CD-Charts Position 121
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Deadwood

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Original TV Soundtrack

Release Date March 07, 2005
I am literally grimacing as I write this review, such is the lacklustre audio quality of this soundtrack CD of the contraversial but highly popular TV series Deadwood.

I rarely buy soundtracks and I have never bought one to a TV show before. Mike Brook interweaved his own original compositions and those of a range of diverse artists so sympathetically with the episodes that I found myself eagerly anticipating the credits each week!

I'm very disappointed at the audio quality of this release which detracts from a highly commendable score, not the least of which are tracks by Lyle Lovett, Bukka White and June Carter Cash. I am also very impressed by the incidental compositions, which added a great deal to the whole ambience ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 122
Average Rating:

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At the Ryman

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Emmylou Harris

Release Date January 13, 1992
On this magical live album, Emmylou and the Nash Ramblers pay tribute to the very old (Stephen Foster), the new (Steve Early, John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen) and bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, with covers of three of his songs. Of course, the album is a seamless blend of the old and the new.

The music goes from uptempo country rock like Earle's Guitar Town, to lovely yodelling as on Cattle Call, the Tex Owens song. There is also the lovely lilting country pop of Guess Things Happen That Way, the sensitive treatment of Springsteen's Mansion On The Hill and the thrilling instrumental Scotland, the first of the Monroe numbers.

Emmylou talks a bit more between songs here than on her other brilliant live album, the great Spyboy. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 123
Average Rating:

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West [Jewel Case Version]

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Lucinda Williams

Release Date February 19, 2007
This is a charming album of simple and heartfelt songs, mostly gentle but intimately powerful. I found the approach thoroughly engaging, with sparse production and instrumentation complementing the lyrics and Lucinda's vocals. The simplicity of 'Mama you Sweet' (with one very long verse) draws you in to the emotion of the song. 'Are You Alright' and 'Where is my Love' are great, beautiful songs and Jenny Scheinman's expressive violin adds a unique layer to the arrangements.

I thought some of the songs could have been shorter, and that the CD might have been better with a few tracks omitted. The album isn't full of instant hits but reveals itself over time, and is well worth taking the time to get to know it.

CD-Charts Position 124
Average Rating:

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Follow the Lights

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Release Date
This is a charming album of simple and heartfelt songs, mostly gentle but intimately powerful. I found the approach thoroughly engaging, with sparse production and instrumentation complementing the lyrics and Lucinda's vocals. The simplicity of 'Mama you Sweet' (with one very long verse) draws you in to the emotion of the song. 'Are You Alright' and 'Where is my Love' are great, beautiful songs and Jenny Scheinman's expressive violin adds a unique layer to the arrangements.

I thought some of the songs could have been shorter, and that the CD might have been better with a few tracks omitted. The album isn't full of instant hits but reveals itself over time, and is well worth taking the time to get to know it.

CD-Charts Position 125
Average Rating:

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The Little Willies featuring Norah Jones

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Little Willies

Release Date March 06, 2006
Well i've finally got around to buying this album and boy why did i wait so long!! In parts pure western swing as in the opening number "Roly Poly" and sometimes downright "barroom sleazy" enough to make even Tom Waits crack a smile (see track 2 I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive with a vocal reminiscent of Rodney Crowell circa the "Heartworn Highways" period)this is a pure gem.

As for Nora Jones taking lead vocal on their cover of "Elvis's" "Love Me" (as well as a couple of others) its as much shivers down the back time as the 1st time i saw her on Jools Hollands "Later" doing "Cold Cold Heart"! The overall feel of this album though puts me in mind to watch "Oh Brother Where Art Thou'" again and conjures up Alison Krauss. Ok ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 126
Average Rating:

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Teenager

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Thrills

Release Date July 23, 2007
I liked The Thrills from the early stages when they releases their first album. I liked as much their next album Bohemia, so wondered if this album would match their earlier work, and i expected it would, and it did!

The Thrills are in danger of going into oblivion! They were dropped by EMI, but are now with Virgin i believe. A good move!

You can't force people to buy music, and not everyone will buy these albums, but...there is an absolute market that will, a big market. It just needs to be marketed correctly.

This album is astounding to listen to. Quality stuff. Would highly recommend.

Buy this album!

CD-Charts Position 127
Average Rating:

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The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Josh Ritter

Release Date March 31, 2008
Great album.
Got it today and it's now on the third spin.
Great songs, great lyrics, great musicianship, great sound.

This may be the best of Ritter's albums so far, even for those who fell for any of the previous albums (like me) and expected never to hear anything as good as the songs "You've got the moon", "Kathleen" or "Bone song".

Well, he's done it.

Every song in this album is better than the previous one, every lyric is clear as crystal and the previous albums, though great in their own, are a step below this one.
"Right Moves", "Temptation of Adam", "Waiting for love"... well, 14 awesome songs, great production and Josh Ritter with amazing musicians, sounds and songs.

I'm a record producer and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 128
Average Rating:

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Hard Candy

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Counting Crows

Release Date
So Adam returns with a new set of lyrics and tunes, and this time there's an urgency about the whole proceedings. If anything a more commercial set of songs than on previous outings.
If anything comes to mind, it's Springsteen's "Born in the USA", overtly radio friendly, compared to the other Crows albums.
Chiming guitars, gorgeous piano and organ textures, and wonderful harmonies.
All adds up to a top album, and with the additional tracks, can't be bad.

CD-Charts Position 129
Average Rating:

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Angel Band

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Emmylou Harris

Release Date March 06, 2000
Angel Band is one of Emmylou Harris' more obscure albums, a flawless gem of mostly traditional songs where her spiritual expression reigns supreme. Backed by acoustic and bass guitars, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, mandola and viola, the vocals are particularly impressive with the tenor of Vince Gill, the baritone of Carl Jackson and the bass of Emory Gordy interweaving perfectly with Emmylou's gorgeous voice.

It opens with the stirring Where Could I Go But To The Lord, which is followed by the title track, which is thematically similar to the well-known Swing Low Sweet Chariot. The third one, the rhythmic If I Be Lifted Up, reminds me of her version of Orphan Girl on the album Wrecking Ball, in its comforting lyrics. The non-traditional When He Calls with its lovely instrumental ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 130
Average Rating:

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The Thief and The Heartbreaker

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Alberta Cross

Release Date May 14, 2007
i first noticed this album when buying a rilo kiley cd, it was on the recommendations. boy am i glad i had a listen to the sample on here!
i purchased it instantly. its only 7 songs but well worth a listen. very country rock based and i agree with a few people, ryan adams almost echoes this album, especially 'lucy rider' very much like a missing track off ryan adams gold album. 'the devils all you ever had' is spine tingling and you can sink into the lyrics instantly. i also hear a few sounds along the lines of my morning jacket. if you like my norning jacket or ryan adams you must buy this album!