Editorial Review

Todd Snider, the East Nashville antihero, can always be counted on to deliver a brilliant spitball of humor and satire, shot across a classroom devoted to John Prine, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and the Rolling Stones. Here, on one of his most instantly accessible albums, he balances troubadourish recounts of personal experience and mythmaking (the getting-mugged-in-Memphis tale of "The Highland Street Incident"), the chronicling of not-so-famous-moments in history (Bob Dylan's ass-whipping of Phil Ochs in "Thin Wild Mercury"), and songs of romantic surrender. "All That Matters," a declaration of marital love with a nearly prayerful electric guitar solo from the great Will Kimbrough, shows how profound Snider can be in his simplicity. But his genius is best captured in the deceptively smart "Just Like Old Times," particularly in an exchange with a cop about a high school photo, carried in a wallet since 1982. Here, on his half-drunk vocals, Snider makes clear what he really is: A professional smart-ass whose bravado masks a wounded heart. Read more

Reviews (8)

Todd will not likely be invited to the White House . . .
I'd never even heard of this guy until I saw him on the Tonight Show a couple of weeks ago and then it was difficult to find the album locally.I'm glad I did.It's the best album I've bought this year.If you like folk/rock with a bite, then this is the album for you.The social commentary of "Looking for a Job" (performed on the Tonight Show) puts me in mind of Woody Guthrie and a lot the others remind me of a young Bruce Springsteen.
Country music for people who don't usually listen to country music
This album gets better and better with each listen.I know that's what everybody says, but it's true.While I haven't listened to any of Snider's other records, I can't really compare it to his general output. What I do know that I intend to listen to his other discs at some point, making this a great starting point for other new fans.
Add a half-a-star, please, but it isn't as strong...
as the three albums he released on the "Oh Boy" label this decade (four if you count "Near Truths and Hotel Rooms", his live CD.) Todd does some rockin' here with a band, a la his "Viva Satellite" disc for MCA in the late '90's, but I have never thought rock was his true genre, and I've been a fan from the beginning. "The Devil You Know" starts off with the two weakest songs of the project, in my opinion, and ends with the two best. Inbetween, the slower tunes, with lyrics clearly enunciated, seem superior to any of the up-tempo efforts. This is Todd's seventh disc of new work (there is also a compilation of his best from the MCA years available) and I would rate it fifth in overall appeal. However, I am nearly 62 years old, and my favorite kind of music is confessional singer-songwriter folk and country- style stuff. When a great lyricist like Todd rocks so loud you can't clearly understand his poetry, it seems a waste to me. So my advice, if you are a fan already, is to buy this to support him, but expect to put only half of it on repeat play. If you are new to Snider, then "East Nashville Skyline" or "New Connections" or "Happy to be Here" or "Songs For The Daily Planet" are more satisfying choices. His voice sometimes cracks, but his wit saves the performances. He has been troubled by substance abuse, low sales, and less attention than he deserves, but I hope he keeps on keepin' on, because he has a distinctive talent. For an idea of what his concerts are like, buy "Near Truths and Hotel Rooms"---the closest thing to seeing Todd live you can get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Roots Rock    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (8)

Ok, but where is "I'm Not Breakin'"?????
A few years back I heard this awesome "new" Steve Holy song on the radio while on the backroads of Podunk, Arkansas during a road trip.Afterwards, the dj came on and announced the name of the song was "I'm Not Breakin'".Since then (and it's been a LONG time) I've been checking Steve's website and emailing whoever I could for info on the song.I was assured that it would most likely be on Steve's new CD.The release date for the CD kept getting pushed back again and again, only mounting my frustration.(I don't know if this guy is on the Nashville black list, or what...but he doesn't seem to be a favorite.)Much to my amazement a month or so ago, the dj on my local country station announces that "after a short break, we'll be playing the new SH song..."What a huge let-down it was when the song turned out to be the idiotic "Brand New Girlfriend".Now I come here to check the song list for the new CD, and guess what...no sign of "I'm Not Breakin'".UGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
What a comeback CD
What a comeback CD Steve Holy has Come out with. This is a wonderful CD. I wish they had a 6 or 7 star rating because I would give it that. I love the new single Brand New Girlfriend. It is a fun song that is very enjoyable. Hurry Up is an up-tempo song on this CD also. My favorite song on this CD is A Cliff In Colorado. It is about a couple who gets married on this mountain cliff with just a few friends and every anniversary they go back to this same spot. He tells her if he goes before her to bring him to the cliff and so she does to scatter his ashes in the wind. The end of the song tells on how she heard a whisper from him and how she went to the mountain cliff in the snow all by herself but there are 2 sets of foot prints and how she is wrapped up in his arms at last. I get goose bumps everytime I hear this song. There are 2 bonus tracks on this CD also. One of which is All For The Love Of Sunshine which was recorded by Hank Williams, Jr. first but Steve Holy does a wonderful job with the song. This CD is worth the money and you will not be disapointed. Good Job Steve!!!

Steve Holy Rocks
It's been a long wait since the release of Steve Holy's debut album Blue Moon in 2000 but the wait was worth it.This new collection of songs starts with the catchy hit "Brand New Girlfriend" then covers a wide range of genre's from the country swing in "Good Night To Be Lonely" to the Orbison flavored "It's Only The Lonely Talkin'".Holy's versatility shines throughout the CD, from the poignant ballad "Cliff In Colorado" to the tongue-in-cheek honky tonk song "Men Buy The Drinks, Girls Call The Shots".Steve Holy may be the best pure vocalist in country music today and his star is on the rise with this new release. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Nobody makes somber sound more exquisite than Alison Krauss. She's come an awfully long way from her days as a teenage fiddle prodigy, as her glamour gown on this CD's cover suggests and the bittersweet maturity of the music confirms. Krauss exchanges her bluegrass fiddle for the chamber strains of viola on much of the material, including four songs by Robert Lee Castleman (whose "The Lucky One," "Let Me Touch You for Awhile," and "Forget About It" were previously popularized by Krauss). Castleman's compositions showcase the emotional intimacy and interpretive subtlety of her breathy trill. The yearning harmonies on "Wouldn't Be So Bad" (written by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings) and "Borderline" (written by Sidney and Suzanne Cox) reinforce the album's restless spirit of quiet desperation. Change-of-pace contributions by Krauss's bandmates are more deeply rooted in the bluegrass/folk tradition, with Dan Tyminski renewing Del McCoury's "Rain Please Go Away" and Woody Guthrie's populist anthem "Pastures of Plenty"; Dobro master Jerry Douglas leads the charge on his instrumental "Unionhouse Branch." Few bands in bluegrass can match the virtuosity of Union Station's interplay, but the artistry of Alison Krauss transcends genre. Read more

Reviews (97)

Of Alison, BBQ and Streetcars
Twas the unmistakable, plantiff wail of the dobro that made me look up and watch an Alison Krauss song on CMT "If I Didn't Know Any Better" which features her walking down Broadway with Jack's BBQ neon sign in the background. And not just once do they show it, but over and over. Jack's hasn't crossed my mind in awhile - bit of a garish landmark from the outside........[heh, but the thought of it has my saliva glands working overtime..... Other than Lexington, NC BBQ and perhaps Hamil's BBQ in Madison, MS - nothing compares to the culinary experience of Jack's BBQ in downtown Nashville. You can smell it blocks before you get there. Once you step inside the rustic, exposed brick-wall shop, it's another world that reeks of nostalgia and the sweet smell of Hickory smoked BBQ.]
I don't care what anyone says, Alison is wonderful!
Her voice is like honey and I never get tired of listening to Alison and her talented band.There are some great songs on this album, I can't think of anyone who has a better voice than Alison Krauss.

Awesome CD!!
I love it.Well worth the money!I would recommend it to any Alison Krauss fan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Though he rose from the ranks of journeyman '60s folksinger to become apotent and consistent '70s hit maker, Canadian singer-songwriter GordonLightfoot's stock in trade was as much hard-eyed, dispassionate observation asromance or poetic whimsy. Perhaps that's why his songs have been covered byeveryone from Elvis (thisset's "Early Morning Rain") toDylan. If there's such athing as an alpha-male folkie, Lightfoot certainly fits the bill. Spanning thetongue-in-cheek chauvinism of 1965's "For Lovin' Me" and the cheatin' ways of"Sundown" to more introspective fare like "If You Could Read My Mind" and"Beautiful," this 20-track collection presents a concise primer on Lightfoot'scareer and craft. After his career peaked with one of the most unlikely top fivehits ever, the gloom-laden 1976 narrative "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,"Lightfoot's production tailed off sharply, though this anthology's "Stay Loose"('86) and "Restless" ('93) are testament to his enduring skills as a songwriterand performer. Read more

Reviews (58)

Excellent collection of best songs
Gordon Lightfoot had some great records back in the '70s and had such brilliant songcraft on all his songs. Sometimes, he and his band had some funky grooves and beats, especially on Sundown. If You Could Read My Mind is very revealing song wise.Carefree Highway is still astounding. But one standout is The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald, which has had a long shelf life.And beating radio's let's-cut-it-down-to-3-to-4 minute rules, all 6 minutes of the song were played on the radio!This song showed that Gordon was ahead of his time musically, as he sang about a story about a sunken ship and the people on it in storytelling form.Although Gordon hasn't put as much music output recently, this collection shows his dominance in the '70s as a dynamic songwriter, performer and artist.

Wonderful
I loved the songs, etc.Sound was clear and really enjoyable to listen to.

Gordon Lightfoot
The very best of the velvet voiced Gordon Lightfoot. His style and songs are immortal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folk & Traditional    2. Pop    3. Canada    4. Country-Folk    5. Folk    6. Folk-Rock    7. Popular Music    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Soft Rock   

Editorial Review

Too much of Cash's best work is left out to make this collection anything more than a cursory introduction to country's Man in Black. The double-CD compilation, fittingly dubbed Read more

Reviews (36)

Great Compilation From The Man In Black
This is an interesting CD. Even though the title proclaims "16 Biggest Hits" there is always a huge amount of subjectivity in choosing from a catalog spanning fifty years. In general I am very happy with the CD, and it's a great introduction to Johnny for people new to his music. The collection is from the "classic Cash" era, and while there are songs I wish were on the CD ("Orange Blossom Special" comes to mind,) as a collection I think it succeeds.
16 Biggest Hits - Hah!
This collection is a mixed bag.The biggest problem I have is with the title.I am unsure of how they decided these 16 songs were the "biggest" hits, but it is obvious that many other worthy Johnny Cash songs were left off the CD.If you are looking for a more comprehensive collection, I recommend either "The Essential Johnny Cash," which has 16 tracks, or "The Legend" boxed set, which has more than 100 songs.The best this collection can be is an introduction to Johnny Cash.
I SAY THE CLOSEST YOU'RE GONNA GET.......

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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Guitar    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rockabilly    9. Songwriter    10. Traditional Country    11. Vocals   

Editorial Review

At his best, as exemplified by his 1999 megahit "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Keith is simple and direct in the tradition of Hank Williams Jr.--aware of his limitations, able to thrive within them. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" struck a chord, though it differed little from the fist-shaking morale-boosters of previous wars. On the downside, Keith's formulaic tendencies can become tiresome, as it did on "My List," a generic celebration of life's mundane treasures. Sales notwithstanding, "Beer for My Horses" was no artistic landmark for Keith or duet partner Willie Nelson. By contrast, he and daughter Krystal have fun with the 1963 Inez and Charlie Foxx R&B hit "Mockingbird" (first revived by James Taylor and Carly Simon). "Go With Her" injects a different spin into the time-honored breakup song, wittiness absent on the gimmicky "Stays in Mexico." Raucous live performances of "You Ain't Much Fun" and his debut hit, "Should've Been a Cowboy," reflect his ability to rouse the faithful into the obligatory singalong. Read more

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Reviews (49)

Toby Keith Greatest Hits 2
This would have been a 5 star but the CD has 3 areas that seem to have a flaw.The music skips in these areas.

LOVE it
Toby Keith is my favorite artist.This CD has almost all of my favorites on it.The only one that it doesn't have is Good to go to Mexico, but that's just one song.I'd recomend it to anyone who likes country music!

Totally Greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If they had an unlimited number of stars, there wouldn't be enough room for all mine! This is a great CD with nearly ALL of my favorite Toby Keith songs! They're all super, but my favorites are I WANNA TALK ABOUT ME, THE ANGRY AMERICAN (I love that song!), BEER FOR MY HORSES (love that song next!), YOU AIN'T MUCH FUN, and SHOULD'VE BEEN A COWBOY.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

To listen to Ray Wylie Hubbard's Read more

Reviews (6)

Dirty and Mean with good guitar work
The whole album has that old southern blues rock grind, but it doesn't lose the Ray Wylie effect.Good guitar work throughout the entire album.As most of Ray Wylie's songs they are songs of blood, sweat and grease with a touch of sin and redemption.He and Gurf Morlix really sound like they are having fun playing together and that always makes an album special to me.
Love at first note...
I can't get this cd out of my player. I love Austin music and Ray is the best. The swampy, sultry sound can take you away. The lyrics are amazing and certain lines stick in my head. Amazing stuff and a far cry from 'Up Against the Wall Redneck Mothers' although I like that too.

Middle-of-the-night music, fuel for bonfires, dice, and showdowns
Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Snake Farm" is one evil, growling monster of a record, a finely focused muscular effort that effuses grit, malice, and funk. The sound ripples with thick, raw grooves that compliment the subject matter: the devil, women, redemption and damnation, hexes, and guitars. Clearly, this stuff is middle-of-the-night music, fuel for bonfires, dice, and showdowns.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country-Rock    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Outlaw Country    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Swamp Blues    10. Texas Blues   

Editorial Review

Sara Evans began basic and earthy on her 1997 debut, Read more

Reviews (52)

And So It Goes, Christian Hypocrisy.
Poor Sara, such bad taste in everything..."And now comes word that among the conservative George Allen's campaign contributors is, according to recently filed court documents, a porn-loving, adulterous, abusive drunk who likes to advertise on Craig's List for three-ways and anal sex and takes naked pictures of himself standing at attention.
New Country Music Single Climbs The Charts
Country Recording Artist Sara Evans (Vocals) delivers Traditional Country Music on her CD "Real Fine Place." Sara Evans' "sweeter than Mom's apple pie" gorgeous looks and heartland sound will make anyone down on their luck feel overwhelmed with American pride.
Strong Country-pop album
This is not Sara's best album, however it is a another strong step in her music career.This album however is full of great pop-country songs, with the hit "A real fine place to start", and has many different songs on different subjects.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

With each release, this Canadian quintet's adventurous, energetic eclecticism sounds more like a signature fusion (and less like bluegrass, despite Tania Elizabeth's fiddle and Leonard Podolak's banjo). The material on Read more

Reviews (5)

Outstanding
This album has quickly become one of my favorites.It is more cohesive than their last album and the songs are particularly well suited to the singers and the musicians.I liked the last album a lot, but I love this one. The Duhks are an incredibly talented group of musicians, and are amazing in person-- I recommend trying to see them live, if you can.I neverthought I'd enjoy hearing anyone but Tracy Chapman sing "Mountains O' Things" but this version is terrific.

Fine, not great
I greatly enjoyed the first Duhks album. 2nd album less so. This 3rd album is fine, not great, and it feels tired and uninspired. Some tracks are downright lame. The tunes travel well-troden paths and never push the envelope. Its a fine album for those who love the Duhks, but new listeners should opt for one if the earlier albums.

Migrations ... back to where we came from
This is yet another Duhks album whose music will not leave you alone.Some of the songs are so haunting, you can't help replaying it over and over.In particular, "Three Fishers" (giving us a glimps of Tania Elizabeth's quiet but wonderfully lyrical voice) and "Who Will Take My Place" (sung with lead singer Jessee Havey's signature power and depth of emotion) leave you needing to hear the songs again and again.
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Progressive Bluegrass    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The major-label debut from this Texas trio proves their instrumental abilities, blending more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better," the Chicks let their love of music and genuine joy shine through while the energy on this album reminds one of Carlene Carter. Solid musicianship, topnotch vocal performances, and infectious pop hooks make this a stellar project. Read more

Reviews (343)

All American Girls
The Dixie Chicks perform with a real American bravado that rings so true that I just had to stop and listen to this CD. It made me think of what makes great America a great nation. In times of strife and muddled ethics in the headlines it is good to know that there is still a constant in our country. The Dixie Chicks' music remains true to the ideals that this nation was built upon. This CD is really quite moving.

In the beginning...
...there were the Dixie Chicks.
Vocals, violin, banjo, guitars, talent...it's all there!
I'm not a big Country Pop fan, but I've been a fan of the Dixie Chicks since I first heard them years ago, and I appreciate that they're getting more into Rock/Pop now.That said, "Wide Open Spaces" is an amazing break-out album, and is actually more Country than Pop. Each song is a hit, although some seem a bit too "old" for their projected image at the time.Reminds of the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" sometimes.Still, it's all put together so well.I appreciate the slower and more melodramatic ones on the album, including "You Were Mine" and "I'll Take Care Of You." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country-Pop    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

It's hard to imagine a more schizophrenic album than Read more

Reviews (223)

I like it...
Well, people are definitely mixed on how they feel about this CD. I don't care what anyone else says, and I certainly don't care whether it's country or pop or whatever. I just like it, and I like Faith Hill. I'm not a dissappointed fan.

Faith is ... Out There Somewhere:
Alright, let's see. I wasn't going to write any kind of review/comment/opinion about Faith's "FIREFLIES" until I saw the reviews here, namely amazon's reviewer's review. That got me thinking. I've had this CD since the day it was released. I listened to it many times right after I first got it but apparently, it was only a half-hearted listen, every time. I was listening but not really hearing it, I guess. Here's what changed that. I just traveled to Oklahoma City and Nashville (at the end of July 2006) to see Faith live in concert. She did perform a lot of these songs, naturally. Since I got back home from this trip, I've been listening to this CD a lot. And, more importantly, I've actually been hearing it too. Now, do I like it? Yes I do. But, I think I liked it, at first anyway, on the strength of the singles which made it to Country Radio (The Lucky One, Sunshine And Summertime, Mississippi Girl). Yeah, I liked this album. Of course, it's good to (finally) hear from Faith again too. But the more I listened to this entire album, the more I THINK I liked it but the more baffled and confused I've become as well. When I get right down to it, the album seems to be all over the place. Faith has always been known mostly as a Country artist. What is this album? I don't even know what genre of music this is. Don't get me wrong here. I'm not bashing this album OR Faith. I love Faith. Always have, always will. But after I read the review from amazon here, the more I realized it DOES seem exactly as if Faith knows not what direction she is headed in. We've got a little bit of everything here. Some of the numbers ARE in fact lyrically confusing. Mississippi Girl DOES in fact seem to be apologizing for the CRY album as well as for appearing in the Stepford Wives movie. Sunshine And Summertime ... I love. Dearly Beloved ... I get a kick and a chuckle out of. The Lucky One ... love it too. I Ain't Gonna Take It Anymore ... again, I love. But yet, somehow the whole album seems out of sync with itself. I do love the album, as I mentioned. And Faith's voice is just incredible. The problem to me seems, like I just said, the album seems almost like a hodge-podge of songs thrown together with no real direction. I almost get the sense that I'm not quite sure what to make of this album, about half way in. (The three Lori McKenna penned songs shine. Needless to say, she is one very gifted songwriter). But as much as I THINK I love this album, half way in I'm dazed and confused only to be saved by none other than ... PARIS. I have the overwhelming sense of actually being saved from the chaos and confusion of this album by the song PARIS. (This song by the way, is sung as ONLY Faith Hill can do. This is what separates Faith from all others. When she gets ahold of a number like PARIS, there is no one else that can sing it as she does). When I get to this song, I'm saved. I guess. See my confusion here? Even my review about the confusion, is confusing. Again, this is by no means a dig against Faith. I think she is one of the most gifted, most talented, strongest singers out there today and she will forever be one of my top favorites. But no matter how many times I listen to FIREFLIES, I can't lose that sense of confusion about the entire works. Be-that-as-it-may, I guess anyway, when I finally reach PARIS, I am saved. And I hope you will be too. (But do as one of the other reviewers here suggested and that is ... do NOT skip right to PARIS. Start from track one and listen to this album all the way through, many times if need be, and then BAM ... enjoy PARIS when you get there).

Fireflies.....finally.
Finally a Faith Hill CD that I could purchase and enjoy all the songs.Forget the Pop vs. Country thing...this CD is just full of well written and well sung songs. Definately more acoustic then previous albums and the vocals are strong and clear. A well rounded and enjoyable set of songs.If you like a little Pop with your Country along with a touch of Rock and a whole lot of Class,this CD is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Channeling the evocative storytelling of Laura Nyro and the soulful sexiness of Dusty Springfield, singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis skips all contemporary studio gimmickry to proffer a near-perfect solo debut. The front-woman for indie darlings Rilo Kiley breaks away from the songwriting democracy she shares with that band's co-leader Blake Sennett (also of the Elected), drawing inspiration from the crackling vinyl albums of her youth. And from the opening notes of "Run Devil Run," an acapella gospel hymn sung with the Watson Twins, through the note-for-note cover of the Traveling Wilbury's "Handle With Care" (with Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard), Lewis verifies this is her record. Her goose-bump voice can be as mournful as it is optimistic, but remains perpetually mesmerizing on Read more

Reviews (59)

Takes Me To Another Place
This record reminds me so much of the old records that my grandparents and parents used to play for me, and it reminded me of the folk pop albums i listen to today.It has so much soul.Just hearing Rise With Fists for the first time inspired me to buy not only this album but all of the Rilo Kiley albums.Jenny Lewis is truly inspired.This CD is simple and pure. And in its purity it takes you away, just like that music i have grown up to love and you don't see anymore in the days of my humps and sexyback.

On the RISE!
If you haven't caught the video for the tune Rise up with Fists found on this cd...SEEK IT OUT!I caught the video on cable a couple times and immediately got into the tongue-in-cheek-this-isn't-country-well-ok-maybe-just-a-little-bit groove that Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins deliver so effortlessly.This cd accompanied me on a 1200 mile road trip and let's just say that I wanted to drive another 1000 miles just to listen to this cd.Heads Up! This cd came out months ago.What are you waiting for? ;)

Lyrics that speak to my grungy 70s folk craving
I was so suprized to hear the cute little red-head from "Troop Beverly Hills" put out this amazing album. The whole thing is a work of art. The lyrics are astoundingly soulful and leave you wanting to sing along. Jenny Lewis is like that girl down the street thats kinda depressed and scary, but totally hot and mysterious. She put a lot of heart into these songs and the lyrics are indicitive of some of her hollywood history, which is always nice of a former child star putting out an album to do, because we are all curious.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Americana    3. Indie Pop    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The Wailin' Jennys--Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta, and Ruth Moody--are three Canadian singer-songwriters with already established careers who first got together for a one-shot gig in 2002 and, to their surprise, discovered that their voices blended in an almost magical harmony. They decided to put their solo endeavors aside for a while to see where this gift would take them, and the appealing folk-pop vibe of Read more

Reviews (34)

Canadian treasure
I had never heard of the Wailin' Jennies until I attended a live Prairie Home Companion performance this summer, and everyone I spoke to afterwards were.like me, blown away by this trio.Their crystalline voices and tight harmonies are a treat for the ears.So I ordered their first CD, which is also a pleasure.I'll be ordering their second soon, and looking forward to their next, which will include their incredible performance of "Calling All Angels".

arlington
this is without doubt the most beautiful, moving song i have ever heard.i cry every time i listen to it.i will ask my family to have it played at my funeral.the lyrics and symbolism are born of emotional genius.the solo vocalist and the instrumentation are flawless.this selection is the hope diamond of contemporary music.

Lovely harmonies
I first heard these three girls on a Prairie Home Companion show. I loved the harmonies and the wonderful blending of three different voices. Very enjoyable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Country-Folk    4. Folk    5. Folk & Traditional    6. Neo-Traditional Folk    7. Pop    8. Sea Shanties    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

The title of this album would seem a tad precious applied to the releases of the majority of Nashville musicians. But Guy Clark--song craftsman, guitar builder--has been doing such finely measured work for all of his storied career that "Workbench Songs" aptly sums up the pride and precision he brings to these 11 offerings. Joined by cowriters Darrell Scott, Rodney Crowell, Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, and Verlon Thompson, Clark is at turns wry and poignant in chronicling human acts great and small. And, as usual with his albums, a number of these songs resonate long after first listen. "Walkin' Man," a Celtic-flavored demo recording which kicks off the set, pays homage to the pilgrims and searchers--Gandhi and Woody Guthrie--who had the courage to make their own path. "Out in the Parkin' Lot," the Darrell Scott collaboration which Clark recorded on 1997's live Read more

Reviews (2)

latest from a national treasure
There may be better songwriters than Guy Clark-but you can count them on one hand with fingers left over.This disc has him co-writing with some of the best in Nashville-Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Nelson, Ray Stephenson and old standbysRodney Crowell and Verlon Thompson.The result is a project that loses none of Guy's touch, but slightly broadens the musical palate.In addition, there is a greater emphasis on production, making the record sound more like a country record (in a good sense) than a bluegrass or folk record as some projects have sounded in the past.
Excellent latest release
I've been a fan of Guy Clark since Jerry Jeff Walker first sang "LA Freeway" in the early 70s.His distinctive husky voice speaks of roadworn weariness, someone who's lived a long tough life.(And I suspect he sounded that way at 30...)
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. United States of America   

Reviews (25)

Redneck Country at it's best
Everyone raves about "If You're Goin' Through Hell," but that is not necessarily the best song on this CD. The song, "Watchin' You," is so very true. I have seen mt neices imitating so much of what we adults do. "These are my People" takes us down to the South and shows us Rodney's roots are. This is a fantastic CD, I would get it even if you are not a country music fan. There is music you will like.

Pure Country...
Needless to say...but there have been a lot of mixed reviews for this album, Rodney's new CD.Most of them have noted the title track 'If You're Going Through Hell' as being a "good song" or a "hit.However, they failed to mention any of the rest.For example, the first two songs on this CD 'These Are My People' and 'About The South'...speak directly about country roots, smalltowns, good tunes and old ways...I absolutely loved them, to say the least. If you love country music for the lyrical anthem of the southern/country/redneck heritage, then you will like this album.

Going Through Hell
Going through Hell is an upbeat song.There were a few others on the CD that I liked.Overall the CD is pretty good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop    4. United States of America   

Editorial Review

In the wake of 2005's Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (4)

The BEST yet!
Wow.... wow... wow. Having been a long-time fan of Dierks Bentley ever since he came out with his first cd, I must say that this newest cd far exceeded my expectations. This is his best cd ever! He has truly come so far in his musical career, and you can really hear and feel the emotions behind the songs. What I love about this is he stays true to himself, and is honest in everything he sings. All of these songs are my favorites! Every one of them is unique and just fantastic.
Continues to Impress!
I must say, I believe Dierks is one of my favorite of the "young" country music acts these days.
Great sound, Great CD - Bentley has another winner
From start to finish, Dierks Bentley has released his most "complete" CD thus far. Covering the well-worn country landscape of redemption, wanderlust, heartbreak, honky tonks and bars. Overall, the tone is more reflective than that of the first 2 CDs - yet, there are enough rowdy "independent wanderer without-a-care-go-my-own-way" goodtime songs to keep the frat party crowd happy. This is a balanced collection of up-tempo party songs with wonderfully heartfelt ballads and the moving bluegrass tune "Prodigal Son's Prayer".
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Reviews (68)

WHAT A VOICE!
I do love the low, sultry twang of Josh Turner.Every song on this CD is great, especially "Unburn all our bridges" wow!
5 Star Train
Josh Turner has a very enjoyable album in the Long Black Train. His voice and musical style should be enjoyed by all.

WOW!!
This is a fantastic CD. It's one of those I can listen to back to back.I've recommended it to all my friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Reviews (15)

crackerjack
Diamond Rio just blows me out of the water!I recently saw them again in concert, in Elkins, WV, I was impressed that I didn't need to wear my ear plugs, not too loud or distorted, not only is their music of great quality but the sound is too!The really know what they're doing.They sang all the songs on this album,it is really awesome!

NEW CD
THIS IS A GREAT CD.....ESPECIALLY THE SONG GOD ONLY CRIES & IN GOD WE STILL TRUST....AWESOME SONGS!! THAT IS THE REASON FOR PURCHASING THIS CD. THANKS

Diamond Rio Vol. 2
I only bought it for 1 song, but love the whole cd.It is awesome. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (4)

Should've been 4 discs - but great anyway!
Fantastic looking, excellent presentation, great contents and - overall - a fine summary of JLL's career.
The best concisecareer retrospectiveavailable
Time-Life managed to pull off a great feat by putting together a set that will not only be pleasing to the casual fan, but will also appeal to the die-hard JLL collectors.It consists of three disks, each focusing on a particular phase in his career.
awesome
every song is great and it goes through his whole career. the only complaint is as a box set how can it be missing so many good songs. wheres "crazy arms", "save the last dance for me", "that lucky old sun", "ubangi stomp", "when the saints go marching in", and"she still comes around (to love whats lefts of me)"? these were all big jerry lee lewis songs and should be on here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Honky Tonk    3. Oldies    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll    7. Rockabilly    8. Traditional Country    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

With a sad tenor that sounded like Mr. Haney from Read more

Reviews (71)

Great "Greatest Hits" Collection
I have always been a big fan of Tim McGraw! His voice is absolutely gorgeous, and he always turns out hit after hit. His first greatest hits is one of the best greatest hits CDs available, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Listen to it and love it
Guys, if you've got feelings for Tim, you're gonna love this one. If you know anything about honest to God country music, this is what you look for. This guy is extremely good and his music fits.

Reviewers for Amazon
Alanna Nash - what qualifications do you have - Karaoke at its best come on - so untrue get up and do this and see if you could attempt one chorus of anything - you better listen to his voice - you are out in left field...I am a music lover of all genres and he can hit the high notes...maybe not as good as Faith but even the weakest singers couldn't do what he has been doing...he picks great music yes and he knows how to add those special hooks....you should never review any music unless you do your homework... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country-Pop    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop