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About FTB |
 THE
V-ROYS...LIVE 
Are You Through Yet?... (self-released) | |
The V-Roys released this CD just before they broke up and after hearing their
live show, I mourn their absence. Their live attack, featuring
2 guitars, bass and drums, is raucous and ragged but just right. They
play with the power and intuitive grace befitting a band that has played
together for 6 years. They mix their catalog with a few well chosen
covers by Neil Young, The Replacements and Bap Kennedy. This is a fitting
swan song from a great band who, for whatever reason, broke up before the rest
of the world discovered them. | |
They have their own site, vroys.com,
which is still active with ordering info, lyrics and a chat group. Order
the CD from Miles of Music. |
 PAVLO
VACATATSIS 
Laid Down Train... (Songsonline.org) | |
For a true testimony about how money, dance steps, a manufactured personality,
and endless studio time mean practically nothing to good music (Hello Britney!
How's it going, Garth?) when you put every ounce of your soul and your heart into
it, try this wonderful CD. While it's a lo-fi one-man-band affair with Pavlo Vacatatsis
handling everything from drums to pedal steel, even the top execs of Enron don't
have enough money to buy this much passion! Musically, it's a mix of country soul
ala Arthur Alexander and George Jones (or modern-day Nick Lowe) and 60's mainstream
country while lyrically, it's as stark, depressing and immediate as Hank Williams'
material. Though Vacatatsis tries to clue the listener in to the genesis of the
songs on this CD via a rambling "letter to the consumer", music fans
will know these songs really originate from the intersection of heartbreak and
pain. Sure, tons of money and a hotshot producer could gussy up this album but
it wouldn't have half of its' power and tormented genius that it does now. For
a lo-fi look at a latter-day up and comer, you need to get this record. It IS
that good. | | Songs
On Line Go to CD Baby
to order. Reviewed by Scott Homewood
|
 Various
Artists
Badlands: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska... (Sub Pop) |
| Since it seems they've run out of artists
to honor, the latest trend in tribute CD's is to do a tribute to an individual
classic album. Such is the case with Badlands, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen's
1981 that was recorded in his bedroom on a four-track tape machine as a demo for
his band. The dark, visual and evocative songs stood on their own and it stands
as probably Bruce's greatest work. Wisely, the album features almost all Americana
and roots artists and they were asked to record their songs with a minimum of
studio overdubs, like the original. And it works, the whole CD stands up quite
well with very few low spots. The highlights for me are Son Volt, Los Lobos, Ben
Harper, Johnny Cash, Raul Malo, Dar Williams and especially Hank Williams III.
It would be fitting that some of these great acts gain some new fans as a result
of wanting to hear Springsteen songs. | |
Released November, 2000, reviewed by Bill
Frater. |
 Various
Artists
The Big "D" Jamboree- Live, Vols. 1 & 2... (Dragon Street)
| The Big "D" was
Dallas' version of the Grand Ol' Opry and these songs were taken from vinyl transcriptions
from shows in the late 50's. The 2
CD set titled "Hillbillies" features
Johnny Cash, Hank Locklin, Wanda Jackson, Ferlin Husky and many more. What the
Opry never had was the artists on the 2nd CD of this set, "Rockabillies"
spotlighting Carl Perkins, Warren Smith, Gene Vincent and other lesser known but
equally dynamic performers. They did an excellent job packaging the CDs with extensive
liner notes and history of the Big "D". Almost worth the price alone
are the wonderful photos which include shots of Hank Williams, Charline
Arthur, Roy Clark rockin' with Wanda and more. Although the sound quality may
not be what you're used to, this is a great snapshot of musical history
from a classic period when the line between Country and Rockabilly was negligible.
| | Released Jan. 2000, reviewed
by Bill Frater. Order
it from Village Records.
|
 Various
Artists
Cold
Mountain Movie Soundtrack … (DMZ/Columbia) | | Music
industry types are wondering whether producer T Bone Burnett can repeat the "left
field" success of the "Oh Brother" soundtrack. My guess is no, and not really
because of the music or because the base movie is not as fun. The mass music-buying
public is just too fickle to go for this soundtrack which is much more "old-timey"
than "O Brother". There are a few to many plaintive stripped-down traditional
ballads. The most interesting addition is five songs from Jack Black, who is from
the minimalist (and surprisingly popular) Whit Stripes. Black does fine in this
setting, although his best song , (Never Far Away"), wasn't even in the movie.
If I were the producer, I'd include 1 less tune from Jack and 1 or 2 more from
the wonderful Reeltime Travelers. In fact, I would recommend their fine 2002 CD
to those curious about this kind of Appalachian-inflected folk music before this
one. |
| Buy from amazon Released Dec. '03, reviewed by Bill
Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Concerts For A Landmine Free World... (Vanguard) | |
This is a live acoustic compilation culled from a series of concerts held to benefit
the Landmine Free World Fund. It's been a pet cause of Emmylou Harris' and my
guess is it was her passion for the cause and friendship with the artists that
enabled then to have such a stellar group of singer-songwriters. Featured are
John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Steve Earle and others.
The concerts were done acoustic with the artist taking turns performing songs.
Occasionally the other artists add some guitar or vocal harmonies. It's a great
cause and proceeds from the sale will benefit the Campaign, My only gripe is there
are no new songs included here and it makes it for a less interesting album. |
| Vanguard
Records. Released March, 2001, reviewed
by Bill Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Down To The Promised Land: Five Years of Bloodshot Records... (Bloodshot)
| | The little Insurgent Country/Honky-Schronk
label from Chicago has outdone themselves this time by putting out 40, count 'em
40, brand new unreleased songs on their 2 disc, 5-year anniversary compilation.
This ambitious project includes their entire talented and motley stable of artists
and more. They have also included some of the finest of non-Bloodshot Alt.Country
people including Mike Ireland, Giant Sand, Supersuckers, both members of Whiskeytown,
(recording separately) and even Graham Parker with the Waco's! Bloodshot
has amazingly released over 70 CD in 5 years, some better then others, but all
of them unabashedly honoring Country with good ol' Punk attitude. A truly
great release with beautiful packaging and pictures for a cheap price. Congrats
Bloodshot! I can't imagine what they'll come up with for their 10 year anniversary.
| | Of course, Bloodshot
has a website. Released June, 2000, reviewed
by Bill Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Dressed
In Black: The Songs Of Johnny Cash... (Dualtone) | | Several
tributes to The Man In Black have come out this year, for various reasons. Some
are obviously geared toward a true appreciation of the man and his art while some
are just trying to cash (pun intended) in on the recent release of his own new
CD and the sympathy shot, knowing that he is in poor health. I truly believe,
from the artists involved and the total package put together for this tribute,
that this tribute was done for the right reasons. While several major names are
involved in this fine collection (Rodney Crowell being one, doing a fine version
of Ballad Of A Teenage Queen), most of the disc is handed to artists who, although
less well-known, have the most in common with Cash's spirit and style. ‘50's-style
loner James Intveld, for example, is probably best known for his Chris Isaak-style
crooning but does an almost eerie job of re-creating Cash's voice on the classic
Folsom Prison Blues. Reverend Horton Heat, another off-center choice, is mostly
known for his revved-up psychobilly workouts and does his usual fiery job with
his cut, Get Rhythm, adding a totally punk-rock flavor to the song. While purchasing
the originals by Cash would definitely be my first suggestion in a case like this,
any fan of country music and Cash in particular would be happy with this CD. Great
stuff. | | Dualtone's site. Buy
from amazon Released Sept. 2002. Reviewed by Scott
Homewood . |
 Various
Artists
Frisco Mabel Joy Revisited: For Mickey Newbury... (Appleseed) |
| This is a tribute to a 1971 song-cycle
album by the under appreciated Mickey Newbury. Back in those turbulent times,
he was revered as a songwriter's songwriter and since then, he has put out albums
sporadically. The songs on Frisco Mabel Joy are and were simple, spare
and slow-paced acoustic gems. Interestingly, many of the artists who pay tribute
to the obscure Newbury are equally obscure yet gifted. Singers who live for their
craft rather then for the money or fame. People like Bob Neuwirth, Mark Olson,
David Halley and even Kris Kristofferson. Dave Alvin is probably the best known
Americana artist on this tribute but don't let the lack of names keep you from
settling in with this CD. Instrumental interludes by the always interesting "jazz"
guitarist Bill Frizell help to hold it together and remind you that this is more
than a collection of songs. With the nights getting longer and colder, this, like
the original Newbury album, would be a great fireplace companion. |
| Released October, 2000, reviewed by Bill
Frater. |
Various Artists
Full Tank Vol. 1...(Jackass) | |
Now that almost every city has an Alt.Country band or two, how do we sort out
the good ones from others. One idea is to do like Pat Kennedy of Santa Barbara,
CA's Jackass Records did. He took the time to seek out some of the
best unsigned Americana artists from around the country. He's put together
a fine and varied collection of engaging songs. Some twang, some
hillbilly-folk some punk-country and some rockabilly, along with the usual rootsy
country stuff. Most of the artists share a healthy sense of humor and good, well
recorded tunes. Bloodshot Records got started this way by recording talented unknown
regional twang bands. Jackass is already soliciting artists for a second
volume of Full Tank. | | Released
Late '98, reviewed by Bill Frater.
Best songs (and artists): Trouble-(Creosote), King of the Minimum Wage-
(Mulehead), Always Country- (Foggy Mountain Fuckers), Gunstore Liquorstore Project-
(Wilson Gi & the Willful Sinners), Redneck Riot- (The Countrypolitans), River
Red- (Steve Pride), Scarlet Red- (D.Braxton Harris), That's Why I'm
Unhappy- (Slim Cessna's Auto Club), plus more! Order directly from Jackass
Records |
 Various
Artists Soundtrack
The Gift... (Will/Lakeshore) | |
This is a good mix of old and new country songs, heavy on the haunting melodies.
There's some lesser known songs by classic artists like Waylon Jennings, Loretta
Lynn and George Jones and Willie Nelson does a new song ("The Great Divide").
Both Neko Case and The Souvenirs contribute two songs, one good new one from each
of em. It's a quite enjoyable listen all the way through, but the standout cut
is by Willie's daughter, Amy Nelson, (who also wrote it), called "In Case
We Die". The movie has been getting mixed reviews but the Soundtrack CD is
worth looking for for the new songs alone but the older ones are great too. |
| Release date: Jan. '01. Reviewed
by Bill Frater. |
 Various Artists
Hands Across The Water... (Compass) |
| This began as a phone conversation the day after the tsunami. John Cutliffe and Andrea Zonn had an idea. A year later, it's reality, as moving and purposeful a record as you'll find, a benefit for the orphaned children of that devastating wave. Each of the 16 tracks features a trans-Atlantic collaboration. The list of artists is a feast. Crowell, Prine, Jackson Browne, Jim Lauderdale, Alison Brown, Jerry Douglas, Mindy Smith, Altan, Paul Brady, The Duhks, Lunasa, Sharon Shannon…and on and on. The opening cut, "This Beggar's Heart", by Darrell Scott and company, is as good as it gets, and it's just the beginning. The songs flow together, console, raise a fine emotion. Aside from its outstanding purpose, HATW is an album of durable beauty. I tend to shy away a little from ‘various artists' CDs, as they tend to lack a center that holds; this one is exceptional. Cutliffe and Zonn have invited a humanity, and boy, do we ever sound good when we play together. All proceeds go to aid those who've lost more than we will ever comprehend. One for everybody here. |
The project's web site. Buy from amazon. Released Dec. '05, reviewed by Doug Lang.
|
 Various
Artists
Hit the Hay Vol. 5... (Sound Asleep)
| |
I gotta confess, that, as a writer, I find compilations harder to review than
any other type of release. The variety of artists, songs and, often, producers,
doesn't often allow for a very cohesive package, allowing for what often ends
up being a simple, ramshackle sampler album. The very cool Hit The Hay
comps, put together by Sweden's Jerker Emanuelson, are a very different thing
altogether. Not only is the artist list substantial (over 46 different acts and
groups) the styles of music represented include everything from skronky bar band
rock to the finest alt.country to the most bombastic power pop. The only thing
all artists share is their utter coolness! While I can't possibly review every
song, I will let you in on a few of the more well known participants. Map of Wyoming,
Peter Case, Beaver Nelson, Don Dixon, The Hangdogs, Laura Cantrell, Todd Thibaud
and Jeff Finlin are among those that take part and that's only the first CD of
this phenomenal two-CD set! Anyone into the hippest, coolest underground music
will drool over this CD. You just gotta get it!!! | |
Check Sound Asleep
for track listing. Order the CD from
Miles Of Music. Reviewed by Scott
Homewood . |
 Various
Artists
Lonesome,
On’ry and Mean: A Tribute To Waylon Jennings… (Dualtone) | | Yeah,
I know, another tribute album, ho hum… but wait, this is one of the most solid
collections that has come out in the recent years. Of course, it helps to have
an artist who had a great collection of songs to cover, Waylon was a true original
and was a stubbornly independent. Every track is done in Waylons’s spirit without
copying his unique style. The over-exposed, (yet talented) Norah Jones hinted
at a country interest on her solo album, but here she nails an obscure Bob McDill
tune, "Wurlitzer Prize", and makes it her own. Equally excellent is John Doe’s
version of "Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line", makes me long for a straight country
album from Doe. The artist line-up is first-class and equally independent all
the way through and the highlight are literally too numerous to mention. Every
song is great, not over-produced, and not a dog in the bunch. Hats off to the
producers and Dualtone for putting together a great tribute collection. | | Dualtone's
site. Buy
from amazon Released April, 2003. Reviewed by Bill
Frater |
 Various
Artists
Louisiana Hayride (7 CD's)... (Music Mill) | |
The Louisiana Hayride was a weekly radio show broadcast out of Shreveport, similar
to Nashville's Grand Ol' Opry. They've compiled 8 separate CD's grouped together
by style: either Gospel (2 CD's), Comedy (1, and not too funny I might add), or
4 Classic Country. The Country CDs include all the greats from the 50's
and 60's featuring Snow, Foley, Cash, Jones and even one Hank Williams song.
One of my criticisms is they played it safe by usually picking one of the artists'
hit singles without including much between-song banter to give the collection
some historic significance. What's more, each CD is short, giving
you only 10 songs. Of course, the sound is lousy, old and poorly recorded
to begin with, but considering the library the label had access to they could've
done a much better job. Disappointing. Go to the web page below for complete CD
track listing. | | CD track
listing, RealAudio song samples and ordering info from
Music Mill. Released March 2000, reviewed by Bill
Frater. |
 Various
Artists Soundtrack
O' Brother, Where Art Thou?... (Mercury) | |
I'm dying to see the Coen brothers' movie that this CD is the soundtrack for but
I thought it would be fair to review before seeing the movie. It's an excellent
collection that any fan of bluegrass or old timey music will love. The movie
takes place in Mississippi in 1937 and producer T-Bone Burnett went for the authentic
music while adding a few new songs in the same style, still making the music
accessible for non-traditional music fans. The core music is that of Ralph Stanley,
who's song "Man Of Constant Sorrow", is the central musical theme of
the story. Stanley fan Gillian Welch also had a hand in the CD and her thoughtful
touch is evident. Other artists include The Cox Family, Allison Krauss, Norman
Blake, The Fairfield Four, The Whites and more. Now I can see the movie, which
you should do too as well as buy this soundtrack. | |
Check out the album's official
site. Released Dec, '00, reviewed by Bill
Frater. Buy
from amazon |
 Various
Artists
Pearls in the Snow: The Songs of Kinky Friedman ...(Kinkajou) |
| Back in the early '70's,
long before he became a best-selling novelist, Kinky Friedman called himself "The
Texas Jewboy". His songs were funny and sarcastic and he waved his Jewish
heritage proudly while blowing away even the "outlaw" country music
fans. As this CD proves, he wrote some great songs back then, although he
was better known for his novelty tunes. Producer Kacey Jones did an excellent
job of gathering together a well-known collection of mostly Texas artists.
Even the Kinkster himself contributes a few songs, and the in-your-face humor
is still there. The Texas Jewboy rides again. |
| Best songs: Ride 'em Jewboy (Willie Nelson), Autograph
(Delbert McClinton), Before All Hell Breaks Loose (Asleep At The Wheel),
Rapid City, South Dakota (Dwight Yoakam), Marilyn & Joe (Kinky Friedman), Sold American (Lyle Lovett), Highway
Cafe (Tom Waits). Of course, there's KinkyFriedman.com,
which links to the Pearls
in the Snow page, which features WAV samples of all the songs and lyrics.
Amazon
has the CD. Released Dec. '98, reviewed by Bill Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Poor Little Knitter On The Road... (Bloodshot) |
| I went back and listened to the original Knitters album that
this release is in tribute to and I was surprised how "normal" it sounded.
Of course, the band featured X members John Doe and Exene Cervenka along with
Dave Alvin when he was still with The Blasters (and before he started singing).
At the time it came out (1985), it shocked many of X's hard core punk fans because
it was goddamned Country music. It's only fitting that Bloodshot should
release a Knitters tribute as they have based their whole roster on the concept
of "Insurgent Country", a concept the Knitters originated. Most
of the songs here turn out great, and like most tribute CD's, some copy the originals
and some mess around with 'em. Artists featured include Robbie Fulks, Old
97's, (with John Doe), Trailer Bride, Whiskeytown, The Sadies with Freakwater's
Catherine Irwin and even an unreleased Knitters song. Bloodshot has hit
one out of the park with this CD and if you don't have the original, you might
enjoy it too. | | Released Oct. '99, reviewed
by Bill Frater. Bloodshot's
site. |
 Various
Artists
Real: The Tom T. Hall Project ....(Delmore/Sire) |
| Tom T. Hall does not come to mind when I think
of "classic" Nashville songwriters, however, the exceptional group of
artists paying him tribute here made me sit up and pay closer attention to his
songs. His nickname is "The Storyteller" and many of
his songs are simple little snapshots of small lives or common everyday occurrences. The
17 artists range from Johnny Cash and Ralph Stanley to Freedy Johnston and Ron
Sexsmith. Joe Henry's excellent 1993 version of Hall's "I Flew
Over Our House Last Night" is cited as the seed that started this whole project,
and Henry's contribution, "Homecoming" is kind of the centerpiece of
the CD. This is a remarkable collection of songs that holds together very
well as an album. I'm gonna start looking for old Tom T. Hall records next
time I'm in the used record store. There are no weak songs or performances
here. Perhaps the best way to get you to buy the album is to list
some of the artists who worked on it. | |
Released Dec. '98. Reviewed by Bill
Frater. Best songs: That's How I Got To Memphis (Kelly Willis),
When Love Is Gone (Richard Buckner), Don't Forget The Coffee Billy Joe (R.B. Morris),
I Miss A Lot Of Trains (Iris DeMent), I'm Not Ready Yet (The Mary Janes), I Hope
It Rains At My Funeral (Whiskeytown). There is a Tom
T. Hall Project website featuring a bio, articles and some lyrics to Hall's
best known songs. |
 Various
Artists
Reckless
Records Garage Sale: 1997- 2003… (Reckless) | |
Reckless Records is primarily Bill Chambers (father of Kasey Chambers) and Audrey
Auld. The two Australians started the label to put out their wonderful collection
of traditional country songs called Looking Back to See. Since then Audrey
has married an American and is living happily on the coast just north of San Francisco.
She handles most of the Reckless business and is starting to tour the States more.
First off, don't be misled by the Garage Sale title, this is a great collection
of tunes, not leftovers like some labels do. Almost all the tracks feature Audrey's
gorgeous voice, sometimes solo or with Bill. She sings harmony with Fred Eaglesmith
on "Wilder Than Her" too. There are also 3 songs from Bill Chambers and one each
from Mary Gauthier and The Yearlings. You'll also find more straight-ahead country
here then on her 2 solo releases. Nothing but quality stuff at this garage sale!
| | Reckless's
site has track listing and CD ordering, or you can buy
from amazon. Released Nov. '03, reviewed by Bill
Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons... (Almo Sounds)
| | I assume you know of Gram Parsons, sorta
the godfather of alt.country, and still a much-loved and respected icon twenty-six
years after his death. If you know his music you're probably familiar with most
of the songs covered here. The catch with tributes is whether or not the
new versions enhance the vision of the original songs. Gram's "Cosmic
American Music" is so distinctive and his originals are so powerful that
you have to wonder why they didn't chose a few less well-known songs to cover. I
think both "Sin City" and the title track, while nice enough don't
really add anything new to the originals. Emmylou Harris, Parson's faint-voiced
protégé, is one of the executive producers, and she adds splendid vocals and harmonies
to many of the tunes. I would've liked to have heard some of the R&B
side of Gram and maybe a few less ballads so, while I don't want to nit-pick,
a double-album would've been nice... This is a great album, and if you read
this website's reviews, then it's essential to your CD collection. |
| Best tracks: She (Pretenders), Hot Burrito #1
(Mavericks), High fashion Queen (Chris Hillman & Steve Earle), Juanita (Sheryl
Crow & Emmylou Harris), One Hundred Years From Now (Wilco), A Song for
You (Whiskeytown), Hichory Wind (Gillian Welch), In My Hour Of Darkness (Rolling
Creekdippers).
Almo's pages on the CD include a story by Bud Scoppa and extended RA audio
samples. The Gram
Parsons Homepage is a well done fan site. Released July, '99, reviewed by
Bill Frater. |
 Various
Artists
Songcatcher –Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture... (Vanguard) |
| Unlike it’s kindred soundtrack
O Brother Where Art Thou, Songcatcher
is actually a movie about music. As
a result (or maybe in spite of that), this soundtrack is a more cohesive piece
than O Brother. Concentrating
on female artists helps. Also, the
quality of the artists included here is remarkable.
Emmylou Harris, Allison Moorer, Dolly Parton (bluegrass Dolly), Iris Dement,
Rosanne Cash, Maria McKee; this roster reads like a lineup of Americana/Roots
all-stars. Mostly traditional tunes
with some originals mixed in, these artists and producers have found success in
simplicity. Each track is either
acappella, or features acoustic accompaniment, and the result clicks in a way
most soundtrack or compilation recordings never quite realize.
A couple of highlights are Julie Miller’s spare rendition of her “All
My Tears” and Maria McKee’s haunting “Wayfarin’ Stranger”.
My only complaint is that the two “Score Suite”(s), orchestral
interludes from the movie, don’t belong here and should have been left off.
When they come up, just hit >>|.
They’re near the end – by the time they come up you‘ll be
blissed out on the mountain music, and won’t really care.
|
| Released
Jan. '01. Reviewed by Marty
Harper. |
 Various
Artists
Transatlantic Sessions... (Ceili/DNA) | |
This splendid collection features some of the finest musicians from America, Ireland
and Scotland who came together for the making of a BBC television series of the
same name. The artists featured include among others, Ricky Skaggs, Nanci Griffith,
Paul Brady, Rosanne Cash, Maura O'Connell, Michael Doucet and Sharon Shannon..
Jerry Douglas is the producer and as on his last solo album, has an excellent
ear for bringing together a diverse group of talented recording artists, creating
a powerful musical statement. This is a quite pleasant selection of
Celtic-American Folk music that a wide range of people will enjoy.
A few instrumentals and Irish/Scottish tunes mixed in among the ballads to give
a sense of origins but not enough to scare the folks opposed to anything
with the word Celtic in it. | |
Ceili Music is part of Skaggs
Family Records... Released May, 2000, reviewed by
Bill Frater. |
 Various Artists
Why the Hell Not... The Songs of Kinky Friedman... (Sustain) |
| As I write this we are on the eve of election day 2006 and Texans will soon be voting for the office of governor. Some of them are going to vote for a political neophyte named Kinky Friedman (and as the man says, Why the hell not?) But like his political, populist philosophy, which may seem like a joke at first, his songwriting career holds up well under close inspection. In fact, if you only know Kinky from his campaign, mystery novels or jokey image (the "Texas Jewboy"), these songs (mostly from the mid 70's) may be a revelation to you. The material often plays like a country cousin of both Jimmy Webb and John Prine. Wistful, engaging, funny and moving. With such performers as Lyle Lovett ("Sold American"), Dwight Yoakam ("Rapid City") and Todd Snider ("They Ain't Making Jews like Jesus Anymore"), the material is treated well by means of plaintive vocals and uncluttered arrangements. Tribute albums are often rote, by-the-numbers affairs but this is one terrific record featuring top Americana artists, fine performances and excellent production and material. Not to be missed… |
Kinky For Governor... Sustain Records has the CD for a reasonable price, or Buy from amazon. Released Sept. '06, reviewed by Michael Meehan. |
 VARNALINE
Songs In A Northern Key... (E-Squared)
| |
Right off, let me say that this isn't country and while I'm sure critics nationwide
will be pouring over their thesauruses seeking the perfect word to describe the
kind of music this album contains, I can say for certain that it must spring from
a truly original vision. Varnaline, the band, the project, the whatever, comes
mostly from the talents of Anders Parker with help from a few buddies. To say
his music is unique is to be totally facetious. I would call it a mix of Johnny
Cash and Sonic Youth if I had to give a description. The album features many poppy
elements but also enough squalling dissonance and white noise to create a sound
collage of homespun folk music and post-modern rock unlike any ever attempted.
That both Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy took part in the production gets me wondering
where the future of country music will head and it is probably no small coincidence
that the guy who mastered this CD has the name Hank Williams. Weird or what? You
may have to listen to this a few times to get into it but it is well worth the
effort and possibly the most barrier-stretching Americana record ever. |
| E-Squared's
site and the Varnaline site is nicely
done. Released July, 2001. Reviewed by Scott
Homewood . |
 STOLL VAUGHAN
Hold On Thru Sleep & Dreams (Shadowdog)
|
Vaughan opened the “Words and Music” tour for Mellencamp and Fogerty this summer, and that's a fast crowd. Judging from this, his debut release, the man is in no danger of being out-distanced, nor out-classed. This one can stand alongside their work with ease. In fact, they must agree, because he's on the second leg of said tour, which opened in August. They'll be doing the West and Canada, and now, there are three good reasons to catch it, if you can. His songs range from the haunting style of an early James Taylor, in “Sounds Of The City”, a hint of Dylan in “No Use To Me Now”, the minor key melancholia of Mary Gauthier on “I-75”, and the percussion-driven tempo of “Leaf On A River”. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention his backers, an accomplished crew, including Carl Broemel's fine guitar work, and particularly, Ben Simon's slide on “Memories”. Vaughan reportedly has his second one in the can, for release later this year, and I'd be really pleased if it winds up on my doorstep. |
Stoll's web site Buy from amazon. Released Nov, '04, reviewed by Don Grant.
|
 REDD
VOLKAERT
No Stranger To A Tele... (HighTone) | |
Redd has been playing a Fender Telecaster, called a "Tele" for short,
with Merle Haggard's band for over 5 years now, and his playing is mighty tasty.
Most of the songs are original guitar instrumentals. Redd is a hot picker without
being too much of a "showboat" guitarist. He does vocals four or five
tunes too and he's not a half bad singer- with a deep rich voice not unlike his
boss's voice. I get the feeling he's just as happy to sit back and just pick but
decided with co-producer Bruce Bromberg to sing a few of his old favorites just
for variety. Recorded in Redd's adopted hometown of Austin and accompanied by
Merle's steel player, Norman Hamlet and pianist Floyd Domino, (an original member
of Asleep At The Wheel) and others. Nice stuff, definitely worth a listen, especially
for guitarists. | | HighTone's
website. Released March, 2001, reviewed by
Bill Frater. |
|
