Mood Country

About the Artist
NEWELL OLER PIANIST EXTRAORDINARE 08/17/1934-10/21/2001

Newell Franklin Barrett was a product of Texas. He grew up in Mount Pleasant, Texas and lived with his grandparents, Rich and Ethel Barrett. They, along with his aunt, Arrie Barrett Moreland were very influential to his upbringing. Arrie figured strongly in his formative years as a pianist by supervising his practice and encouraging new goals in contest performance. She was the one who discovered his ability of perfect pitch. Around 1938, about age 4, his uncle pulled into the driveway and tapped twice on his car horn. Newell ran over to the piano and climbed up on the piano stool and played middle c and e above. His aunt heard him and came into the living room and said, "Do that again." Newell played the notes again and said "car horn." That was how this piece of talent was discovered.

While growing up, there were always recitals and appearances in and for local service clubs. He also frequently performed in this grandfather’s restaurant. Classical music was about all he could play and the local folks would applaud politely. Every once in a while someone would come over and ask, "how about giving us a little boogie woogie?" That was sometimes tough to accommodate since there were few boogie woogies in print in those days. Newell was a serious young man and one of the most significant needs in his early life was that of solitude and time to pursue knowledge from books and exploration of hobbies. Of course, the old upright piano was also a constant friend in early childhood.

As he matured, his facility with the piano was such that playing things by ear was easier than learning the music. However, once in college, one of his Russian teachers discovered that Newell preferred the keys with flats, over the keys laden with sharps. So, this teacher, gave Newell Rachnaminoff concerto in F# minor, a Stravinsky etude in F3 major and a prelude and Fugue by Bach. At this time, Newell also began studying with German, Italian and Russian teachers and composers, and earnestly pursued the quest for excellence in his music throughout his college years.

From age 16, he had dreamed of a piano that would have its own string accompaniment with perfect synchronization. In 1977 he drew up some designs for the pianist to access various sting sections utilizing the latest synchronization techniques. The design was enough to get the Yamaha Company to study it and five years later (1982) things begin to happen. In reality, it was five more years before this piano was actually ready for Newell to play for the first time. He was so pleased, he eventually acquired two of the pianos.

His career spanned over five decades and his accomplishments were many. From teaching children's music, to performing in various highly respected bands and orchestras. Newell’s experiences eventually led him to his distinguished solo career. He shared his gift, playing the finest venues in the Dallas area, including the Loews’s Anatole hotel for twelve years. As a recording artist, Newell produced 23 CD’s of his own inspired piano interpretations of classic and popular compositions, as well as his own original works.

Newell fully appreciated the wondrous musical gift he was given by god. Next to his family, music was always the main focus of his life. He also had a great sense of humor and passion for knowledge and learning. His great music accomplishments will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Product Description:
This CD features solo piano arrangements of country songs, played in a classical style.

Mood Country,Newell Oler,The Orchard,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: More than a niche singer.... Nancy tugs the heartstrings! Lush and delicious thud "This song don't tell no lies..." and neither does she!

Ruby's Torch Nanci Griffith Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Calling I've Always Needed You West A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection Hearts in Mind ASIN: B000IOM0QU Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. When I Dream
2. If These Walls Could Speak
3. Ruby's Arms
4. Never Be The Sun
5. Bluer Than Blue
6. Brave Companion Of The Road
7. Grapefruit Moon
8. Please Call Me, Baby
9. Late Night Grande Hotel
10. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
11. Drops From The Faucet

Amazon.com

Folk/country singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith shifts into chanteuse mode on this lovely outing. The sumptuous string-drenched arrangements are a change from Griffith's typically stark recordings featuring acoustic guitar and skeletal backing, but it's a natural progression in her nearly three-decade career. She has previously worked with an orchestra, on 1999's The Dust Bowl Symphony, but those results were mixed, due to the instruments' nearly overwhelming presence. On Ruby's Torch, the accompaniment is more organically integrated, and the sound supports Griffith instead of vice versa. No stranger to covers, Griffith taps Tom Waits for three of his older ballads, Jimmy Webb for one, and a few less famous tunesmiths: Donagh Long, Frank Christian, and Charles Goodrum, whose "Bluer than Blue" is a highlight. The durable "Late Night Grande Hotel," one of Griffith's most enduring originals, also makes an appearance in what could be its defining version. This is beautiful music for somber, but not depressing, moods, and closing-time last calls. The chestnut "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," best known in its classic rendition by Frank Sinatra, fits perfectly in this company, and the opening "When I Dream," written by Sandy Mason, sets the tone of regret and longing, both in life and love, that dominates the album. This lush, reflective work is a wonderful vehicle for Griffth's yearning, supple voice. It shows her to be as commanding a torch-song interpreter as a guitar-strumming roots veteran, and points the way for future projects in this vein. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Rounder Records is pleased to announce the release of Ruby's Torch, a new album by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and "folkabilly" artist Nanci Griffith. Ruby's Torch is a collection of intimate torch songs, some penned by Griffith, others by some of her musical heroes. "Recording an entire record of torch songs has been a dream come true for me," says Griffith, "and something my listeners have been asking me to do for many years."

Rather than relying on tried-and-true torch standards, she pays homage to an eclectic array of influences. "When I Dream" has been performed by Crystal Gayle and Willie Nelson, and represents country balladry at its most powerful. Griffith also tips her hat to Jimmy Webb, whose masterful songwriting is at its peak in the touching "If These Walls Could Speak." Griffith offers lush interpretations of three Tom Waits numbers: "Grapefruit Moon," "Ruby's Arms," and "Please Call Me, Baby."

Also included is "Bluer Than Blue," the bittersweet ballad penned by Charles Goodrum and popularized in the late '70s by one of the masters of mellow country-pop, Michael Johnson. Griffith also offers her take on the bluesy, winsome "Drops From the Faucet," written by former Blue Moon Orchestra Guitarist Frank Christian, as well as the delicate yearning of "Never Be the Sun" by Irish baladeer Donal MacDonagh Long.

The one track with a genuine torch pedigree, "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" (popularized by the inimitable Frank Sinatra), fits in seamlessly, thanks to Griffith's ability to mesh her many inspirations and deliver them with her own charismatic style.

"The challenge in performing these songs is that you have to somehow remain true to the spirit of the song but infuse it with your own story," Griffith explains. "If you don't fill the song with your own emotions, then you really are just going through the motions."

Backing Griffith on this collection is the Blue Moon Orchestra, which has been with her since 1986. Over the past two decades these musicians have evolved with Griffith every step of the way. Which is what makes the reinvented versions of "Brave Companion of the Road" (from Griffith's 1989 album, Storm) and the title track to her 1991 album, Late Night Grand Hotel, so fascinating.

"Sometimes you find whole new personalities in songs when you perform them in a new setting," Griffith observes. "It's like looking at a landscape from different angles. You can really appreciate all the textures and features of the terrain if you approach it from different directions."

Griffith has been described as a singer-songwriter's singer-songwriter, but the accolade really rings true if you consider some of her biggest fans: Bob Dylan (who requested that Griffith sing "Boots of Spanish Leather" at his Madison Square Garden anniversary concert) as well as Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson, who have performed Griffith's songs. And then there are the awards: five Grammy nominations (including a win for 1993's Other Voices, Other Rooms) and two more for her dazzling performances on albums by the Chieftains.

Customer Reviews:

More than a niche singer...........2007-04-30

It amazes me how narrow minded some of the reviewers are about her work.....my God...the risk is the reward...is it about comfort food ????? This is not at all uncharacteristic in relation to the total body of her work, either. She may sing about Loretta, but she ain't her!!! Keep on Torchin', Nanci!!!!!!

Nancy tugs the heartstrings!.......2007-04-11

I wouldn't normally go for this kind of schmalz, but Nancy carries this off with passion, and restraint. Beautifully orchestrated, understated arrangements, and Oh That Voice! Fantastic in the car, but please remember...don't cry and drive!

Lush and delicious.......2007-04-01

I admit it. I am totally prejudiced when it comes to Nanci Griffith. I first discovered her music in the mid-1980s when she was a relative newcomer and I was kinda depressed, in need of a special friend. Well, I've been hooked ever since. Nanci's songs are, indeed, like a good friend. They have seen me through both good times and bad times. I love all her albums, some admittedly more than others. Her latest, "Ruby's Torch", is no exception.

Nanci Griffith's new album evokes memories of an earlier one, "Dustbowl Symphony", which was a major departure in style for her at the time. The main differences, of course, are that most of the songs on "Ruby's Torch" are covers and the orchestra is not as overwhelming. It is still lush and delicious, however. But get out your handkerchiefs. By the third song, Tom Waits's "Ruby's Arms", you may just go over the edge. My personal favorite on this album is Donal Long's "You'll Never Be the Sun." And Nanci's own "Late Night Grande Hotel" is always a good one for turning on the waterworks. It really hits close to home for me.

Whether you are a longtime Nanci Griffith fan or are just discovering her, you will not be disappointed in "Ruby's Torch." You may need a teensy hit of Prozac afterward, though. LOL. I can't wait to see Nanci in person in a few weeks as she swings by on her latest tour. It will be interesting to see if she has a string orchestra or just the usual band of Blue Moon suspects led by the fearless James Hooker.

thud.......2007-03-26

Nanci is not a torch singer--this was an unfortunate decision to make this album. It is not what the genre tag suggests--alternative country, texas music--it is another feeble attempt at pop. This listener longs for Nanci's early days.

"This song don't tell no lies..." and neither does she!.......2007-03-11

I have to confess, this isn't quite what I was expecting when I heard Nanci Griffith was making an album of torch songs. That did seem like a pretty good fit for her, and I'm not sure exactly what I did expect, but not this. Which is perhaps why it took me a few listens before I found myself enjoying it. But first impressions can be wrong, and it's definitely grown on me.

For a heavily orchestrated set, there are still moments of more characteristic spareness. This is especially noticeable in the beautiful opening track, "When I Dream." It features waves of soaring strings, but also moments of just Nanci and her guitar between them, and the mix works remarkably well. To varying degrees, that happens again and again throughout the album. There are a number of other standout songs along the way, particularly the three from Tom Waits: "Ruby's Arms," "Grapefruit Moon," and "Please Call Me, Baby." (Waits might seem like an unlikely source for torch songs, but here as always, his songs are far more versatile than his own recordings would have you think.)

As is often the case, we are also treated to a couple of reworkings of her own songs, and "Brave Companion of the Road" has never sounded better. I'm less impressed with the updating of "Late Night Grande Hotel," if only because the original was already so brilliant - and torch-y enough in its own right. Still, it's a natural fit for this set. So is "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," which fits much better here than it did on the Clock Without Hands album. (I haven't listened to that one in so long that I can't tell if this is the same recording or not. I'm guessing it's probably not, since she has changed labels since then. To be fair, I seem to recall reading that she only included it on that set because it was her mother's favorite song and she was ill at the time.) Finally, "Drops from the Faucet" might be the best closing track on any of her albums, and it's not quite like anything else she's ever done.

It's not perfect. "Bluer than Blue" is a bit too pop for my tastes, and its contemporary style doesn't quite fit with the overall sound of the album in my opinion. But overall, it's a great set, traditional and original all at once, from a songstress who can usually be counted on for that.

Average customer rating: A Superb Composer More Torch, Less Twang good nick lowe I Dug It, You Will Too Gamble paid off.

Dig My Mood Nick Lowe Manufacturer: Upstart / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Impossible Bird The Convincer Party of One At My Age Labour of Love-Music of Nick Lowe ASIN: B0000065VU Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

1. Faithless Lover
2. Lonesome Reverie
3. You Inspire Me
4. What Lack Of Love Has Done
5. Time I Took A Holiday
6. Failed Christian
7. Man That I've Become
8. Freezing
9. High On A Hilltop
10. Lead Me Not
11. I Must Be Getting Over You
12. Cold Grey Light Of Dawn

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Who'd have dreamed that Nick Lowe, one-time New Wave smart aleck at large, would reemerge in the '90s as a soulful balladeer? And yet 1998's Dig My Mood is a splendid study in moody, bar-time reverie, as is the lost treasure that is its predecessor, The Impossible Bird. The onetime hit man (remember "Cruel to Be Kind"?) may not have rediscovered the commercial base he'd once accumulated, but, against the odds, he's making the finest albums of his lengthy career. --Steven Stolder

Amazon.com

Three decades on, Nick Lowe has evolved from British pub-rock pioneer (with Brinsley Schwarz) to new wave godfather (producing Elvis Costello, among others) to postrock crooner. It's a surprising but convincing transformation, begun with the country-inflected minimalism of 1994's superb The Impossible Bird and pared to an even leaner chamber pop on this subdued charmer. Bird found Lowe damping his jokester's instincts to dig deeply and soberly into romantic despair and a gnawing, midlife confrontation of self. While the tracks on Dig My Mood suggest that some of the wounds have healed, there's still an elegiac air to songs like "Faithless Lover," "What Lack of Love Has Done," and "Failed Christian" that qualifies these as songs of experience. Lowe's baritone has deepened and acquired a deft finesse with redeeming glimmers of wit and no loss of intelligence. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

A Superb Composer.......2007-02-07

this recording is a long Meddle of San Tropez by Pink Floyd , just wonderful songs ... Can't wait to hear the Impossible Bird ...

More Torch, Less Twang.......2005-03-17

Three and a half stars compared to Impossible Bird. Expecting the twang of that masterpiece, I was initially disappointed in Dig My Mood. But a few spins persuaded me, in particular the songs Faithless Lover, Lonesome Reverie, Man That I've Become and Cold Grey Light Of Dawn.

The sound at first appears to be of the Jim Reeves style of country, but there is definitely a lounge element. You Inspire Me, for example, is a jazzy number, balanced out by the uptempo country-pop of What Lack Of Love Has Done with its gently lilting melody.

The brooding Failed Christian is a sad, moving song with sympathetic backing, whilst the rhythmic uptempo Man That I've Become with its lovely tune is coloured blue by the exquisite organ. This being the closest to the sound of Impossible Bird, it is my favorite on the album.

Freezing is another jazzy excursion, and is followed by the uplifting High On A Hilltop, another tuneful song with exquisite guitar infusions. Lead Me Not has a gospel feel with Nick in a different voice. The album concludes with the soulful rhythmic ballad Cold Grey Light Of Dawn.

Dig My Mood is another gem by this talented artist. The lyrics and the melodies are gripping and although I miss the twang of that other album, the organ here more than makes up for it. Nick Lowe is a highly accomplished musician and songwriter with a consistent output of quality music; I hope he gets more recognition one day.

good nick lowe.......2004-08-03

Lead Me Not is a great song. So is Faithless Lover a great dichotomy-faithless lover there is no other. This should have won some awards. Failed Christian is really as true as you can get.

I Dug It, You Will Too.......2002-08-08

I'll be honest, I miss the rollickin, rockin good time smart alec that Nick Lowe once was (check out PARTY OF ONE or COWBOY OUTFIT) but whatever he does, he does it well. Lowe has ever been a bit of a musical chameleon, that was rather the point of JESUS OF COOL, after all. Once upon a time, he did British Invasion pop with Kippenton Lodge (see HENS TEETH by Brinsley Schwarz) then he did Byrds style country rock and psychedelia (early Brinsley Schwarz) and then he did country, pub and rockabilly solo and with Rockpile. Here he has transformed himself into a soulful lounge singer who actually has a soul. Few performers could pull off so many styles and stay true to their muse, but the Basher is a master. Best tracks are `Failed Christian', `What Lack Of Love Has Done', `Man That I've Become' and especially `Faithless Lover'. All are heartfelt, moving songs with a quiet intensity that Nick has hinted at for years (check out `You Make Me' from LABOR OF LUST or 'Heart' on NICK THE KNIFE) but which really came to the fore with the excellent IMPOSSIBLE BIRD. Here the transformation is complete. I'll admit, it took me a while to get into this album, since it was so different from most of his earlier output, but every Nick Lowe gets better with repeated listening. That is what makes him a genius.

Gamble paid off........2001-09-15

I had heard an interview with N.L. on NPR and I bought this album without really knowing what to expect. I listen to this album all the time and even though I've since gotten more N.L., this is my favorite. It is swanky, mellow and witty.

Average customer rating: Alabama - In the Mood. The Love Songs What A Way To Go! Alot of the popular songs, but missing some of the classics. Really In the Mood bama review

In the Mood: Love Songs Alabama Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Alabama 20 # 1 Hits Alabama - Greatest Hits III Mountain Music Christmas II The American Farewell Tour ASIN: B00006JO4U Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. I'm In The Mood
2. The Living Years
3. When We Make Love
4. Touch Me When We're Dancing
5. Feels So Right
6. How Do You Fall In Love
7. Fallin' Again
8. Lady Down On Love
9. The Closer You Get
10. If I Had You
11. We Can't Love Like This Anymore
12. Then Again

Tracks:

1. Here We Are
2. Face To Face
3. Take Me Down
4. In Pictures
5. Close Enough To Perfect
6. Forever's As Far As I'll Go
7. Love In The First Degree
8. There's No Way
9. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You
10. Nothing Comes Close
11. Once Upon A Lifetime

Amazon.com

While their success has long been celebrated since their first No. 1 singles in 1980, Alabama's influence tends to be ignored. The quartet's sustained success opened doors for bands from Exile, Shenandoah, and Confederate Railroad to Diamond Rio. Commemorating the end of their active touring career was occasion for this, their 24th album, which is not a garden-variety "greatest hits" package. This compilation reflects their more romantic side, beginning with 1981's "Feels So Right," their 1983 hit cover of Rita Coolidge's pop hit "The Closer You Get," and the Carpenters' "Touch Me When We're Dancing" (1986). Mixing original material with quality songs from, among others, Mike Reid and Ronnie Rogers allowed them to maintain their momentum. Two recent recordings, "In the Mood" and "The Living Years," bring the collection full circle. Their ability to sustain this softer side so strongly and consistently, even as they galvanized fans with catchy, upbeat singles like "Mountain Music," reflects a legacy that will resonate for the foreseeable future. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Alabama - In the Mood. The Love Songs.......2003-08-03

Good album for when you're feeling romantic. Best song on the album is the title song "In the Mood" which has a great, bluesy guitar reminiscent of the one on Chris Isaac's Heart-Shaped world.

What A Way To Go!.......2003-03-31

It's sad to see Alabama retire but I guess after 20+ years they deserve it. In The Mood again is an Alabama classic despite that there are only two previously unreleased tracks on this awesome CD. Every song is a fantastic classic hit. This compilation was very well picked and all the songs are truely awesome love songs. If Alabama wanted to give us one final hoooraaahhhhhhhh! ---- then this is it and they went out with a bang! I would highly recommend this CD to any Alabama fan. All the awesome love songs together on a double CD. What more could we ask for as a grand finale? Happy retirement Alabama and thank you for all those years of beautiful music!

Alot of the popular songs, but missing some of the classics........2003-02-27

Do you really need to hear the CD to review it? Well, it's pretty obvious that a lot of these songs are collections of ones they've done before. However, I think they kept it a little in the safe zone and didn't take any risks on songs that may not have been chart toppers but probably didn't get the airtime they deserved. I believe Burn Georgia Burn from the Feel So Right album (CD, whatever it was album back then) was one of the best love songs they have ever done, and it's not even sung by Randy Owens. With that said, it's Alabama so I'd be kidding myself to give them anything lower than four stars.

Really In the Mood.......2003-02-20

When I saw the songs on this album, I said, if they're calling it quits, why not make a bunch of new songs? I think that's exactly what they didn't wish to do, keep their success, not just fill up their Farewell album with Filler. The last new ones, In the Mood, a man coming home from work after an especially tough day, (we all know those) and The Living Years (I think this is a remake of an older song) seem to not be the tracks I foresaw as, the end. But from Track 3 to Track 20-something, there's nothing but good old hits, oldies for forever. God bless Alabama, whereever they Go!

bama review.......2003-02-10

Not having the album, and not having heard all of the album
I can say that what I did hear was outstanding.
Hard to believe the group is getting ready to call it quits.

Average customer rating: Best Kept Secret This cd is violin rockin! Kick Tooshie CD of the Year!

Collaborations Will Taylor and Strings Attached Manufacturer: Heart ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reel Life Live From Austin Spiritual Appliances Necessary Angels RetroSpecto ASIN: B000A2H3RQ Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. Easy Rider
2. Set The Prairie On Fire
3. Volcanoes
4. Cinnamon
5. New Monkey King
6. Ocean Of Fears
7. In This Life
8. My Name Is Truth
9. Tigris
10. Never Is A Moment
11. For The Brave
12. It's Alright

Customer Reviews:

Best Kept Secret.......2005-12-16

For all who are looking for a CD with substance and actual talent look no further. There are no doubts about Will Taylor and the CD Collaborations. With influences and sounds sampled from all over the world, only a true master of music can combine all styles into one intangible sound. Teamed with an all-star cast of some of Texas most notable artists you cant lose Once you learn it was recorded live, you make a double take of the sound quality of the performances. Truely tops for al music lovers, wait no longer, the real music has arrived!!!

This cd is violin rockin!.......2005-12-15

These songs are well-tailored interpretations of singer-songwriters' original intentions. Will Taylor's arrangements are characteristic of his guest artists' personal styles. That is what makes the CD so entertaining to listen to, these arrangements are elaborative measures taken to already superb pieces. The result is a cross-genre awakening for anyone who thought they had heard every kind of music.

Kick Tooshie CD of the Year!.......2005-10-20

This CD is the best album that I have heard in a LONG time. Most of the music that is out now is mainstream garbage and this album gives you originality and new sound. Every song is good and you would really regret not buying this album, seriously. This CD is one that you can kick back and relax to, the perfect chill album. Listening to this album makes me feel like I'm on vacation. Really, it's that good. This is not one of those albums that you buy and only like one song and makes you feel like you wasted money. EVERY song is amazing. The sound quality is superb. This is live? I am blown away.

Average customer rating:

Mood Country Manufacturer: NOME Co. of Dallas, Inc. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Country Boy - City Boy Wandering and Remembering Listen To The Calm Autumn Song Because You Asked ASIN: B00006BSXF Release Date: 1999-02-01

Tracks:

1. Crazy
2. I Love You So Much It Hurts Me
3. Lady
4. You Saw Me Crying in the Chapel
5. Seeing the Right Love Go Wrong
6. The Twelfth of Never
7. Behind Closed Doors
8. Sweet Maria Dont You Cry
9. Tennessee Waltz
10. Can I have This Dance
11. Tie a Yellow Ribbon
12. He'll Have To Go
13. Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow
14. I Can't Stop Loving You
15. Raining in My Heart

Album Description

This CD features solo piano arrangements of country songs, played in a classical style.

Average customer rating: LAGQ Guitar Heroes by the LAGQ A Guitar Grimoire for 6 string enthusiasts

LAGQ - Guitar Heroes (Multichannel Hybrid SACD) Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Los Angeles Guitar Quartet | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition Friday Night in San Francisco (Stereo SACD) Telarc SACD Sampler: Sound and Vision David Chesky: Area 31 [Hybrid SACD] Time Out ASIN: B000294RMG Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

1. Icarus
2. B & B
3. We Know You Know: Reverie For Mahavishnu
4. Pluck, Strum And Hammer
5. Letter From Home
6. Uarekena
7. Aire Para Un Dia (Mood For A Day)
8. Gyspy Flower
9. Pop
10. El Baile De Luis Alonso
11. Lament And Wake
12. Let's Be Frank
13. Blue Echo/Country Gentleman

Customer Reviews:

LAGQ Guitar Heroes by the LAGQ.......2005-03-24

This was the Grammy award winner in classical crossover for 2005. It is great if you appreciate the innovators in 20th century guitar music. Listen to The "Assad Duo" and a rock remedition of a Michael Hedges tribute" Lament and Wake which stand out. Both these songs got great reviews as arrangements by the newspaper critics. Get the multi channel version if you have a a top notch audio system with the speakers to show off the enginneering. If you just want "pretty" background music this is not an album for you.

A Guitar Grimoire for 6 string enthusiasts.......2004-08-14

This is an exciting display of 6 string prowess that really isn't classical, yet will inevitably become a classic. It is an amazing tour de force worthy of the California Guitar Trio. The efforst here focus on composers and players who are heroes to this quartet, and it is a compendium of the best: McLaughlin, Hendrix, Metheny, Towner, Howe, Rheinhart. Each and every selection is brilliant whether they are essaying Norman Blake or Frank Zappa. York, Tennant, Kanengiser and Dearman command their instruments with power and discipline, and the finessse and passion leaps off the strings. The fretwork is a tribute to each of the heroes honored, and indeed this is truly an honouring of great fretmen. The digital encoding of the disc is such that you get a very precise definition of who is playing spacially from right to left. Very impressive, as you would expect from Telarc.
Their take on Towner's "Icarus" is both timely and quite a creative adjustment of the tempo. Steve Howe's "Mood For A Day" undergoes a makeover as a flamenco tour de force, and it actually comes off even more amazing than Howe's various re-workings of this abstemious wonder. At times, the compositions are those of the heroes, at others it is the LAGQ's composition evoking essential qualities of the personalities honoured. It works beautifully on all accounts. If you are a fan of acoustic guitars, or even of any of the guitarists honoured here, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

Average customer rating: An Outstanding Hommage to the Greats of All-Styles of Guitar LAGQ: "Decent" Fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners I Should Have Known Better Totally satisfying

LAGQ's Guitar Heroes Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Los Angeles Guitar Quartet | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of L.A.G.Q. LAGQ: Latin For Thy Pleasure L.A.G.Q. L.A. Guitar Quartet: Evening In Granada ASIN: B00020PVUC Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

1. Icarus
2. B & B
3. We Know You Know: Reverie For Mahavishnu
4. Pluck, Strum, And Hammer
5. Letter From Home
6. Uarekena
7. Aire Para Un Dia (Mood For A Day)
8. Gypsy Flower
9. Pop
10. El Baile De Luis Alonso
11. Lament And Wake
12. Let's Be Frank
13. Blue Echo/Country Gentleman

Amazon.com

These guys are amazing. This CD is for everyone, regardless of "favorite" musical tastes. Classical, pop, new-age, country, whatever: the LAGQ's virtuosity is stunning, and the sounds they make are engaging, clear and clean (and aided by recording engineers who should win the Nobel Prize for recording, were there such a thing). Nominally, this CD is inspired by the heroes of the four members of LAGQ, but that's only a piece of information: What they do with music by, or indebted to, or inspired by their "heroes" is the issue, and it's never less than original, by turns lovely (the Pat Metheny piece), reckless and innovatively busy (Jimi Hendrix's "Pluck, Strum and Hammer"---with gorgeous harmonics), flamenco (Steve Howe's "Aire para un dia," totally re-conceived), and kitchen-sink (Frank Zappa's "Let's be Frank"). Even the infuriating John McLaughlin is well represented. The recording is vivid and the artists are identified from left to right, speaker-wise. And the Chet Atkins piece that closes the CD is nothing short of delicious. What is this uncategorizable CD? A joy---that's what. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Hommage to the Greats of All-Styles of Guitar.......2006-06-25

It goes without saying the the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is in fact the BEST performing guitar ensemble in the world right now. The quartet always impresses me with their variety, technique, musicianship, ensemble playing and innovation. The playing and material on this album reflects just that. The variety reflects many different styles: contemporary classical, rock, jazz, avant garde, new age, bluegrass, country and flamenco. The technique is spotless, the musicianship is incredibly fine tuned the group plays together perfectly and the selections are fresh, new and very interesting. It's a true treat to hear nylon stringed classical guitars playing tribute to their greats and the greats of their electric counterparts.

To talk about highlight tracks on this album just wouldn't be fair. There are too many. The cover of Ralph Towner's "Icarus" is exciting in its use of special guitar techniques, its Brazillian flavor and Andrew Yorks amazing improvised solo. The bouncy tribute to Norman Blake and David Bromberg is fun and incredibly enerjetic. The hommages to McLaughlin and Hendrix are provocative, strange and haunting. Following those two abrasive, dissonant cuts is a beautiful transcription of Pat Metheny's Letter from Home and Sergio Assad's very cool composition "Uarekena." The disc also features a flamenco reworking of Yes's "Mood for a Day," a tribute to gypsy great Django Reinhard, a Romeros quartet piece bubbling with Spanish flair, the extended technique ridden Michael Hedges tribute, an avant garde nod to Frank Zappa and a bouncy country influenced salute to Chet Atkins. Every cut is strong and is oozing with LAGQ perfection and nuance.

The other cool thing about this album is that it is mixed in stereo. The players are mixed across the speakers so that the arrangements can be aurally analyzed much easier. This album is a must have for any fan of the guitar... not just classical players.

LAGQ: "Decent".......2006-02-21

Bought this album because I thought the last tune on it was very catchy. The rest of the album didn't seem so great, possibly because my girlfriend wouldn't shut up and listen to it. I am going to listen to it some more without her. It is all instrumental, all guitar, and just not bad.

Fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners .......2006-01-31

LAGQ's CD "Guitar Heroes" begins with their take on Ralph Towner's classic Icarus. This choice proves an apt one, for like this mythical Greek hero, LAGQ strives to accomplish something great and wonderful, but instead crashes to earth.

In fact, the CD begins with much promise, leading with the soaring cover of Icarus and the well-done homage to Blake and Bromberg "B&B." Then the McLaughlin and Hendrix tributes founder badly before the band achieves stability with a pair of unexciting but listenable tunes in honor of Pat Metheney and the Assad Duo (I always thought it was the other way around, Duo Assad).

A rather horrid homage to Steve Howe and a lackluster one for Django Reinhardt are countered by the brief but clever Duane York, a nice yoking together of slide and classical styles. The tip of the cap to Los Romeros is OK, but then the overlong, often irritating tributes to Michael Hedges and Frank Zappa do not add any luster to either of these late guitarists' legacies and set the CD on a terminal downward spiral.

The nice tribute to Chet Atkins that concludes this set is not enough to restore altitude and the whole effort essential crashes to earth.

No doubt the performers had a great time recording this CD for their grasp of technique and nuance proves solid. The problem is that the concept of "Guitar Heroes" fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners like me.

I Should Have Known Better.......2005-04-05

I'm a fan of Classical Guitar. I heard about this quartet and sought them out, buying "Guitar Heroes". I should have read the Amazon review more closely. If I had I would have earned these pieces are in a dissonant rock-style with little or no melodic form. A far cry from what I envisioned. I write this to warn other innocents who might be looking for melodic music in a classical style. I didn't read the review closely enough, but you should.

Totally satisfying.......2004-12-12

I can't think of any recent collection of music that I enjoyed more than this album by the LAGQ. "Guitar Heroes" is amazing right from the beginning and never ceases right through the last track. The performances are solid, always musical and often mesmerizing. The songs and arrangements are impeccable and thoughtful, never pandering or taking the easy route to illuminating a particular guitar hero. After listening to this album, you want to hear more of the LAGQ, and also more from their "heroes". For that alone, this offering is a tremendous success.

Average customer rating: 2 Blocks from My Back Door What Folk is About! This is what songwriting is all about! A brand new sound ..with a familiar feeling!

Town to Town Tanya Savory Manufacturer: Philo / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Where We Live Better Shade of Green ASIN: B00000IP8K Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

1. When The River Rose
2. Big Town
3. Different Shores
4. Reason Enough
5. Passed Him By
6. I Don't Hear That Train
7. Reuben Brown
8. Back To Tucson
9. Bluegrass
10. 40, 80, Or 10
11. Time Was

Amazon.com

Now and again a songwriter appears, as if out of nowhere, and reminds you just how far and deep a good song can go. Tanya Savory is that kind of songwriter. In truth, she hasn't really been a secret. Town to Town, her 1998 independently released debut (subsequently picked up for wider distribution by Rounder), is the work of a mature artist in full command of timeless folk melodies, images worthy of classic country song craft, and knowingly detailed narratives that suggest the fiction of Bobbie Anne Mason and Eudora Welty. That may sound like overstatement, but Savory's visions--of small-town struggles, intricate relationships, and the beautiful and fearful power of nature--are rendered with a wise, observant eye and sung with an unaffected, clear voice. The sweet acoustic settings, provided by accomplished bluegrass and country musicians such as Wanda Vick and Nancy Given Gardner, are set tastefully around (but never over) Savory's stories. These songs will raise your hopes, test your heart, and lead you through landscapes you won't soon forget. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

2 Blocks from My Back Door.......2005-02-28

Tanya Savory's "Town to Town" is an excellent folk set that is one that still reads well 6 years after its initial release. "40, 80, or 10" is probably my favorite track with Wanda Vick's fiddle punctuating this uptempo track about a love of travelling & America's highways, "Now just 2 blocks from my back door I can hear the whisper of 24 & even when I'm sleepin' it comes creepin' like a dream." The opener, "When the River Rose," is also another lovely little folk gem with Tanya's homey guitar strum and confident vocals, "5 miles of sand & a floodwall from the 50s, 7 engineers stepping on each other's toes ... it sure didn't count for much when the river rose." "Different Shores" is also a lovely melody with John Mock's tin whistle giving an ethereal setting along with Nancy Given Gardner's beautiful harmony. "Reuben Brown" is also an excellent ballad about a farmer grown old. "Town to Town" is an excellent folk set, one to seek! Enjoy!

What Folk is About!.......2001-01-23

I wish she had more CD's. I like every song on the CD, which is extremely rare for any CD. This definitely folk at its best.

This is what songwriting is all about!.......1999-10-26

This is a very refreshing breath of songwriting fresh air. The stories are compelling without relying on radioable hooks and the arrangements are spare, crisp and lovely. A beautiful blending of country, folk and bluegrass (just enough banjo and mandolin to tweak your fancy) sung in a nice clear voice. Buy it, you won't regret it.

A brand new sound ..with a familiar feeling!.......1999-07-02

One of my favorite CDs so far this year...thank God there is music like this out there that is a combination of several styles...country/folk/bluegrass/pop..Without being schlocky country or whiny tie- dye mentality folk or male dominated bluegrass! For anyone who likes Mary Chapin Carpenter or Iris Dement, this is a CD for you. Intelligent but accessible lyrics, wonderful melody and voice, and top notch production!

Average customer rating: It's not worth the asking price! What Was To Come And What May Have Been it's just so wonderful, i can't believe it myself. Great stuff

Rural Free Delivery Whiskeytown Manufacturer: Mood Food Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: In Your Wildest Dreams Let It Ride, Pt. 1 Faithless Street Strangers Almanac Easy Tiger ASIN: B000003P1M Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

1. Take Your Guns To Town
2. Nervous Breakdown
3. Tennessee Square
4. Captain Smith
5. Macon, Georgia County Line
6. Pawn Shop Ain't No Place For A Wedding Ring
7. Oklahoma
8. Angels Are Messengers From God

Amazon.com

Though the Raleigh, North Carolina, band opposed the release of this collection of early demos by its original label, Rural Free Delivery is a worthwhile document in that it shows that leader Ryan Adams's songwriting talent was obvious even in the earliest stages of the band's existence. Just 20 years old at the time of these recordings, Adams was already turning out uncommonly compelling country ballads such as "Angels Are Messengers from God" (a later version of which showed up on a 7-inch EP) and "Pawn Shop Ain't No Place for a Wedding Ring," which showcases the haunting harmonies of Adams and fiddler Caitlin Cary. A brilliant honky-tonk reworking of Black Flag's "Nervous Breakdown," meanwhile, revealed an equally significant side of the band's budding personality. --Peter Blackstock

Customer Reviews:

It's not worth the asking price! .......2005-06-05

Okay, one star isn't fair-- it's about 2.5 or 3 stars really, but I really want to discourage anyone from buying it thinking that it's like some incredible "long lost treasure from Ryan Adam's past."

Let me preface this with the standard "I'm a HUGE Ryan Adams fan!"

I bought it back when it was about 10 bucks a pop, didn't like it then and ended up selling it back to the CD store. Then I saw that it was out of print and saw the prices climbing so I bought it again for about 24 bucks. Then I went home and listened to it again and remembered why I had sold it in the first place.

Some of the songs can be found on Faithless Street. The only song worth mentioning that you might not be able to get anywhere else is "Pawnshop Ain't No Place for a Wedding Ring" which is the only song that could fall under that "lost treasure" category. But $35 for one song? Jar Jar says: Meesa Nosa Thinka So!"

What Was To Come And What May Have Been.......2003-07-08

Discredited by Ryan Adams and released despite his objections, "Rural Free Delivery" is an irreplaceable document of early greatness from new Mtv heartthrob David Ryan Adams. This album, recorded only weeks after forming in the the spring/summer of 1995, was part of the first recordings of Whiskeytown, from which their first four- song 7 inch EP was released that same year on Mood Food Records. Despite the rudimentary budget and local hometown studio production, this album sounds great. It is raw, emotional, and often genius in its arrangements and minimalist approach. The live recording sound fits perfectly, and had any polish been applied to these songs, it would have undeniably killed everything beautiful and perfect within these eight songs.
The eight songs included here flow into one another seamlessly, with the possible exception of "Oklahoma", which is good- but seems a bit out of place alongside the other seven here. Taking that song alone out, "Angels Are Messengers From God" works well as an album closer and segues nicely from "Pawn Shop".
As I mentioned, there are many moments of brilliance here. One in particular is the hard- driving acoustic bravado of "Macon, Georgia County Line". This song is pretty obviously a one- take live recording. The brilliance is just how perfectly it works in that context, and how stale of a song it would be in any other. Ryan's handclaps and the giddy enthusiasm of his vocals make this a brilliant song here. The harmonies he shares with Caitlin Cary on the "chorus" are also especially compelling as he really stretches out the gorgeous tone of his voice.
Another great turn is the song "Captain Smith", a rocking, fiddle-charged country stomp about the sinking of the Titanic. Adams employs an offbeat vocal, sounding as though he has a nasty sinus cold, but it compliments the subject matter of the song and the rapid- fire delivery he employs in keeping up with the manic tempo of the tune. The thing that puts it over the top and transcends the entire piece is Caitlin's gorgeous fiddle solo where you would have expected an electric guitar lead. It is a moment that can give you goosebumps for sure- it still does to me.
After all these years and Whiskeytown having come and gone, there is a certain sadness attached to this, and even Whiskeytown's next two masterpieces as well. You cannot help but think of the potential here, and how it came and went so quickly. With Ryan having now sold himself to commercialization and cool, it is difficult to listen to this great record now without feeling a bit betrayed and resentful. I can only hope that Mr. Adams will get over himself someday and release the vaults other great material recorded around this same period such as the early live favorite "Bastards I used To Know", among others. According to Ryan's own estimation, there are upwards of 60 or so recorded songs unreleased and if he cares the least bit anymore about what the music of Whiskeytown means to people- he would do us all a great favor by just putting it out as is for all to enjoy.
I highly recommend this as a first introduction to the greatness that was Whiskeytown. For people just finding out about the band, it is best to start in order and begin here. It lays all its cards on the table and invites you take a seat. And I guaranty if you appreciate heartfelt music of integrity and emotional grit you will never want to get up from that table.

it's just so wonderful, i can't believe it myself........2000-04-30

Now, I at first was a bit skeptical. A friend's mom had given me the record after hearing that I was going through an "alt-coutry phase" and decided i would be a good person to throw her copy at. According to her, it was just a little too country for her taste. That kind of scared me since i also felt that i had a low tolerance level for country (and yet, i am quite the avid uncle tupelo/wilco/son volt fan...) so i was skeptical. i listened through it one time, and laughed. Then i put it away and didn't listen to it again for about a month. When i did, i realized that it was just that absolute most wonderful thing ever. The songs are heartfelt, written well, and carried out with finesse that only a well rounded and truly talented group could have recorded these. Just absolutely wonderful. Too country? It's good stuff.

Great stuff.......1999-09-07

This is country rock that actually rocks while never betraying the spirit of the best country records. While the versions of some of these songs may be even better on "Faithless Street", these versions shine, too. And it's so cool to hear a cover of Black Flag's "Nervous Breakdown" that loses none of its energy in the translation to twang.

Average customer rating: man Not your typical retro-grass..... Untraditonal Traditonal Sounds genre bending (and just plain bent, too) A bit of everything, sure to disappoint the purist

Blood & Mood Bad Livers Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country] 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 Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hogs on the Highway Industry and Thrift Get Myself Together Dirt on the Angel Things I Done Wrong ASIN: B00004C4QZ Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

1. Fist Magnet
2. I'm Losing
3. Little Bitty Town
4. Looky Here
5. Love Songs Suck
6. The Legend Of Sawdust Boogers
7. Death Trip
8. One More Night In A Hotel
9. New York City
10. Man Vs. Fate -2 Out Of 3 Falls, 10 Round Limit

Amazon.com

The Stanley Brothers on LSD? Banjo-driven hip-hop? Though the Bad Livers have defied categorization for more than a decade--since their early days of transforming Iggy Pop and Metallica tunes into bluegrass breakdowns--here they push the technological envelope like never before. The result is a vibrantly mutant strain of mountain music, one that finds electric guitars, rhythm loops, and country-fried samples reinforcing the creative interplay of frontman Danny Barnes and bassist-sidekick Mark Rubin. Most audaciously, "I'm Losing" opens with a ferocity that leaves most punk rock in shreds, before resolving itself into a mad honky-tonk medley of Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette, and Merle Haggard (with some gorgeous steel guitar from producer Lloyd Maines). From the surprisingly melodic lilt of the ominously titled "Death Trip" to the bluesy lament of "Love Songs Suck," the music proceeds organically, by instinct rather than calculation--like blood and mood. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

man.......2006-06-10

how can you not love this CD? When I got it, it was like a lightning from the blue sky! I listened to it daily for months and could not get enough of it. If you are a bluegrass purist, you are gonna hate it, but if you love mind-bending stuff, there is nothing better that I know of.....

Not your typical retro-grass............2003-09-23

An odd-ball entry to the Bad Livers catalog. I think that this release was a calculated move by them, kinda an upraised middle finger at everyone that whined that they weren't "traditional" enough on their more blue-grassy albums.

Still lots here to enjoy - it's interesting that of their albums, this one shows the most influence of their fellow-Austinite buddies the Butthole Surfers, even though it's one of the few where none of them were involved with the project. Several of the ambient-sound tracks that are between the actual songs are reminiscent of "Locust Abortion Technician" era Surfers.

Highlights are "Love Songs Suck", "Fist Magnet" and "Losing Again", the last of which benefits from some cool steel guitar by guest Lloyd Maines.

As other reviewers have mentioned, if you're just now getting into the Livers, you may want to pick up "Delusions of Banjer" or "Hogs in the Highway" first, and come back to this `un. Also recommended is Danny Barnes post-Livers output with "The Old Codgers" and Rubin's with the "Bing Bang Boys". Both releases are more in the acoustic/folkie category....

Untraditonal Traditonal Sounds.......2001-09-21

The Bad Livers' Blood &Mood isn't a background album. By background album I mean one of those records you put on and wash dishes too. Blood & Mood is a complex record that demands the listener's complete attention. "What the deal is is you're going to have to get over there and figure out what that's all about", the repeated loop that starts the album, could be applied to this release. Barnes and Rubin team up again with Lloyd Maines to produce this musical journey. The Bad Livers follow the same path they have been on - they create more untraditional music with traditional instruments. What the Livers have done is taken a touch of country ("The Legend of Sawdust Boogers"), a touch of folk ("Itty Bitty Town), and a touch of rock ("One More Night in a Hotel") added some banjo and tuba and then layered the songs with loops, samples and sequenced drums. The result is a sometimes harsh, sometimes sweet, dizzying display of musicianship. Each song challenges the listener to enter into it world and try to figure out how life there operates. If you are a music fan of any type, you should enjoy this album. If you are looking for something to play while you wash dishes, move on.

genre bending (and just plain bent, too).......2001-08-02

Blood and Mood is wacky, funny, musically engaging, and, above all, audacious. With it's tongue-in-cheek blend of hill billy and punk rock, this is a CD that made me laugh out loud on the first listen. Blood and Mood offers a wide pallet of music, from tender ballads (ýLittle Bitty Town,ý) to flat-out punk rock material (complete with bandleader Danny Barnesý ever-present banjo picking and high, nasally Texan singing). Of particular note is the Bill Frisell (jazz guitarist) influence in the guitar chord voicings of "Little Bitty Town." (Frisell and Barnes have been working together a lot lately.) This is a CD that will probably fall, unlistened, through the cracks between alternative rock and traditional acoustic music, but I love it. Five stars.

A bit of everything, sure to disappoint the purist.......2001-06-05

If you like straight ahead folk and bluegrass, you may as well just move right along. The Bad Livers play a weird variety of bluegrass, rock, and anything else that suits their fancy. You can give some of the songs on here stupid names like Hick Hop if you really want to.

For someone new to the Bad Livers, I'd suggest Industry and Thrift (my favorite), or Delusions of Banjer instead of this release. Those are more consistent releases, with Industry showing off the eclectic nature of the band, and Banjer having a more conventional acoustic sound (but twisted attitude). If you really enjoyed Industry, I'd say pick up this cd - it's got some songs that shouldn't be missed.

I gave this 3 stars mostly because it's short, and even being short, there's some stuff that seems mostly just filler. The songs that are good are 4-5 stars, there's just not a whole lot of 'em. There are a couple of good rocking songs, mixing bluegrass and country rock sounds and strong catchy choruses (like Fist Magnet). Little Bitty Town is a nice acoustic number about being stuck in a small town without much to do but drink and dream of leaving. However, for every good strong song, there's something weak to match it. And then there's Losing Again, a hardcore thrash song which is ok, but seems to be on here mostly just to show that they can rock if they want to. The song is decent, but it makes for a pretty jarring listening experience.

Music Album:

1. Natural Bridge
2. New Country Classics: New Jukebox Classics
3. New Country Classics: Rockin' Country
4. New Fire
5. Not at One
6. Ol' Country Singer - Live At Billy Bob's Texas [Live]
7. Pee Wee King's Country Hoedown
8. Platinum Collection
9. Primal Young
10. Prisoner of Love

Music Album