a collection of good songs isn't the same thing as a good collection of good songs.
There's no question about whether Rhonda Vincent can deliver exquisite bluegrass tunes. There are plenty of them on Good Thing Going, to be sure. But, sometimes a collection of good songs isn't the same thing as a good collection of good songs.
Kris Delmhorst - Shotgun Singer
Kris Delmhorst is back to her own entirely original work, with 'Shotgun Singer'—a collection of songs that straddles a line between low-fi indie rock and contemporary roots music. In terms of comparisons, it's a little bit Iron & Wine, a little bit Ani DiFranco.
Kris Delmhorst is back to her own entirely original work, with 'Shotgun Singer'—a collection of songs that straddles a line between low-fi indie rock and contemporary roots music. In terms of comparisons, it's a little bit Iron & Wine, a little bit Ani DiFranco.
Tom Paxton - Comedians & Angels
Tom Paxton is one of the most beloved singer/songwriters in the history of contemporary folk music. On his newest album, 'Comedians & Angels,' he sings songs for peace, songs for friends, songs for nature, and silly songs—all with the same honesty with which he's attacked each project throughout his career.
Tom Paxton is one of the most beloved singer/songwriters in the history of contemporary folk music. On his newest album, 'Comedians & Angels,' he sings songs for peace, songs for friends, songs for nature, and silly songs—all with the same honesty with which he's attacked each project throughout his career.
Shawn Mullins - Honeydew
Shawn Mullins' latest album, 'Honeydew,' picks up where his last left off: with 12 songs that alternate between simplistic folky narrative tunes and romping blues songs. His cast of characters is colorful, at least, and it is when he focuses most on the characters, his songs benefit the most.
Shawn Mullins' latest album, 'Honeydew,' picks up where his last left off: with 12 songs that alternate between simplistic folky narrative tunes and romping blues songs. His cast of characters is colorful, at least, and it is when he focuses most on the characters, his songs benefit the most.
Stairwell Sisters - 'Get Off Your Money'
'Get Off Your Money' kicks off the way all good old timey albums should: with a fast-moving, dance-inducing fiddle tune. From there, the record goes into a collection of classic old school, old timey traditional tunes and a handful of well-composed originals.
'Get Off Your Money' kicks off the way all good old timey albums should: with a fast-moving, dance-inducing fiddle tune. From there, the record goes into a collection of classic old school, old timey traditional tunes and a handful of well-composed originals.
Newton Faulkner - 'Hand Built by Robots'
Newton Faulkner is a very gifted guitar player, and his songs are built around his dexterity on the instrument. He's managed to master the sweet spot between rhyhtm guitar and soloing, interspersing his fierce, funky, chunky strumming with intricate fingerpicking. If you tune out the lyrics (which are often too many), 'Hand Built by Robots' is an excellent debut.
Newton Faulkner is a very gifted guitar player, and his songs are built around his dexterity on the instrument. He's managed to master the sweet spot between rhyhtm guitar and soloing, interspersing his fierce, funky, chunky strumming with intricate fingerpicking. If you tune out the lyrics (which are often too many), 'Hand Built by Robots' is an excellent debut.
Pete Francis - 'Iron Sea and the Calvary'
For ten years, Pete Francis fronted Dispatch—one of the most succesful independent bands of all time. Now, though, he's stepping out with another solo album, showcasing an excellent collection of Americana and alt-country tunes on Iron Sea and the Calvary. Calling to mind artists like David Gray and Townes Van Zandt, Francis has placed himself in good company with these 10 great songs.
For ten years, Pete Francis fronted Dispatch—one of the most succesful independent bands of all time. Now, though, he's stepping out with another solo album, showcasing an excellent collection of Americana and alt-country tunes on Iron Sea and the Calvary. Calling to mind artists like David Gray and Townes Van Zandt, Francis has placed himself in good company with these 10 great songs.
The Weepies - Hideaway
The Weepies' last album, 'Say I Am You,' was a lovely collection of songs about newfound love and self discovery. Now, a couple of years later, on 'Hideaway,' the duo has resorted to ooey-gooey feel good songs that in some cases hit, and in others miss.
The Weepies' last album, 'Say I Am You,' was a lovely collection of songs about newfound love and self discovery. Now, a couple of years later, on 'Hideaway,' the duo has resorted to ooey-gooey feel good songs that in some cases hit, and in others miss.
The Wilders - 'Someone's Got to Pay'
The Wilders' latest album, Someone's Got to Pay is one of the best songbook/concept albums in a while. Starting with the notion of a murder ballad, the high-octane Kansas City bluegrass quartet multiplied the concept by 19, dedicating an entire collection of songs to all aspects of said murder.
The Wilders' latest album, Someone's Got to Pay is one of the best songbook/concept albums in a while. Starting with the notion of a murder ballad, the high-octane Kansas City bluegrass quartet multiplied the concept by 19, dedicating an entire collection of songs to all aspects of said murder.
Tom Breiding - The Unbroken Circle: Songs of the West Virginia Coalfields
There have been numerous collections released through the years of songs and recordings paying tribute to, and telling the stories of coal miners, their families, and their work. This collection features a couple of traditional songs about coal mining, but mostly Breiding did a great job writing his own collection.
There have been numerous collections released through the years of songs and recordings paying tribute to, and telling the stories of coal miners, their families, and their work. This collection features a couple of traditional songs about coal mining, but mostly Breiding did a great job writing his own collection.
The Waifs - SunDirtWater
Sisters Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn (The Waifs) have been making music together for years and, judging from 'SunDirtWater,' it's starting to pay off.
Sisters Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn (The Waifs) have been making music together for years and, judging from 'SunDirtWater,' it's starting to pay off.
Tim O'Brien - 'Chameleon'
Tim O'Brien is back with a killer solo songwriter record full of country- and blues-inspired original folk songs, called 'Chameleon.'
Tim O'Brien is back with a killer solo songwriter record full of country- and blues-inspired original folk songs, called 'Chameleon.'
Drive-By Truckers - 'Brighter Than Creation's Dark'
Drive-By Truckers write good songs. Instrumentally, they're a tight band, with each player backing off at just the right time to let their collaborators shine. When, in "The Opening Act," they all cut out for the vocals to take over, the timing is impeccable. This is true of most of the songs on the album. The only downside is that it's a really long record.
Drive-By Truckers write good songs. Instrumentally, they're a tight band, with each player backing off at just the right time to let their collaborators shine. When, in "The Opening Act," they all cut out for the vocals to take over, the timing is impeccable. This is true of most of the songs on the album. The only downside is that it's a really long record.
Simon and Garfunkel - Live 1969
In 1969, Simon and Garfunkel set out on what would be the final tour of their career. On Live 1969, we get a window into six performances along the string of that tour. The result is an impeccable peek into some of the greatest tunes the duo ever concoted, during the height of their career together.
In 1969, Simon and Garfunkel set out on what would be the final tour of their career. On Live 1969, we get a window into six performances along the string of that tour. The result is an impeccable peek into some of the greatest tunes the duo ever concoted, during the height of their career together.