Category: Music

Genre: Album

Grade: B+

Notable People: Rodriguez
Title: Cold Fact

Review Got the album for my birthday and finally had a chance to listen to what the buzz has been about. I’m sure everyone knows the story; Rodriguez (not sure if he has first name?) was a late 60s- early 70’s singer-songwriter from Detroit- who made couple of well reviewed albums and then disappeared into obscurity and menial labor jobs for almost 40 years. Unbeknownst to him- he became a cult in south Africa and had a massive following there; a couple of producer types found out he was alive (long believed dead) and tracked him down a few years ago. There was a great documentary made on him “Looking for Sugarman”and his career has been renewed with vigor (and fortune). This is a re-release of his first album from 1970 and I really like it. Very melodic, catchy tunes, good lyrics and nice musicianship. It’s a time capsule- with classic folk rock with a psychedelic edge to it. His voice in reminiscent of early Jesse Colin young. This is like finding a time capsule; if you’re interested in antiques- go out and get it.

Title: The List

Genre: Album

Grade: A

Notable People: Roseanne Cash

Review: I don’t usually review older work s(I may have even reviewed this before) but I have been listening to this 2009 record for days and really loved by it. If you don’t know the story, when young Roseanne was getting ready to gout on the road with Papa Johnny for the first time in the mid 70’s-he told her she had to master this list of songs before she could go out. They were his great Americana song book (and now they are mine-and may be yours if you listen to this record). Beautifully arranged set with incredibly tasteful instrumentation and lovely vocals. Guest harmonies from Bruce, Elvis Costello, Jeff tweedy and Rufus Wainwright. If nothing else- check out Heartache by the Numbers, an old Harlan Howard chestnut- done with incredible verve by Roseanne and Elvis. Go get this record and listen to it ten times.

Title: Born to Sing, No Plan B

Genre: Album

Grade: A-

Notable People: Van Morrison

Review: nothing ground breaking here; just the great Van the Man doing his thing. If you’re a fan- go out and get it.

Title: Nothing’s Going to Change the Way You Feel About Me Now

Genre: Album

Grade: B+/ A-

Notable People: Justin Townes Earle

Review: Steve’s prodigy makes is best album to date; both dark and sweet country rock muses with a good band and Justin’s vocal beginning to shine. Lots of ruminations about his famous and elusive father. A work of growing maturity by an artist with great potential.

Title: For the Good Times

Genre: Album

Grade: A-

Notable People: The Little Willies- with Norah Jones and Richard Julian

Review: wild…Hank Williams meet Ravi Shankar- with Ravi’s little girl, Norah, fronting this pretty unusual collection of musicians making VERY classic country music. Would never have guessed these sounds would come from these people- but it’s pretty damn good.

Title: Old Ideas

Genre: Album

Grade: A

Notable People: Leonard Cohen

Review: Haunting, beautiful, profound…the man is a true mystic. First new material album in over a decade. Classic Leonard- run out and get it.

Title: Barton Hollow

Genre: Album

Grade: B+

Notable People: The Civil Wars

Review: Hauntingly beautiful harmonies from this duo with ace session folk on the side. Very sweet and gentle; lots of melancholia. The songs sound a little bit too much alike for a whole album but worth a listen. The opener is called “20 years” and eerily evokes the late great Gene Clark; if you’re a fan, then at least find this one cut and give a listen. Not may sound like him.

Title: Live at Edwards Barn

Genre: Album

Grade: A

Notable People: Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson

Review: OK-you got to like this genre- but it does not get any better than this. The legendary original and Sweetheart of the Rodeo Byrd and founding Flying Burrito Brother and his long time sidekick form the Desert Rose Band. They are joined for this live set by a great three person backing band including multi- instrumentalist extraordinaire David Mansfield. Beautiful, beautiful acoustic music and harmonies ranging from Byrds stuff (Turn, Turn Turn) to Burritos (Wheels, Sin City) and traditional bluegrass. Country music. These guys are absolute living legends and still in their prime. This is my first album of the year for 2012.

Title: Goat Rodeo Sessions

Genre: Album

Grade: B+

Notable People: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Myer, Chris Thile

Review: Preeeettyy weird!! Jazz meets bluegrass meets world music- with a classical feel. These are four really great musicians who have come together to do something way out of the ordinary. Think the Paris Hot Club (with Django Reinhart and Stephan Grapelli meets Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys). Not for everybody.

Title: Dedicated

Genre: Album

Grade: A-

Notable People: Steve Cropper

Review: This is the REAL thing. The greatest rhythm guitarist in R&B history (Booker T. and the MGs, the Blues Brothers) cuts loose and shows his stuff. An eclectic all star lineup of singers adds to the mix (Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, John Popper). The opening track is an instant classic. This is a legend at his best.