This amiable but uneven collection sounds like a really good set on a local roots rock/alt.country Sunday afternoon radio show for a midsize college radio station. The DJ knows how to pick some classic tracks and mix in some earnest newcomers, pull in a couple of heartfelt intimate songs, and balance it out with a handful of real rockers. The problem is that the album as a whole begins to sound like a label sampler, or maybe a disc that would come inside a magazine. While the songs for the most part are good, there is no ...
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This amiable but uneven collection sounds like a really good set on a local roots rock/alt.country Sunday afternoon radio show for a midsize college radio station. The DJ knows how to pick some classic tracks and mix in some earnest newcomers, pull in a couple of heartfelt intimate songs, and balance it out with a handful of real rockers. The problem is that the album as a whole begins to sound like a label sampler, or maybe a disc that would come inside a magazine. While the songs for the most part are good, there is no real continuity, and some of the song choices are a bit suspect. There were far better songs on Gillian Welch's Soul Journey than "No One Knows My Name," and "Can't Take It With You When You Go" isn't the best representation of Rhonda Vincent's spectacular catalog. However, if someone were looking for some new directions to explore in contemporary Americana, this is a keen introduction to relative up-and-comers like the Be Good Tanyas, Jason Ringenberg, Iron & Wine, and Old Crow Medicine Show. ~ Zac Johnson, Rovi
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