Editorial Review

Garage-rock hero Jack White producing honky-tonk legend Loretta Lynn? And Lynn comparing him to renowned Nashville producer Owen Bradley? Yes, we all know the world is rapidly shrinking, but now we've seen everything. Most stunning of all--they nailed it. For the first time, Lynn has written all of an album's songs, and her lyrics are as cutting and incisive as ever. On the powerful, biting "Family Tree," she brings her babies to the home of her husband's mistress so that they can see the "woman that's burning down our family tree." Throughout she cunningly tackles tried-and-true honky-tonk themes of love gone bad, drinkin', cheatin', and murder. Lynn even offers a compelling slice of theological fatalism ("God Makes No Mistakes"). White's production--mostly stark and atmospheric--ranges from more-traditional country to straight-up White Stripes, with most tracks falling somewhere in between. White duets with Lynn on the rousing one-night-stand story "Portland, Oregon," but he does not need to sing to leave his personal stamp. At 70, Lynn seems thoroughly engaged and delighted; at times she delivers some of the most emotionally potent singing of her career. A decade earlier, Johnny Cash turned to rock and rap producer Rick Rubin, and the move resuscitated Cash's career. Now, Jack White has done the same for Loretta Lynn, another country legend whose music is simply too raw and honest for the contemporary country crowd. Read more

Reviews (103)

An album that is as brilliant as it is improbable
Who'd a thunk it?Loretta Lynn, the grande dame of country music, retired for most of a decade with only a single mediocre album to show for her return to the business after her husband's death, teaming with punk-garage genius Jack White to produce the best album of her career.I only recently discovered this beauty of a disc.I had Lynn's MCA collection ALL TIME GREATEST HITS, which contained about all of the Loretta Lynn I ever expected to own.But going on a White Stripes binge lately it suddenly inspired me to sample the album I remembered he had done with Lynn.It simply bowled me over.
AWESOME
Loretta Lynn rocks.Awesome cd."Portland Oregon" is one of the best songs I have heard in a long, long, time.No one says "Oregon" like Loretta.Rock on, Loretta!

Yeah, Hey!
It is the rare CD that leaves me wanting more.It is rarer still that I hear anything out of Nashville that engages me, period.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Traditional Country   

Features

• Soundtrack

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Film Music    4. New Orleans Blues    5. Pop    6. Roots Rock    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (104)

"A MASTERPIECE!"
Carencro is so good that it concerns me what he may have up his sleeve. How could someone improve - but then again, if anyone could - Marc Broussard could. I first heard of this artist on "The Late, Late Show" and was truly blown away. I not only purchased this CD the very next day, I proceeded to purchase atleast 10 more to give to friends - not including the same # of his other CD, Momentary Setback. I also had the chance to catch his tour in Boston last summer - He is something to behold: An Amazing stage presence. Every Damn Song Is Perfect - well written, sung, produced, etc. He is proof reincarnation is possible. His talent is unique, rare and MUST BE HEARD BY EVERYONE! It pains me to know of other artists of much less skill, ability getting more exposure. *MARC, PLSE COME BACK TO THE EAST COAST VERY SOON!*

Amazing and Versatile Voice
I loved this refreshing and original album. True, these songs are not all the same style; but versatility marks real talent. I love the variety. Home is great, also Hope for Me Yet, Where You Are, and Saturday. Marc has a great feel for pop, rock, and soul. What a delightful mix of sound!

Great Album
DO NOT trust the editorial review on this one. This is a GREAT CD!!!! Listen to it for yourself, and make your own opinions, not just the biased editorial review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Blues-Rock    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Soul    8. Swamp Pop   

Editorial Review

This young Californian has apparently suffered from a case of mistaken artistic identity in his attempts to forge his own. The blazing guitar chops on this album's "Cold Black Devil/14 Miles" show why some consider him among the most promising of a new generation of bluesslingers, yet much of the material makes him sound more like a young Bob Dylan than the next Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though Dylan comparisons rarely do a developing artist any favors, it's hard to avoid them with the majestic, 10-minute build of "Supersede." Elsewhere, the horn arrangements of "So Hard to Find My Way" and "Close to You" evoke Van Morrison's California days, while the riffing of "Farewell, So Long, Goodbye" rocks like the Rolling Stones. Much of the rest is acoustic balladry that finds Greene achieving a musical intimacy that resists easy comparisons.A multi-instrumentalist featured on organ and piano as well as a variety of guitars, Greene benefits from the musical support of bassist Davey Faragher (Cracker) and drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello's Attractions) and empathic production by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos). As a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, he's more than the sum of his very good influences. Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Roots Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Reviews (5)

Highly Recommended!
The long awaited solo debut from Arizona Americana artist Dave Insley shines with talent.Dave's down home voice and oustanding songwriting skills create an album of pure pleasure.The CD captures your attention from the first notes to the last with an outstanding variety of tunes.There is something here for everyone--ballads, honky-tonk, rock and roll and pure country.The title track, "Just Call Me Lonesome" is arguably one of the best country songs ever written.This is a CD you will definitely want to add to your collection!

Look No Further for Real Country Music
Dave Insley knows how to write a song.His lyrics are clever, quirky, fun to listen to; his melodies are haunting, or toe-tapping, or just plain bouncy; and he can really, really sing them.With a thundering baritone voice that commands attention and yet remains as comfortable and homey as any weekend honky-tonker, Insley sells his own songs with a precision and style that only a very few other singer/songwriters manage.With "Call Me Lonesome," his first solo CD, this former Nitpicker and Trophy Husband demonstrates every one of his formidable skills, which also include producing the disc.
Hard Working Arizona Artist Produces Another Excellent Album
My first listen to Call Me Lonesome by Dave Insley put me in some out of the way Arizona honky tonk on a Saturday night with plenty of beer, whiskey, and unsavory characters.Insley has obviously lived an interesting life so far, maybe a tad on the dangerous side, and this well lived life comes though loud and clear on nearly all of the cuts on the CD.He mixes his genres seemlessly and that weathered baritone voice is comfortable in all of them.I especially liked the first cut, "There's Gonna Be A Few Changes Made Around Here".It catches your interest right away and the entire CD won't let you go until it is done with you.The song titled "Maricopa Mountains" is as beautiful a tribute to the great State of Arizona as I have ever heard.Move over Dolan Ellis, Dave Insley is here to stay! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Reviews (8)

If this album doesn't win a Grammy, there just ain't no justice in the universe.
It's difficult for me to describe how great this album is because I just don't know where to start.Maybe here: there isn't a track on this CD that you're going to want to skip over, even after repeated listenings (and while comparisons of James Hand to Hank Williams Sr. seem natural, as great as he was, ol' Hank had a few tracks that got on your nerves).
original material with a traditional western and honkytonk sound.
first rate singer/songwriter in the cowboy/honkytonk traditional sound genre.accompaning musicians and arrangements are perfect. proves there ie hope for 50+ boomer musicians who have never had a commercial release before. i heard him initially on NPR in an interview and suggest you check out that program.

James, Not Hank

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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

Roots and groove mark this teaming of John Hiatt and the North Mississippi Allstars. On Read more

Reviews (45)

Listened to it twice
and put it in the cabinet.If I get 3 more, I'll make them a coaster set.
LIKE FINE WINE....
Man, I'm floored by the poor reviews of this disc.Listen, his mid-career stuff i.e. "Bring the Family", "Stolen Moments" etc. is phenomenal; but he has not lost one bit of touch or creativity with his last couple discs.While "Beneath This Gruff Exterior" was a top shelf punch in the chops from John, "Master" is a laid back and beautifully written piece of work.I'm a HUGE Hiatt fan, and arguabally each of his discs have one or two clunkers- this disc is no exception to that rule.But you also have a few could-be classics-The title track, "Howlin' down the Cumberland", "Find you at Last"....and a couple that are just hysterical-"Wintertime Blues" and "Back on the corner".LOVED IT.

check this out too
I am a huge fan of catchy, folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Heartland Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Recorded over four-nights in front of a sold-out hometown crowd at Chicago's historic Vic Theatre in 2005, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (47)

wilco songs come to life
If you are a fan of Wilco, and especially if you have never seen them live then you must own this cd! With a set list based largely on "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and "A Ghost is Born," you might not think of buying this. YHF is a love-or-hate album, and maybe not the best intro to this band since it's more experimental than their previous work. But the songs really come alive and take on a new dimension when they are played live. Wilco is a really tight band. I had always loved them but when I saw them live for the first time (twice in the same week in New Orleans on the Ghost tour,) I was blown away. The first few times I heard Ghost, it fell a little flat, maybe because I had anticipated it so much and it didn't seem to have quite the same edge as YHF. But hearing the Ghost songs live has really changed my opinion and now I love that record equally, if not more than the other Wilco records. Certain songs really jump out as my favorites here: "Misunderstood," "Via Chicago," (a song they have played countless times but this version really grabs me...) and surprisingly "Company in My Back" and "Hell is Chrome," 2 songs I hadn't thought much of before. I'm going to see Wilco again very soon, thankfully they are on tour again! If you can't catch a show, check out this record, it will give you an idea of why their live shows are so acclaimed.

I love this band
This is a great live cd which showcases the amazing talent of the band.
As good as being there
This album clearly defines why Wilco is the best band touring today or any day. The connection that Tweedy makes with the audience is crystal clear, as is the harmonious instrumentation that this current line-up display. Each musician in the band is a virtuoso in his own right, and Nels Cline sharp guitar is a welcome addition indeed. I usually don't like live albums, as the audience noise is a distraction, but it is clear on this recording that the audiecne was too much in awe to get in the way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Alternative Pop/Rock    4. Experimental Rock    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Dwight Yoakam occupies a singular position in contemporary country. No artist has better balanced mainstream commercial success with artistic, alt-country credibility, while somehow managing to embody both the music's most traditional and its most progressive impulses. Read more

Reviews (49)

Best Dwight Yet!
I have been a fan of Dwight Yoakam's music for years and this is his best CD yet. Very dry recording as if Dwight and the band are performing in your living room. As usual, great songwriting and musicians.

the best album I ever heard
this is just the best album I ever heard. on every album there's a track that don't sound that good as you want but on blaim the vain everything is perfect. my favorit is the titel track blaim the vain. I'll pretend rocks like the 50's. so, buys this album, you won't regret it
Dwight's doing what he does best.
I highly recommend this album for any long-time Dwight Yoakam fan.Unlike with some of his albums in recent years, he's not just going through the motions resinging other people's songs.In this album, it's the real Dwight and it all sounds really good.Listen to the snippets and you'll like them all! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bakersfield Sound    3. Country    4. Honky Tonk    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Artists like Iris DeMent aren't supposed to exist anymore in this cynical world. Singing unironically about family, forgiveness, and other real-life mysteries, DeMent is accompanied on this great debut by little more than acoustic guitar, upright bass, piano, and an occasional fiddle. But the songs (especially the bittersweet "Our Town" and the grand dreams of "Mama's Opry") are more than smart and honest enough to bear standing so naked. And her singing--highlighting a sweet Ozark twang--is that rarest of gifts: a wise, friendly voice that can break your heart even as it's making it swell with a reason to love again.Read more

Reviews (62)

Authentic Rural American Music
This music reminds me of all the generations of women and girls in the big kitchen at the dairy farm where I worked summers as a kid. They'd all be in there with fans running and steam coming out of huge pans boiling noodles and potatoes and greens, pans frying chicken and pork chops, cutting up stuff out of the garden, getting ready for the big dinner, which, of course, isthe noon meal. We'd come in all sweaty and "worsh up" before everybody'd sit down for a prayer and this enormous meal that, at that time and place with all the folks together, was the only kind of affluence and conspicuous consumption that mattered and that anybody needed. Iris sings it.

excellent album
I really enjoyed this album. I heard it at a friend's house and immediately thought I would like to own a copy. Iris Dement has a distinct and unusual vocal style and the whole album is very mellow and enjoyable.

'INFAMOUS ANGEL' - ESSENTIAL COUNTRY
Every so often I hear a CD that makes me sit back in awe - and listening to 'Infamous Angel' was one of those occasions. Iris Dement has a voice that is so Country but so unlike the usual andher songwriting is brilliantly simple but astute. Her music is a mix of folk, bluegrass, gospel & honkytonk and here she's backed by a top band that includes Emmylou Harris, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Al Perkins, Roy Huskey Jr. & Jim Rooney. Standout tracks: 'Let The Mystery Be', 'These Hills', 'Hotter Than Mojave..', 'Our Town', 'Mama's Opry', and the wonderful title track.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Contemporary Folk    4. Country    5. Country & Western    6. Country-Folk    7. Folk    8. Folk & Traditional    9. Neo-Traditional Folk    10. Neo-Traditionalist Country    11. Pop    12. Progressive Country    13. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

After the more experimental themes and misanthropic bit players populating his prior album, Read more

Reviews (44)

Road music to die for
This is one incredible album and should always be played while driving long distances in West Texas or anywhere else.Toe-tapping, dreaming, Get High music --- THANK YOU LORD for Lyle Lovett!!J from Texas

Lyle continues to follow his own path
The combination of traditional country with whatever strikes Mr. Lovett's fancy continues here on THE ROAD TO ENSENADA. This CD starts with a typical touch of humor with the man showing his attachment to his Stetson ("Don't Touch my Hat"), working up an incredible series of country fried pick up lines ("Her First Mistake") and chasing after a young lady who can "Look right through you." ("Fiona") Listen to the throwback sound of the peddle steel and fiddle blending in with the big band horns on "That's Right" and you know right away your in Lyle Lovett territory. Things get serious as the CD moves along, particularly on the brilliant "Promises," where "words are like poison," and on the bittersweet "Christmas Morning." By the time you finish listening to the epic title track, you will realize Lovett has created another wonderful collection songs for the heart and mind.
Alt-Country at its finest
Although Lyle Lovett's most recent CD is quite good, No collection of Alt-Country music should be without THE ROAD TO ENSENADA. This CD is both elegant and self depricating, big and brassy, and closae adn intimate. Every song is good, and every song speaks to you from the heart AND the brain.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

John Hiatt has had such extraordinary success as a songwriter that, even if you haven't followed his career as a performer, you'll find you know most of these songs by virtue of their hit cover versions. Bonnie Raitt ("A Thing Called Love"), Suzy Bogguss ("Drive South"), Rosanne Cash ("The Way We Mend a Broken Heart"), Jeff Healey ("Angel Eyes"), and Aaron Neville ("Feels Like Rain") have all dipped into the Hiatt songbook with spectacular results. Hiatt's originals (plus a couple of new tracks) are terrific in their own right, thanks to his gritty vocal style and stellar accompaniment on some tracks by Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe, Jim Keltner, and Sonny Landreth. The only missteps here are a rerecorded version of "Have a Little Faith in Me" (the original is one of Hiatt's most powerful performances) and the inclusion of "Take Off Your Uniform," a distant memory from Hiatt's days as a new waver in the Elvis Costello mold. Read more

Reviews (20)

Something for new fans and old
Let's just start by stating its a "Best of..." because (believe it or not) not enough people have bought his singles for him to make actual "Greatest Hits".If your in this category, buy it, your in for a treat.For those that already have everything he's ever done, I'll concentrate on this disc's value added, like how each song has a (real) short paragraph penned by Hiatt revealing the history/state of mind when it was written.And the new/reworked/first time released songs, like...
BEST OF THE "BEST", AUDIO-WISE

Impressed with John Hiatt
Thoroughly enjoyed the CD.Have some of the songs as performed by other artists, but it's nice to hear them as performed by the writer.I'm always impressed by one with that kind of creativity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. College Rock    3. Country-Rock    4. Heartland Rock    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

As is true with so many roots-rocking bands based in Austin, Texas, a sweaty club brings out the rambunctious best in Reckless Kelly, giving them a chance to stretch out and let loose on their first live recording. From the pulverizing opener of "Sixgun," which owes as much to AC/DC as the roadhouse, through the new party anthem, "Wiggles & Ritalin," and the reflective, acoustic "Wicked Twisted Road," the band feeds on the call-and-response energy of the hometown crowd and pays it back. The set offers tribute to Lone Star natives Alejandro Escovedo ("Castanets") and the Texas Tornados ("Guacamole"), as well as farther-flung inspirations such as Richard Thompson ("1952 Vincent Black Lightning") and the Beatles (a bluesy "Revolution"). "Baby's Gone Blues" begins as a riff-rocking piledriver and ends as a fiddle-driven breakdown, an encapsulation of the musical progression embodied within the band. On twangier fare such as "Nobody's Girl," frontman Willy Braun could pass as a vocal ringer for Steve Earle. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

Rockin' live album
Like the other reviewers, I LOVE Reckless Kelly and cherish my copy of their original live album, "Live at Stubbs". The vocals on Reckless Kelly Was Here aren't quite as strong as some of their others, but if you're looking to recreate some of their rockin' live show energy in your living room, you can't go wrong with this CD set.

Live Reckless Kelly Live!
This disk captures the full throttle experience that is a Reckless Kelly show. Their own material continues to shine, their cover of Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightening almost rates a 5 star just by itself. If you wish to introduce yourself or others to Reckless, this is the album to get. And if you want to reintroduce yourself to how very good they are, this is the album to get.

A poor sound mix
Ok, I'm first, I lead off with that I love this band, I don't think they can be beat in todays music market, lots of energy, great song writing ability, masters of their insturments and they seem to really like each other, that's important, I loved the selection of songs and the home town crowd had them fired up, the sound?, well the guitars, fiddles and all came through like a champ! but the vocals, now I think Willy Braun is one of the best, I think he could sing just about anything and do a first class job of it, my gripe is, who mixed the vocal mike?, it sounds like it is at half volume, Willie's voice is drowned out by the band most of the time,If I didn't know the words to some songs already it would have been worse, I made changes to my set up and could only improve it a little, how could this error, that sticks out like a sore thumb, get passed over?, very disapointing. The video came through very strong, my hats off the the camera men, good job! I wish I could give this 5 stars, but I can't, this error ruins it. #2, well the recording of "Revolution" is the best I've ever heard!, man, it drives! it cooks!, Willy is at his best!, but David, man, you must have "blisters on your fingers!", your axe is on fire!, Lennon would have loved this!, why?, because it is real rock and roll!, this band is the tightest of any I've heard since the golden age, the 60's and early 70's, keep it up! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Country    5. Country-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll   

Editorial Review

The West of veteran TV writer/Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics
• Soundtrack

Reviews (11)

Music in a Western Mood
Other reviewers have described this CD of music from Deadwood's first season in excellent detail, so it's enough for me to say that this collection is beautiful and evocative, plaintive, tense and saucy by turns.

Deadwood score hits dead on!
"No law at all..In deadwood.is that true?" Must have for that Deadwood junkie!
An excellent representation of the first season of Deadwood, fine music and dialog from the series.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Alternative Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Piano Blues    6. Pop    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores    8. TV Soundtrack    9. TV Soundtracks    10. Television Music    11. Television Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

Laying waste to all the wink-wink irony, dubious material, and vocal mediocrity that frequently mires alt-country fringe dwellers, the second outing from this Virginia-born belter marries tough, twangy rock with wild, unguarded emotion. Neko's principal charm may be her voice--sometimes coming on with Dusty Springfield's indigo-eyed soul (the dreamlike "Porchlight"), Patsy Cline's aching slow burn (the slinky "No Need to Cry"), and Wanda Jackson's imperious sexuality (the rockabilly "Mood to Burn Bridges")--but her songwriting (she cowrote every tune) is surprisingly consistent and memorable. She celebrates the "passion for life" found in her abandoned home of Tacoma, Washington, or a strapped-on Telecaster, and on her best song, "Guided by Wire," she balances between "darkest recollection" and the freedom of music, the kind that matters most, all those voices "singing my life back to me." Read more

Reviews (61)

Guided by your electric wire's hum
Think of this as a relative endorsement - I've become such a fan of Neko Case in the past year that Furnace Room Lullaby, my first purchase of hers, now seems a fairly subpar Case record, something which is less a criticism than simply a high bar to live up to.There's a wealth of extraordinary songs on Furnace Room Lullaby - the cold echoes of the title track, the invigorating vocal heights of "Set Out Running," the haunted eloquence of "South Tacoma Way."What makes Case's songs so distinct is the way her melodies - as conventional as they'd ever be on this record - seem to invade with spare syllables, making each second of their short running time rattle around your head for days.What make's Furnace Room disappointing in light of the entire Case catalog is its lack of conceptual daring, its sidestepping of the passionate cohesion that elecrifies Blacklisted and Fox Confessor Brings The Flood.Certainly, she was just starting out with this record, but it falls short of her biggest accomplishments.Still, few artists can do what Case does - her powerful vocals and invasive lyrics are already in full swing, and on "Porchlight," she makes what may still be her finest and most singable song - a song whose longing is more memorable than its perfect melody.

Neko Case - Furnace Room Lullaby
This is the first CD of Neko Case I have bought.I can't believe I have never heard her on the radio.I heard the title song on a DVD movie and had to check her out.She is a very good singer, and her style is unique.If you like country, but want some variety from the mainstream stuff, this is the singer you should look for.

Forget Shania or Faith......
After I saw Neko on Breakfast with the Arts on A&E,I bought her newest cd,then bought this one.I haven't been disappointed yet and I doubt if I will be.Neko has the most beautiful and passionate voice out there and puts the Shanias and Faiths to shame..These songs should be radio and not the wannabes that make up most of country today...I mean,shouldn't Neko be more popular than the so- called country starlets that are out now?? In a perfect world,she would be...BUY THIS!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    5. Country    6. Indie Rock    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Rock    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Like a rootsier Jimmy Buffett, Delbert McClinton is an established, hard-touring veteran whose audience doesn't expect from him too much out of the norm. Regardless, the Texan's quintessential mix of country, R&B, Tex-Mex, blues, honky-tonk, New Orleans bump, lounge jazz, and good-time rock and roll is durable enough to sustain a career, especially since nobody does it nearly as well as he does. In the spirit of "don't fix what isn't broken," this album of 13 McClinton originals preserves the established formula. But to his credit, the leathery-voiced singer, now in his mid-60s, never seems to be going through the motions. He delivers this good-natured Americana with gutsy enthusiasm and enough raw energy to power the ocean liner on one of his famous blues cruises. Just as comfortable tearing into the Stonesy rock of "Dead Wrong" as the soft, Spanish guitar-driven folk of "Down into Mexico"--a tale of a robbery/relationship gone bad that flawlessly mixes his tender and tough sides--McClinton revels in his element. Fiddles, sax, and pedal steel augment the arrangements, highlighting the country and blues at the heart of Read more

Reviews (22)

His best album in years
I've been a Delbert fan for more than 20 years, and this is his best release in a long time. There is no voice like Delbert's; man, can he sing. From the raucous "Hammerhead Stew" to some welcome country songs like "Midnight Communion" and "Two Step Too" this CD rocks. As for those reviewers who dislike the country element here, they aren't true Delbert fans, since real aficiandos know that some of Delbert's early works were
cost of living
I can find nothing bad about this cd. It's like Springsteen lyrics, guitar strains of Marty Robbins and maybe a little touch of John Fogerty. I can recall sitting in a bar thirty years ago with some of my military buds and listening to this kind of music, wishing we were someplace else. What memories this cd evolked! All in all I can say that Delbert McClinton is becoming part of my blues collection and will continue to add more.

lone star star
Texas music is more than music from Texas. It's an alchemy of apparently disparate essences - blues, soul, rock'n'roll - and Delbert McClinton is a master chemist. Like his fellow Lone Star Staters Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Doug Sahm, McClinton's defiance of definition may have denied him a wider audience, but those who know him can consider themselves, to quote one of his songs, "one of the fortunate few". McClinton wrote most of the 13 songs here and anything he doesn't write he makes his own (I'll Change My Style, associated with Jimmy Reed, becomes wonderfully greasy swamp R&B). For tragic, noirish adventure with a femme fatale, try Down into Mexico ("Sherrie was a dancer / she was a schemer / we came up with a foolproof plan"). Those who have lost love will share the ache of Kiss Her Once For Me ("and there's a part of her life I won't be there to see / when you're holding her tonight, kiss her once for me"). McClinton just turned 65 and shows no sign of decline. Start here and work back to such gems as Genuine Cowhide (1976) and The Jealous Kind (1980).(This review appeared in The Age newspaper in Melbourne, Australia.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Blues-Rock    3. Country-Rock    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. R&B    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rock/Pop    11. Roots Rock    12. Soul-Blues    13. Southern Soul    14. United States of America   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (128)

He hurts so much!
....... and he writes amazing songs because of it.
Good, but he keeps getting better
As Ryan's first solo album this is a great breakaway from Whiskytown.His lyrics are inventive but his sound is still a little exploratory and he doesn't seemed to have quite found himself yet.It's definately worth a buy but his subsequent albums, especiallly Gold and Demolitions keep getting better.

Another Classic
Ryan Adams is a deep artist who addresses many issues in his music. This cd however, is a little lighter than several of his other works. This album has the perfect title. For one, Ryan Adams strikes me as a heartbreaker. I mean he is gorgeous, and what woman on planet Earth wouldn't be attracted to a folk singer? Secondly, many of the songs deal with heartbreak. This cd is classic Ryan Adams. Songs like "To Be Young" and "Come Pick Me Up" will remind you of why you love him in the 1st place. Spectacular cd overall that won't let you down. It was one of the 1st Ryan Adams cds that I bought. It gives a good taste of what his style is like. If you love this cd, you will probably like Ryan Adams Gold, and Coldroses. Ryan Adams is a phenomenal artist. If you don't buy the cd for anything else, buy it because Ryan looks super sexy on the cover smoking a ciggarette. Seriously though, I would reccomend his music to anyone not only as a die-hard fan, but as a person who appreciates great music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. American Trad Rock    4. Americana    5. Country-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Sent reeling by the one-two punch Conor Oberst's Bright Eyes delivered with