Still Country [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
In a life that took her from Butcher Holler to stardom to legend, Loretta Lynn has endured her share of tragedies. The 1996 death of husband Mooney--her right hand from the start of Lynn's career--required an excruciating adjustment that tested her grit and resiliency. Still Country, originally released in 2000, was her first album of new songs in 12 years and it revealed how well those traits sustained her. Producer Randy Scruggs plays to her strengths, emphasizing Lynn's voice, which is nearly as strong as it was decades earlier. The snappy, direct wit that made "Fist City" and "The Pill" special now flavors "Table for Two" and "Country in My Genes," an unsubtle dig at current Nashville trendiness. There's a consistent quality that runs through the entire album, but the showcase is "I Can't Hear the Music," a heartfelt, direct tribute to Mooney. It's impossible not to be moved as Loretta bares her love, loss, and pain to the world. It may not be radio-friendly, but the song is as real as it gets. [The 2004 release includes a bonus DVD with two videos for "Country in My Genes."] --Rich Kienzle

Still Country,Loretta Lynn,Koch Records,Country,Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan,Pop,Traditional Country,United States of America

Average customer rating: Okay Wow Great debut Chick with rockabilly I love this album!!!

Stand Still, Look Pretty The Wreckers , Michelle Branch , and Jessica Harp Manufacturer: Maverick ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Taking The Long Way Enjoy The Ride The Road to Here Taylor Swift Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing ASIN: B0009F43V8 Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

1. Leave The Pieces
2. Way Back Home
3. The Good Kind
4. Tennessee
5. My, Oh My
6. Stand Still, Look Pretty
7. Cigarettes
8. Hard To Love You
9. Lay Me Down
10. One More Girl
11. Rain
12. Only Crazy People

Amazon.com

The Wreckers are Grammy-winning songstress Michelle Branch and friend/journeywoman Nashville singer-songwriter Jessica Harp, a team whose solid craftsmanship and soaring, airtight harmonies often lift their hook-smart contemporary country stylings above what's too often mere fizzy, pop-crossover formula. They may have entered the public consciousness via the wide exposure of "Good Kind" on the primetime soap opera One Tree Hill, but the bracing, back-porch charms of the single "Leave the Pieces" should find them a following well beyond that series' teen audience. The reflective title track, gritty folk charms of "Tennessee" and giddy crowd-pleaser "My, Oh My" are suffused with a lyrical maturity that's the perfect counterpoint to the duo's sturdy musical constructs. Solid songs all, delivered with a muscular vocal conviction that does considerably more than merely sell them. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The Wreckers are about creation, not destruction. Bringing together two young, fearless female singersongwriter-acoustic guitarists—Grammy®-winning, platinum-selling Michelle Branch and collaborator Jessica Harp—The Wreckers' debut album, Stand Still, Look Pretty, blends Branch's pop-rock sensibility with Harp's country-folk style. Edgy yet rootsy, on Stand Still, Look Pretty, The Wreckers have a ball.

Customer Reviews:

Okay.......2007-07-09

As many of you probably have, I listened to this album because it had Michelle Branch in it. I have to say that the vocals with Jessica Harp are fantastic and the sound of the songs are nice, but most of the songs aren't that great. Leave the Pieces is a nice song, but not that great. The only ones I enjoyed are Lay Me Down, Rain, The Good Kind, and Tenessee. The rest is mediocre. My, Oh My for instance is just plain boring. Rain is a great song, which sounds exactly as if it came off Hotel Paper, and isn't country at all. Lay Me Down isn't a truly great song, but I really enjoyed it. The Good Kind is a nice sounding song, and the melody reminds me of Breathe. Tenessee is a really good song.
I hope this review was helpful.

Wow.......2007-05-28

I love that Michelle Branch can be successful with mainstream and well as country music. She has such a transitional voice and is well suited for both genres. This CD is amazing!

Great debut.......2007-05-23

Overall, I really liked this album. Some of the songs were surprisingly short and sounded the same, but all in all this is a great start for the Wreckers.

Chick with rockabilly.......2007-05-22

Good album that is as easy on the ears. A good blend of country rock

I love this album!!!.......2007-05-08

I bought this album because I like one of the girls (the rock girl) and I am not disappointed :) I really like this album and I hope there's more to come.

Average customer rating:

Still Feels Good Rascal Flatts Manufacturer: Lyric Street ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reba Duets Hits 5th Gear Lost Highway Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace ASIN: B000QCUDL8 Release Date: 2007-09-25

Album Description

It all begins when the lights go down. For Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, it has been that way since they were playing for a handful of people in a club in Nashville's Printers Alley. These days, of course, they play for thousands of screaming fans a night, drawn by state-of-the-art production and sound, and by spectacular vocal harmonies in service to an ever-expanding catalogue of hits. In between, it was the magic of those performances that catapulted Rascal Flatts into the front ranks of entertainers in all genres.

By any measure, Rascal Flatts is in elite territory. They are the reigning 2006 CMA, ACM and CMT Vocal Group of the Year. In 2005 they added Billboard and R&R Artist of the Year trophies as well. The trio also picked up its first three Grammy nominations in 2005, and their "Bless The Broken Road" received the Grammy for Country Song of the Year. Coming off the biggest selling artist album of 2006, Rascal Flatts is geared up for their brand new album coming on September 25.

Average customer rating: HEAVENLY Sweetest voices ever! Awesome Soothing and thought provoking Pure Crystal

Free Chris Dodd , Fiona Pears , Anthony Chadney , Ben Crawley , Christopher Robson , and Raoul Platt Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Luminosa Visions Libera Angel Voices Angel Voices 3 ASIN: B0002RUAAQ Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. I Am The Day
2. Stay With Me
3. Voca Me
4. A Song Of Enchantment
5. Ave Verum
6. Do Not Stand At My Grave
7. When A Knight
8. A New Heaven
9. I Vow To Thee My Country
10. Lament
11. Twilight
12. Be Still My Soul
13. Adoramus

Amazon.com

English composer Robert Prizeman has taken a conventional English boy's choir--usually a haven for sweet songs and ecclesiastical renderings--and made them contemporary without selling out any of their intrinsic charm. Their stacked choral voices and lead sopranos, dressed up with electronica rhythms, synthesizers, and strings still sound like they could be coming from the church balcony, even while they exude an Enya-like appeal. While there are adaptations of Gregorian chants and Sibelius hymns, most of the songs are Prizeman originals based on those styles, with texts often drawn from Latin Liturgy. Except for the chilled romanticism of "Stay With Me," and the rhythm driven "Adoramus," whose chorus sounds like a Harry Potter incantation, few of the songs on Free have the anthemic pop appeal of "Salva Me" or "Vespera" from previous albums. Instead, Prizeman has opted for a more serene sound on Free, even with their first video from the disc, the yearning "I Am the Day." Some of it, like Prizeman's setting of a Walter de la Mare poem on "A Song of Enchantment," gets lugubrious. But most of Free floats on gentle soprano breezes, intrinsically innocent, even if the boys might be smoking cigarettes behind the altar. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

HEAVENLY.......2007-06-19

This cd is like listening to a heavenly choir. "Free" is an awesome audio experience. It can turn a stressful day into a calm evening.

Sweetest voices ever!.......2007-06-16

I happened across this CD at Borders and was able to listen to it! One of the sweetest and heavenly CDs ever! I bought two: one for myself and one as a gift.

Awesome.......2007-01-04

I never knew that young boys could have such wonderful voices, almost angelic. The music is very relaxing and haunting at times, but that's what makes it a good album to hear to. The harmonies were so beautiful. To all choir fans, this is a must-have album.

Soothing and thought provoking.......2006-02-23

Libera is an amazing group of boys and Robert Prizeman really knows how to put everything together. My favorite songs on "Free" are Voca Me, Stay With Me, Adoramus, I Am the Day and Twilight. Each time I listen to this disc, another song seems to start growing on me. This was my first Libera CD (I have since bought Luminosa, Libera and Visions) and at first I liked the faster more upbeat songs but as time went on I started to really love the softer ones like Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep (beautifully done by Ben Crawley and Joseph Platt). The soloists are lovely with clear and pure voices, and the chorus just swells with harmonies. This is choir music for people who hate choir music.

Pure Crystal.......2006-02-20

Like Luminosa, this is incredible. I can only compare it to the beautiful, pristine, classical pieces of antiquity, such as Vivaldi's Spring and Bach's many ethereal melodies. It's beautiful.

Average customer rating: Not so great! How a rock and roll record should be!!! can't get enough of this band. Worth every second!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tight but loose

It Still Moves My Morning Jacket Manufacturer: Ato Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: At Dawn Z The Tennessee Fire Okonokos Chapter 1 The Sandworm Cometh: Early Recordings ASIN: B0000C0FBM Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Mahgeetah
2. Dancefloors
3. Golden
4. Master Plan
5. One Big Holiday
6. I Will Sing You Songs
7. Easy Morning Rebel
8. Run Thru
9. Rollin Back
10. Just One Thing
11. Steam Engine
12. One In The Same

Customer Reviews:

Not so great!.......2007-05-12

I really wanted this cd because I love the song "Golden," and I thought at the rest of the album must be at least passable. So it was surprising to hear how bad the rest of the songs are, mostly due to the gimmicky "echo chamber" sound to all of them. "Golden" is so different from the rest that it seems like it was done by another band altogether. A big disappointment! Sorry, but that's my opinion. . .

How a rock and roll record should be!!!.......2007-04-04

this is a rock and roll album that is a classic. i really can't say much more. the disc plays long, over 70 minutes. i love every song, and i play this cd very often, almost once a day...still.

this is a must have, and a no-brainer!!

can't get enough of this band........2007-02-11

reverb drenched guitar, a big sound worthy of neil young's crazy horse band, i can't get enough of these guys. if you haven't heard them, you need to. as fast as you can. a rock band with melodies and riffs and a haunting sound, this is a great album.

Worth every second!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-08-12

This album is the type album where you like it or not. Personally I think this album is better than Z. But anyway, here's the spoop:

Mahgeetah- 4 and a quarter stars- This song isn't the best opener, but it passes.

Dancefloors- 4 and a quarter stars- This one is similar to Mahgeetah but different in many ways. (Think about it, it makes since.)

Golden- 5 stars- This song is probably one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Ya gotta love it.

Masterplan- 4 and 3 quarter stars- Close, but not as good. Don't get me wrong. You'll wanna here it.

One Big Holiday- 4 anda half stars- This song is a good rocker. And it has the best name.

I will sing you song- 4 and a half stars- This is the long one, about 9 minutes. But it's worth every second.

Easy Morning Rebel- 4 stars- It's a good one. The short beat at the begining of the song with the horns is great mon!

Run Thru- 4 stars- Great guitar and stuffffffffssssssssss!!!??..

Rollin Back- 3 and a half stars- Bit of a disappointment here. Sorry My Morning Jacket.

Just One Thing- 5 stars- Now that's better. Short but Awesome!

Steam Engine- 5 stars- Even better than just one thing! YYAAAYYY!!!!!!

One in the Same- 5 stars- Worse than steam engine but better than just one thing. It's a beautiful song.

That's what I think. And if ya don't agree, too bad cuz i'm keepin my opinions. Peace out, MMJ!!!????....

Tight but loose.......2006-07-16

Not everyone will like this album...but then again, how many albums have universal appeal? If you like meandering bluesy twang guitar jams, you'll probably like this. If you like concise, aggressive rock songs, you probably won't like this. There, now you can stop reading and decide whether you want to buy this or not.

Okay, it's not that simple, but it's close. It's easy to like tracks like "Golden" and "Mahgeetah" because they're pretty dang catchy and are a bit more focused than most of the other songs (actually, the end of "Mahgeetah" is a pretty awesome jam session). Most of the other songs won't quite jump out at you, but have a unique appeal that I haven't really heard in any other rock bands - the songs may carry on too long and not really go anywhere, but who cares? It's fun to listen to them just jam on as if they were sitting on a porch on a warm summer evening, which is where some of the "live show" comparisons come into play. Speaking of which, I saw them at Coachella this year and they were positively amazing. I was with two people who had never heard of MMJ and they were absolutely blown away, their set was truly electric.

A perfect way to introduce yourself to this CD is to listen to it on a long drive. The relaxed arrangements just seem to make the time pass effortlessly and reduce a lot of the stress of sitting in your car for an extended period of time. Then again, I'm listening to it right now while getting ready to go for a night on the town. With a slightly shorter running time this album could have been a true classic, but as is it will have to settle for being a great album.

Average customer rating: The Best Of The Kentucky Headhunters:Still Pickin The Headhunters Are Friends Of Mine! kentucky headhunters - still pickin' cd A Different Flavor of Country No flash...just talent.

The Best of the Kentucky Headhunters: Still Pickin' The Kentucky Headhunters Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pickin' on Nashville Confederate Railroad - Greatest Hits Big Boss Man The Tractors Let It Rock: The Best of the Georgia Satellites ASIN: B000001E5X Release Date: 1994-09-20

Tracks:

1. Dumas Walker
2. Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine
3. Rock 'N' Roll Angel
4. Oh Lonesome Me
5. The Ballad Of Davy Crockett
6. Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line
7. It's Chitlin' Time
8. Spirit In The Sky
9. Let's Work Together
10. Honky Tonk Walkin'
11. Dixie Fried
12. Redneck Girl
13. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of The Kentucky Headhunters:Still Pickin.......2007-05-28

I've Allways Liked The Song "Dumas Walker", So I Decided To Purchase This CD, Turned Out To Be A Good Buy. Turn Your Stereo Up For This One And Have Your Friends Over For A Couple Of Cold Long Necks Of Road Sodas!!!! This Is A Good CD! This CD works Well If Your A Rok-N-Roller Or A C&W Fan.The Price Is Definetly Right!

The Headhunters Are Friends Of Mine!.......2006-05-14

I've partied with these boys and trust me.. the behind the scenes is so much more fun than the album versions of these songs. Nothing's better than hanging with the boys at the old practice house and getting down.

kentucky headhunters - still pickin' cd.......2006-03-09

The cd came in timely fashion and was packaged accordingly. Great cd - I enjoy listening to it.

A Different Flavor of Country.......2005-11-26

If you want to take a break from traditional country music, here's your chance. There is nothing mild about the music these guys put out, but it is good clean fun at a higher decibel! These are pretty much cover songs of some great classics, to include their signature "Walk Softly On This Heart of Mind" and "Oh, Lonesome Me". There are also some stinkers here as well, such as "Let's Work Together" and "Spirit in The Sky"....They really dont sound much different than their original releases a decade earlier. Personally, I feel the band died after the Brothers Phelps left the group as they were the real talent, and their "solo/duet" project was actually quite good. While I can say that I'm glad Country Music did not go down the same road as the Kentucky Headhunters, it is refreshing to see these guys have fun with adding a little electricity and noise to some old standards. B-

No flash...just talent........2005-10-09

These guys have the talent and energy to make good music. Not a bad song on any of their albums. Each album usually has an "oldie" they cut again like "Lonesome Me", or "Ballad of Davy Crocket". BEST GROUP EVER!

Average customer rating: Vince Sings Like No One Else country music excellence Vintage Vince Vince's breakthrough album You'll believe in this album for years to come!

I Still Believe in You Vince Gill Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: When I Call Your Name When Love Finds You Pocket Full of Gold High Lonesome Sound Souvenirs ASIN: B000002OLC Release Date: 1992-09-01

Tracks:

1. Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away
2. No Future In The Past
3. Nothing Like A Woman
4. Tryin' To Get Over You
5. Say Hello
6. One More Last Chance
7. Under These Conditions
8. Pretty Words
9. Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart
10. I Still Believe In You

Amazon.com

Vince Gill has always been ambitious man: he got his start with the progressive new grass outfit Bluegrass Alliance but didn't stay long, and he soon became guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the country-folk middle-roaders Pure Prarie League. He stayed with the band for three years before working as a sideman to Rodney Crowell and eventually signing with MCA in 1984. His career skyrocketed, fueled by tasteful country material and his creamy vocals. 1992's I Still Believe in You was his biggest success, and the title cut a monster hit. It's not a spectacular record, but Gill's vocal strengths and guitar work are hard to deny, and these 10 songs, featuring guest spots by Delbert McClinton and Alison Krauss, represent his style very well. --Roy Francis Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Vince Sings Like No One Else.......2005-11-22

No one living today invites us into their soul like Vince Gill does when he sings a ballad. This man has no equal.

Except for the late, great Roy Orbison, Gill stands alone when singing of love's heartache or love's joy. He transmits more than words and a story when he sings. He gives us a glimpse into his heart.

In this album, Gill allows us to be his companion, confiding in us his anguish, his joy and his pain in such instant and forever classic love songs as "I Still Believe In You," Tryin' To Get Over You," "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart," and "No Future In The Past."

Take you pick. Play them. Then play them again and again. If you aren't already, you'll be addicted to this man's voice and soul when you listen to this album.

country music excellence.......2005-01-09

Rooted in traditional country music, Vince Gill is one of country music's greatest talents, and shines as a songwriter, singer and guitarist on all ten tracks of this CD, which is a terrific mix of tuneful ballads, up-tempo numbers, and a big dash of humor with "One More Last Chance". Perhaps my favorite track is "No Future in the Past", which I doggedly tried to learn on the piano, and was surprised by the complexity of the composition, with its many changes while maintaining its lovely melodic line.

At 5 x platinum, "I Still Believe in You" has been Vince's biggest selling CD, and the title song was a big hit; it won many awards, among them the CMA Song of the Year and Album of the Year for '93, as well as giving Vince the Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards, and the '93 TNN Music City Awards gave Vince the Single of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year award as well.
Vince's band is superb, and are a part of what makes this such an excellent recording, the booklet insert has all the lyrics and I do like the pensive b&w cover photo, rather unusual for a non-classical CD, but maybe appropriate, because this album is a 100 % country classic, and on my list as an essential for any CD collection of that genre.
Total playing time is 36'23 thoroughly enjoyable minutes.

Vintage Vince.......2003-04-25

With his distinctive, pure tenor and skilled songwriting ability, Vince Gill can always be counted on to deliver a quality product. 1992's I Still Believe In You was another solid, if not startling, effort from the team of Gill and megaproducer Tony Brown.

Gill wrote or co-wrote all of the songs included here with eight different collaborators. He claims only the title song was autobiographical. It is a reassurance of devotion to his wife Janis, even though the obligations of fame often impede their time together (alas, Amy Grant came along and permanently impeded their time together a few years ago). Many of Gill's slow songs have a tendency to sound alike. He gets away with it by using diverse subject matter and by coming up with lyrics that touch a universal chord. "No Future In The Past" deals with lost love while "Nothing Like A Woman sweetly extols the pleasures of having a woman to love. "Under These Conditions" looks at potential lovers who bypass adultery because their families need them while "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart" addresses the reluctance to fall in love again for fear of getting hurt.

In addition to using diverse subject matter, Gill sequences his tracks well enough that the listener is never placed into a coma. The interspersed uptempo tunes place as much emphasis on the beat as the lyrics. "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" is one of Gill's most soulful recordings ever, while "Say Hello" sounds as if it could be a revived classic from the '60s Bakersfield era - very similar to the kind of material that Dwight Yoakam has popularized. "Pretty Words" is a footstomping bluegrasse number, while "One More Last Chance" is a carefree slice of rockabilly. These faster tunes nicely convey that amidst all the seriousness, Gill relishes the chance to cut loose.

Vince's breakthrough album.......2002-07-19

I Still Believe In You was Vince Gill's breakthrough album. He does a fine job here. The title song, "I Still Believe In You", was Song Of The Year, and deservedly so. It's one of the best romantic ballads I've heard. Vince also had a couple of other mellow hit songs off this record: "Tryin' To Get Over You", which has become a classic breakup song, and the somber waltz "No Future In The Past". The other ballads aren't that bad either. The romantic song "Nothing Like A Woman", the slow two-stepping song "Say Hello", the positive love song "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart", and the song "Under These Conditions"(where the guy meets a married woman and decides that he can't have a relationship because he, too, is married) are all strong ballads from Vince. Vince rocks out here, too, and showcases his fine lead guitar. On the funky opening song, "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away", Vince collaborated on the songwriting with Pete Wasner, his buddy and keyboard player. Also, "One More Last Chance" and "Pretty Words" are both strong, high-energy tunes. Vince put out an award-winning album that is fun and listenable. I don't think anybody should miss this one.

You'll believe in this album for years to come!.......2001-10-20

Vince Gill was one of the great country singers of the late 80s all the way up to the end of the 90s, and he still is even though he hasn't released any new music in awhile. I Still Believe in You is one of Vince's best, if not his best album that he has ever made.

Of the ten tracks, five of them were HUGE hits for the country music world. These five blockbusters are: "I Still Believe in You," "One More Last Chance," "No Future in The Past," "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away," and my favorite, "Tryin' To Get Over You." Even to this day, I still hear all of those songs on the radio a lot, that's how great they are.

The five non-hits in I Still Believe in You aren't bad either. As a matter of fact, all of them are good songs, especially "Nothing Like A Woman."

I'm 21 and I like Vince Gill's music, my mom is middle-aged :) and she's a fan, and my grandfather is 87 and he says Vince Gill is his favorite country music singer. In other words, it doesn't matter how old you are, if you like great country music, get this album while you can! Even if you're not that big on country music, at least give it a listen, it might surprise you.

Average customer rating: What about the extra tracks? Complete Album still feel gone, indeed... Uncle Tupelo's best work - Still Feel Gone Oh my, now THIS works for me!

Still Feel Gone Uncle Tupelo Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: No Depression March 16-20, 1992 Anodyne Trace Straightaways ASIN: B00008J2RC Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

1. Gun
2. Looking For A Way Out
3. Fall Down Easy
4. Nothing
5. Still Be Around
6. Watch Me Fall
7. Punch Drunk
8. Postcard
9. D. Boon
10. True To Life
11. Cold Shoulder
12. Discarded
13. If That's Alright
14. Sauget Wind (Bonus Track)
15. I Wanna Destroy You (Bonus Track)
16. Watch Me Fall (Demo) (Bonus Track)
17. Looking For A Way Out (Demo) (Bonus Track)
18. If That's Alright (Demo) (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

Before March 16-20, 1992 secured Uncle Tupelo's place as Commanders in Chief of the alt-country assault during the early '90s, Still Feel Gone stated emphatically that they were no musical tumbleweeds. Though twangy, lap-steel-heavy ditties like "Watch Me Fall" and "Still Be Around" cradle a country heart, the bulk of this disc is a nod to Uncle Tupelo's garage- and punk-rock heritage. The songs find their hooks in the twittery vocals of Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy, but beware the rapid-fire drumming of Mike Heidorn. When Uncle Tupelo fires up its tribute to late Minuteman D. Boon, you'll realize there's more to these country boys than meets the ear. This 2003 expanded and remastered version includes three unreleased demos, the "Sauget Wind" single, and their rare cover of the Soft Boys' "I Wanna Destoy You." --Nick Heil

Customer Reviews:

What about the extra tracks?.......2006-10-20

Often it seems like the first cd you ever get by a band, the one that makes you a fan, that'll often be your favorite, for nostalgic reasons if nothing else. That's the case with STILL FEEL GONE for me. Even though ANODYNE is more mature and impressive, and NO DEPRESSION is more intense, somehow this is still my favorite.

It's a bit of a sluggish mess, though, sonically! I wonder if anyone who has this remastered version can talk about a) any changes in the sound and b) the quality of the bonus tracks.

[If you're curious about Uncle Tupelo and don't have any of their albums, get their "greatest hits" collection for starters. They only have 4 real albums, though. Note that "March 16-20" is a VERY acoustic album, the others all mix acoustic and electric instruments.]

Complete Album.......2006-06-30

There are only a couple songs on this album that verge on ordinary; the rest come together into a complete, albeit short, listening experience.

It's a little less from the gut than 'No Depression' but not yet overly cerebral. It rocks at times and is moody at others and evokes a sense of desperation and defiance. For some reason, while very different, it reminds me of the Stone's Sticky Fingers (but this may be a stretch)

still feel gone, indeed..........2004-12-10

a month or so ago, a buddy burned me a copy of some UT bootleg from the mid 90s (it's unofficially called 'Last Call') and though i had most of the songs, it came across as a revelation. the only missing cd i had was 'still feel gone' (i got into the band just as they were breaking up), and now i have it. the buddy who burned me the live cd said 'y'know, that band never should have broken up. those two guys brought out the best in each other, and while there are some good wilco and son volt songs, those first three albums were the high water mark.' alas, after listening to this, and going into the back catalogue to hear anodyne and march 17-21, 1992, i sadly must agree. these guys were BEYOND great; the best thing that american music produced since Gram's Flying Burrito Brothers... what fine, fine music...

Uncle Tupelo's best work - Still Feel Gone.......2004-08-22

at first listen to this remastered disc I was amazed.
thrown back at how well the songs work and feel.
this is by far the most consistent album of all the UT releases.
I highly recommend this one!

A period of transition, as one reviewer says, Not quite!
These boys wanted it and they got it. The musicianship is all there. You can't miss it!
It really shows just how well practiced these songs were and they come across that way.

I've heard these tracks in different ways and they all work just the way great songs should.

A universal arsenal of classic alt-country with a touch of sin.........

Oh my, now THIS works for me!.......2004-07-22

Having only heard a few Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt tunes, I bought this one on a hunch. Glad I did, because this one kicks A*S!

I had a hard time getting past the first 7 songs, though. I kept playing each one 3-5X in a row, because each song is a gem in it's own right. It took me hours just to get through the full CD, lol...

Buy it and enjoy it - this one is a classic for sure.

Average customer rating: Not quite as strong as SAND AND WATER but close Simple, beautiful, pure-- Listen to this with an open mind. Unspeakable loveliness! Enthralling

Deeper Still Beth Nielsen Chapman Manufacturer: Artemis Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sand and Water Look Beth Nielsen Chapman - Greatest Hits Beth Nielsen Chapman You Hold the Key ASIN: B0000639WB Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. World Of Hurt - (with John Hiatt/Andy Bey)
2. Angels By My Side
3. Every December Sky - (with John Prine)
4. Wait For The Way
5. Shake My Soul - (with Bonnie Raitt)
6. All Comes Down To Love
7. All For The Love
8. Deeper Still - (with Vince Gill)
9. Sleep
10. Feathers Bones And Shells
11. There's A Light

Amazon.com

Beth Nielsen Chapman has long been a music-industry favorite, with the likes of Elton John championing and performing her songs. To say she's had it rough, though, barely does justice to the events that inform 1997's Sand and Water and its follow-up, Deeper Still--the death of her husband and her subsequent fight with breast cancer. Deeper Still's acceptance of hard truths will resonate with many listeners, while others will raise an eyebrow at Chapman's insistence that there are "angels by [her] side." As Hallmark as she can sometimes seem, though, it feels a bit churlish to throw stones at someone who could've folded as easily as continuing to record. Deeper Still offers nothing as pop perfect as "This Kiss," the hit she cowrote for Faith Hill, but those tuned to its singer-songwriter pitch will treasure it nonetheless. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Not quite as strong as SAND AND WATER but close.......2005-07-16

This disk came after Chapman not only weathered her husband's cancer death (inspiration for SAND AND WATER) but made it through her own bout with breast cancer. Unfortunately, where her husband's tragedy made for beautiful art in the case of SAND AND WATER, Beth's own affliction didn't seem to bring the muses as readily. There are some wonderful moments here, but overall it's not as consistent as SAND AND WATER was in plumbing the depths of her emotions. As in the past, it's on the uptempo numbers Chapman falters while the ballads are surefooted and nearly universally stellar.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"Every December Sky" uses the fallen leaves of autumn as a metaphor for mortality. ("And every leaf of fire lets go/melting in the arms of Earth and snow") Bonnie Raitt guests along with frequent songwriting partner Annie Roboff on "Wait for the Way", an ode to having patience while "time heals all wounds". The title track is the finest paraphrase of "it's better to have loved and lost" I've heard. A pennywhistle and Vince Gill's harmony bolster the track, summed up in its final line "you will always have what you gave to love". "Sleep" is Chapman's paean to world music, incorporating Native American flute, Tibetan bowl, Conch shell and street sounds of an Indian market in its unorthodox arrangement. Chapman imagines death as a place with "wondrous wings and blinded eyes/that see even beyond seeing/The same heartbreaking sorrow/The same unspeakable loveliness/All at the same time/How beautiful and sad". "Feathers Bones and Shells" reminds us of how fragile life is, that "nothing escapes/the wind blowing through/the feathers, bones and shells". Beth's accompanied only by her piano and John Catching's cello. "There's a Light" is a non-denominational hymn of sorts, asserting "To this world we will die/but our hearts know/We'll see more on that side/when the door opens wide/We will fly, we will fly/we will all go". The restrained arrangement never allows itself to crest into bathos. Emmylou Harris and Kimmie Rhodes add subtle harmony as Chapman ends the album with the antithesis of opener "World of Hurt".

LOWS:
The mechanized electronic drum drone of "All for the Love" feels out of place in the context of the mostly organic sounds Chapman has offered on the bulk of the album. It's no so much "poor" as poorly used. It might have been better held onto for a future project where it would sound of a piece. It may just be incredible coincidence, but "All Comes Down to Love" sounds AMAZINGLY close musically to the PUSH STARS "Drunk is Better than Dead". At least, I'm hoping it's just astounding coincidence. The acoustic guitar parts are identical..the song is OK but the smell of plagairism ruins it for me.

BOTTOM LINE:
This still is quite a contemplative album and not "sunny pop" by any means, but it's not as laden with melancholy as SAND AND WATER was. Though I feel S.A.W. was a better work of art, you may find yourself putting this one in the player more often.

Simple, beautiful, pure--.......2003-02-13

Very simple lyrics and comes with lyrics on the jacket too! I love this CD. Listened to it all day yesterday and today... If you like her previous Sand and Water be warned this is much different. It is quite religious but not in a preachy way, more spiritual. All the songs seem quite good, except I can't seem to figure out "deeper still". Guess what? I think that's a good thing! Keep searching, and if you are thinking about buying this CD I would strongly recommend it!

Listen to this with an open mind........2002-12-16

On 1st hearing, this Jennifer Warnes 'sound-alike' conveys a religious-leaning and a preoccupation with the meaning of love. For macho males, the album could be a put-off; for those with more sensitivity, a spark of fascination could happen. For it is quickly evident that this lady is sincere in the poetry she writes. Hints arise of the writings of e.g. Leonard Cohen, Dougie MacLean, Nanci Griffith, and others. The support she is given by other singers such as John Prime and Vince Gill is unobtrusive and pleasant, and I wanted to play the album again immediately.

I consider this album to be special. This assumes that we can put aside inhibitions and listen openly to the content of the songs. Some are upbeat; many are slow and reflective.

As for the recording, the information informs us that numerous sites are used for the recordings. On good equipment this shows: in lack of clarity and in digital 'edge' to the voice. In what seems a common style in US C & W recordings, there is little ambience and the sound does not open up enough; my 'ScanSpeak' tweeters appear to have taken a vacation! A quick check with a digital editor shows clipping; with minor clip restoration, plus slight presence lift, the sound becomes more acceptable.

Do listen to the poetry...

Unspeakable loveliness!.......2002-07-12

I wanted to rate this CD 5 stars, but I think that rating should be reserved for rare works that truly stand far above the run of the mill. This one is close, but rates only 4 in my book because, despite the extremely moving tunes and gorgeous lyrics, Beth Nielsen Chapman is only an average vocalist.

This is an extremely moving CD from beginning to end. It might not lift your heart, but it will stir your soul. And art is about moving you in some way, even if it is not always upbeat and happy.

Other reviewers have commented on the famous singers who have lent thier talents to back-up vocals. This, I think, is a tribute to the strength of the material that Ms. Chapman has created.

Other reviewers have also commented on indvidual songs. The one that moved me most is called, "Sleep" as I recall. On it, Ms. Chapman sings of "The same heartcrushing sorrow, the same unspeakable loveliness... all at the same time." These lyrics could describe the entire CD.

Enthralling.......2002-06-27

I have been a fan of Beth Neilsen Chapman since I heard her perform "Sand and Water" on TV. I then spent 6 months trying to find the album. "Sand and Water" led me to her other albums. I fell in love with them all, and eagerly awaited the release of "Deeper Still." I'm very glad to say I wasn't disappointed in the least. The songs on this album are what I've come to expect from her: moving, truthful, and unique. The piano work on "Every December Sky" is beautiful, the upbeat optimism of "World of Hurt" is refreshing, and "The Feathers, the Bones, and the Shells" is a haunting piece about the transience of all we hold dear. This is a great work in the portfolio of an artist I hope to hear much, much more from.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Bluegrass Music Stellar album Brilliant work from one of bluegrass's finest! Rhonda is Fantastic! Rhonda sets fast pace with high-energy bluegrass

The Storm Still Rages Rhonda Vincent Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Back Home Again One Step Ahead All American Bluegrass Girl Ragin' Live Trouble Free ASIN: B00005K9SI Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Cry Of The Whippoorwill
2. Is The Grass Any Bluer
3. Don't Lie
4. Drivin' Nails In My Coffin
5. I'm Not Over You
6. Bluegrass Express
7. Just Somone I Used To Know
8. On Solid Ground
9. Each Season Changes You
10. My Sweet Love Ain't Around
11. You Don't Love God If You Don't Love Your Neighbor
12. When The Angels Sing
13. The Martha White Theme

Amazon.com

In recent years, Missouri-born Rhonda Vincent has become one of a handful of extraordinary singers whose voices personify the grace, power, and poetry of contemporary bluegrass music. The 13 exquisite cuts on Storm Still Rages (which she produced, and on which she is joined by luminaries like singers Alison Krauss and Sonya Isaacs, and guitarist Bryan Sutton) is a worthy follow-up to 2000's critically acclaimed Back Home Again, which marked Vincent's return to bluegrass after a foray into mainstream country. Whether on a rousing tribute to the late Bill Monroe ("Is the Grass Any Bluer"), spirited bluegrass reprises of honky-tonk classics ("Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" and Hank Williams's "My Sweet Love Ain't Around"), a sterling Vincent original ("On Solid Ground"), or a fervent, old-timey gospel number (Carl Story's "You Don't Love God if You Don't Love Your Neighbor"), Vincent reminds us what great singing, and great modern bluegrass music, is all about. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Bluegrass Music.......2007-01-01

I keep coming back to this CD when I need a traditional bluegrass fix. This CD has many traditional songs with a contemporary feel. I saw Rhonda play live when this was her currenlty released CD. I was hooked. She is just as good live as recorded. I particularly enjoy "Don't Lie" with the harmony vocals from her brother Darrin. "Cry of the Whippoorwill" is a great exapmle of Rhonda's writing skills. Buy this CD, you will fully enjoy it.

Stellar album.......2005-12-14

Rhonda Vincent is by far, the finest voice in bluegrass today. It is impossible for any review to do her voice justice; her delivery and crystal clear lonesome sound leaves the competition in the dust.....and that goes especially for another (more famous) female "bluegrass" performer that has long lost her way (are you listening Ms Krauss?). Rhonda's performance on "The Storm Still Rages" will send chills down your spine, and if you have any appreciation for real bluegrass and country music, this cd will flat knock you out. I have tried to pin down her influences, but yet, her voice is so unlike any of the pioneers of bluegrass, yet is instantly recognizable. This is the voice of the rolling hills of Virginia, or the gray, hazy, mountains of the Smokies, or the dark hollows of Kentucky and West Virginia. I hope she stays true to her sound; Lord knows, we need it. This album is just plain outstanidng, but there are a few "stand-outs" that deserve special mention. "Is The Grass any Bluer" is a brilliantly penned and delivered song revering Mr Bill Monroe; "Driving Nails in My Coffin" is the finest cover of this Ernest Tubb tune yet; "You Dont Love God..." is a beautiful gospel song that is reminiscent of summer Camp Meetings; but the finest, is by far, "I'm Not Over You" which showcases Rhonda's voice perfectly. Forget the current "NewGrass" being pushed today, and get back to the basics and tradition of true Bluegrass music. And, if you want to hear how a Martin Flat Top is played, this album will deliver!!!! A++++

Brilliant work from one of bluegrass's finest!.......2005-04-30

Rhonda Vincent's album The Storm Still Rages is nothing short of spectacular!. Rhonda not only demonstrates her incredible angelic voice, but her prowess on the mandolin. Her playing is spectacular!. From start to finish, this is a brilliant, well-produced album!. The first cut Cry of the Whippoorwill, is catchy and instantly singable. Kenny Ingrams banjo starts this track off, drawing you in. The tribute to Bill Monroe Is The Grass Any Bluer is touching, especially since I read that Rhonda got to meet the legendary Monroe on her birthday. Don't Lie is one of my favorite songs with the chorus: "Just go ahead and say goodbye, but don't lie". The up tempo Driving Nails in My Coffin is heartbreaking, and tells a story of a woman alone drinking herself to death because she can't forget her true love. I'm Not Over You is gorgeous with beautifully tight harmonies and Hunter Berry's signature grunting fiddle. Every song on this disc is a winner but my personal faves are: Cry of the Whippoorwill, Don't Lie, Solid Ground, I'm Not Over You, Driving Nails in My Coffin and My Sweet Love Ain't Around. If you love bluegrass, buy this disc. If you want to hear stellar musicians perform buy this disc! And if you have never heard of Rhonda Vincent, this disc will be played over and over again! It's in rotation in my CD player right now!.

Rhonda is Fantastic!.......2004-01-24

As always, Rhonda is terrific!

Rhonda sets fast pace with high-energy bluegrass.......2003-03-15

With a stellar cast of musicians including herself on mandolin, Rhonda sings as good as ever on this collection of upbeat songs. She is a friend and fan of Dolly Parton, so it is no surprise to see that she chose to record a couple of songs previously recorded by Dolly.

There are occasional slow songs, like Don't lie, but the bulk of this album is full of up-tempo, driving bluegrass, such as Bluegrass express and an excellent tribute to Bill Monroe (Is the grass any bluer?).

Just someone I used to know was a country top ten hit for Dolly as a duet with Porter Wagoner, although it had previously been a country top ten hit for George Jones with the title A girl I used to know. Porter and Dolly also recorded Each season changes you, another song Rhonda covers here. Rhonda does both of these songs at a faster pace than Porter and Dolly, in keeping with the mood of the album. These changes work well, but change the meaning of the songs subtly.

With Rhonda having recorded a series of very high quality albums over the previous decade, I didn't think there was any room for improvement, but this might just be the best of the lot.

Average customer rating: Songs for anyone who likes acoustic music, hurricane, drought, or otherwise Trains and Hurricanes! Why isn't she a star? One more time Unforgettable Voice, Beautiful Music

Songs for a Hurricane Kris Delmhorst Manufacturer: Signature Sounds Recordingss ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Strange Conversation Five Stories Redbird Stripping Cane Ghost Repeater ASIN: B0000AGWGB Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

1. Waiting Under The Waves
2. East Of The Mountains
3. You're No Train
4. Bobby Lee
5. Weathervane
6. Juice+June
7. Hummingbird
8. Hurricane
9. Come Home
10. Too Late
11. Wasted Word
12. Short Work
13. Mingalay

Amazon.com

A favorite of folk fans in the Boston area, the singer-songwriter makes a striking bid for a broader audience with her third release. The propulsive "East of the Mountains" and "Short Work" benefit from the backbeat of former Morphine drummer Billy Conway (Delmhorst's co-producer), while "Hurricane" builds to a furious climax through the Neil Young-style guitar squall of Kevin Barry. Multi-instrumentalist Delmhorst seasons various tracks with fiddle, cello, and guitars. Though her breathy, brooding vocals can occasionally sound a bit mannered--giving a cloying quality to the overly precious "Hummingbird"--most of the musical settings reinforce the power of her elemental imagery. While the bulk of the material evokes the turbulence of a relationship, the conviction that Delmhorst brings to her music suggests that it would take an awfully strong wind to blow her away. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Songs for anyone who likes acoustic music, hurricane, drought, or otherwise.......2006-03-26

If you needed proof that the best songwriters out there are not the most famous, Kris is it. Her voice will floor you and her lyrics will pick you back up again. Buy this album, and then go and buy Red Bird, her collaboration with P. Mulvey and J. Foucault. You won't regret it.

Delmhorsts songs are strong, implacable and iconic. In this album she really abandons the personal-confessional style of 90s-era acoustic songwriting -- and fully comes into her own, using the pure voice of metaphor, myth, and image. Delmhorst loves the negative image -- "Baby, you're no train, you're the track" ... "no more weathervane, I'm gonna be the wind / no more turn around" -- and through her gorgeous low voice you can hear the muscle of her language rippling powerfully beneath.

And what a voice! It grows dark, menacing in minor in the likes of "East of the Mountains," "Weathervane" and "Come Home on the Train," and so sweet and gauzelike in "Juice + June" and (especially) "Mingalay" that the hard of heart would grow teary-eyed to hear her.

Simply put, this album is a keeper.

Trains and Hurricanes!.......2005-02-13

I don't buy much North American music, though you'll find Caroline Lavelle, Loreena Mckennitt, Mae Moore, Sarah McLachlan, October Project, Paul Simon, Kristine W, Milla Jovovich, and Over the Rhine in my collection (all of these, by the way, are recommended). Kris Delmhorst was unknown to me until just a few weeks ago. Based on a personal recommendation (thanks a million, Katie!) I bought it, and I have been listening to it almost non-stop since. I adore this album!

To those unfamiliar with this artist, her voice is somewhat reminiscent of McLachlan's, but the songs are moodier, less contrived, and seem more personal than McLachlan's. In that respect, her work has more in common with Mae Moore, but with a more visceral approach.

Several of the songs contain imagery of trains and hurricanes, the reasons for which are mysterious....

Why isn't she a star?.......2004-05-17

I love female singer-songwriters-- I'm a huge fan of Gillian Welch as well as Joni Mitchell, Ani Difranco, the Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, etc. I'm always on the lookout for more to add to list, and if you'll let me mix my metaphors, Kris Delmhorst is a diamond in a haystack. Her voice and lyrics are beautiful and I'm really surprised that she isn't better known. Thank goodness I happened upon amazon's free download because I had never heard of this amazing woman. I went right out and bought all of her CDs and every last one is worth it. The songs range from mellow and introspective to rollicking and bluegrassy. If you like Alison Kruass, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, or the Indigo Girls I almost guarantee you'll appreciate Kris's albums.

One more time.......2004-03-13

This is one of those rare cds that I can listen to for days at a time and not get tired or annoyed. There is quite the musical mix and yet Kris's voice is constantly blending in perfectly as it floats over the music. This cd has it all: upbeat 'bluegrassy' songs such as "Bobby Lee", "East of The Mountains", "Come Home" and "Short Work". It has slow, jazzy songs "Waiting Under the Waves" and "Juice+June". Then there are the more 'rocky' songs "Wasted Word", "Weathervane". And of course, my personal favorites, the sad, mellow songs that really allow Kris's vocals to shine "Too Late", "You're No Train", and "Mingalay". "Hummingbird" is one of the most beautiful songs I have EVER heard and it is my favorite of this cd. I can get lost in this music and that is a good thing. Kris has a unique and soulful voice that can put me to sleep or get me excited to be alive. I love this cd and highly recommend it to all!!

Unforgettable Voice, Beautiful Music.......2004-01-27

Admittedly, I'm a sucker for great women singers. But on this album Kris Delmhorst shows she has much more than a distinctive voice, bringing a thematically linked set of songs together with some wonderful musicianship by Delmhorst and her band. And yet, it really is Delmhorst's voice that makes this an album to listen to both casually and carefully... repeatedly. But while you listen, you'll also find that this CD shows lots of respect for folk music styles. A sample of the songs and why I can't stop listening:

"East of the Mountains"
This country ballad displays something of Delmhorst's feel for a range of music styles. The voice here has all the rich texture of the gentler songs on the album, but applied to a quick-tempo tale of a woman "sent away" by her family, never to see her lover again, Delmhorst registers both sensual longing and resilient anger.

"Bobby Lee"
Of the many songs on the album that give Delmhorst a chance to really give the warmth of her voice full sway, this along with "Mingalay" may be the best. And while the star here is the wonderful tone of voice that gives the song's simple melody its full emotional range, the more I listen, the more I find myself thinking about its subject... the difficulty of "rolling the stone away" in a maybe-permanently broken relationship.

This song is a great example of just how resourceful a musician Delmhorst is, neither just a singer nor just a songwriter. You sense here that the album has a non-ostentatious feel for making use of its range of resources, much like you do when you listen to Merrie Amsterberg's "Little Steps" or Lucinda Williams' "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" (as different as those artists are from Delmhorst).

"Juice and June"
At her most sultry here, Delmhorst and her band take it slow to get across the beauty of dancing toward passion, under the influence of "juice and June." The lovely risks of letting yourself fall too soon, which are slyly linked here to the pleasures of indulging in the music itself, give the song that wonderful quality of being a song about falling that lures its listener into falling for the song's own "juice and June."

"Hurricane"
I just have to begin by saying that this one sends chills down my spine. Again, and again. Why? Well, the song is about loving (someone's) storminess. It's an appealing tune, makes you want to sing it. And while the lyrics aren't unnecessarily tangled up with poetry... the texture of Delmhorst's voice gets a hold of the passion without histrionics... that is, through singing in the purest sense, not a display of singing. She handles the song the way a great actor does a great monologue, letting the material fully register in herself and show her the way to give it voice. And so she let's the song unfold toward its stormy closing instrumental burst in a way that feels organic.

"Come Home"
A song that could show up on a Gillian Welch album, here played simply with background rain effects, and sung with that remarkable voice. Listen to it on headphones to hear how Delmhorst keeps it simple and yet there's nothing simple in a voice working with a song's genre to capture its expressive range while staying true to its style.

"Wasted Word"
A sweet tune, about making the "wasted" past right in the lovely present. Pain has never looked so sweet, sincerely so, but you can't sing this song and make it believable unless you have a voice that can capture pain and beauty at once.

"Short Work"
A sort of country shuffle on betrayal and paying it back. Again, Delmhorst knows how to work within the song's shape to texture it musically but not interfere with the expressive potentials that it has as written.

"Mingalay"
An album that circles its hurricane theme throughout would not be complete without a traditional sailor's ballad... given a thoughtful update here through Delmhorst's final verse that complements the song's traditional look homeward from the sea with a look out to sea from those waiting on land. Played here with a bluesy sultriness, the song allows Delmhorst to handle the melody with a characteristic mix of aching tenderness and passion.

And again, you'll be torn between singing along and listening in rapt silence. To me, a singer who can cultivate precisely this conflict in the listener must be doing something right.

If you want to get a sense of just how remarkable the songwriting is here, do this: make a short playlist for yourself of
"East of the Mountains"
"Bobby Lee"
"Juice and June"
"Hurricane"
"Wasted Word"
"Mingalay"
and give this short set a listen. I defy you to find me a more beautiful set of songs on any recent recording, though each is different in style. But don't keep listening to this short set, go back to the full CD and listen to it all.

This is very, very good songwriting, musicianship, and, not least of all, singing. Spread the word, because this is an artist who deserves an appreciative audience.

Music Album:

1. Suzie: The Hickory Anthology 1961-1965
2. Texotica
3. That'll Flat Git It!, Vol. 2: Rockabilly From The Decca Vaults
4. The 25 Year Collection, Vol. 2
5. The Best Of [Import]
6. The Best of: Statue of a Fool
7. The Complete '60s Duets
8. The Essential Lee Clayton 1978 [Import]
9. The Essential Willie Nelson
10. They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore

Music Album