The second edition of this sampler of Boston artists includes two discs: one full of singer-songwriters, the other full of live poetry and prose performances. The spoken-word disc is an engaging glimpse at a lively writer's scene, which seems surprisingly unpretentious. The "sung word" disc is not quite as consistent as its award-winning predecessor (This Is Boston Volume One), but it is nonetheless a goldmine of contemporary folk discoveries. The greater stylistic variety on this volume works against its consistency (fewer ...
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The second edition of this sampler of Boston artists includes two discs: one full of singer-songwriters, the other full of live poetry and prose performances. The spoken-word disc is an engaging glimpse at a lively writer's scene, which seems surprisingly unpretentious. The "sung word" disc is not quite as consistent as its award-winning predecessor (This Is Boston Volume One), but it is nonetheless a goldmine of contemporary folk discoveries. The greater stylistic variety on this volume works against its consistency (fewer of the arrangements are left fully unplugged this time). There are also a few more tracks which adhere closely to the well-worn conventions of roots-rock and traditional American folk (Jess Klein, Ellen Cross, Dennis Brennan...). But there are still plenty of creative art-folksters, and it's easier to find highlights than lowlights: the bluesy ambience of Duke Levine's electric guitar instrumental, the unbridled energy of Vance Gilbert's jazz-folk, the quiet warmth of Ellis Paul's acoustic performance (somehow his voice always sounds fuller and less nasal when he's recorded without a band), Peter Mulvey's kinetic unplugged rendition of "Out Here," which shows off his songwriting at its most assured and alluring; Faith Soloway's unusual blend of humor and poigancy, and the Pushstars' smart mix of folk, jazz, and shimmering pop/rock, which ought to feel right at home on adult alternative radio stations. ~ Darryl Cater, Rovi
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