Reviews (4)

The Wreck of the Old 97
This is in response to "A Music Fan's" question. The wreck of the Old 97 was an actual event. The accident happened on September 27, 1903 in Virginia, and was immortalized by the song to which you refer. So no, you are not imagining it; but it's probably more of a big deal than you thought. A very useful website has many details and even newspaper articles and photographs. (...)

I need help!
This is not a review but I am desperate and need help. This is driving me crazy...Years ago my Grandmother used to sing many of the old railroad songs. One of my favorites was The Wreck Of The Old 97. She used to sing another one, but I cannot remember many of the words, therfore I cannot find it ANYWHERE! I am getting desperate trying to find it someplace on line. The song/story is about a conductor driving down the railroad tracks, and when he passes by his house, if his baby is sick (or something like that) the light on the track (or house) will be red. If the baby is OK, the light will be green. I know I did not imagine this song, but I just cannot remember the words. Does anyone have a clue?? I sure hope you can help!

Thank You! Please email me at ssandlf@adelphia.net if you can help! I would sure appreciate it!!

Train classics from a bygone age
This is the first of a series of CD's released by Rounder, all devoted to train songs. This volume focuses on country music, although the series as a whole covers several musical genres. Some of the songs featured here were recorded in the 1990's while others are from as far back as the 1930's, yet somehow they fit together well.

Roy Acuff starts the wheels rolling with Wabash Cannonball, one of many train songs that he recorded. This is followed by another famous train song, Orange blossom special, inspired by the first streamline train ever to run in Florida. That was in 1938, although the Johnson mountain boys' version featured here was recorded in 1945.

Daddy what's a train?, from 1973, was written at a time when it was feared that trains would disappear from America altogether. Perhaps they will one day, but I doubt it. Elsewhere in the world, especially in Western Europe where the population density is much higher, there will always be trains.

Among the other great songs here, Steel rails (the title track) is sung superbly by Alison Krauss, while another wonderful lady, Kate MacKenzie, closes the set with a fine rendition of Pan American boogie. The original Pan American train ran from Cincinnati to New Orleans.

Great album!!
This is one of my favorite albums. 'Wabash Cannonball' by Roy Acuff is truly a classic in every sense of the word; Alison Krauss does a fine rendition of 'Steel Rails'; and the transition from steam to diesel power is aptly chronicled in 'Texas, 1947'. Rounder has done a truly admirable job with its series on American railroad songs; I also have Volumes 2 and 3. I just noticed they have released a Volume 4 which will be my next purchase along with Train 45. ... Read more

Album Description

A compilation featuring original songs performed by some of Atlantic Canada's best known recording artists. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Too few Sounds of Nova Scotia
This is the inferior issue of the three anthologies. To begin with it only has 10 different cuts on the CD. It is neither tradititional like volume 1 nor revisional like volume 3. In my opinion this seems to be a "rush job" to reap any residual benefits from the success of volume 1. If you enjoy this music, buy volume 1 then volume 3 and buy this one only if you still want more.

enjoyed it!
I bought this tape while I was in Nova Scotia this past fall on vacation and I have totally enjoyed it. It is full of local talent and sounds. If you are like me and enjoy listening to music that isn't heard all the time only because it isn't in the main stream or on the top 10 then you might enjoy this tape. my favorite song on this tape is Nova Scotia Lullaby by John Gracie. It makes me want to return to Nova Scotia as soon as I can, a great line from the song was "Novia Scotia Wind and I can sail the sea for free" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Foot tapping, old timey music
I listen to this album often. It feels so fresh and authentic! The first song, "Sheep, Sheep, Don't You know the road" is inspirational: I'll be tapping the rhythms on the computer keyboard or table before the end, and it's a great song to sing with the little sheep in my life. And I have purchased two additional copies of this CD as Christmas presents for friends to share with them the sweetness and warmth of Vera Hall-Ward's "No Room in the Inn" as she tells the story of the birth of Jesus to her Sunday school children. The fiddling music is superb, as well: Neil Morris and the recording engineer briefly speak after "Corn Dodgers" and for that moment time vanishes. You are there. I could go on. Every one of the sixteen cuts has something to recommend it. This is a extraordinary collection for those of us who love American traditional music.

Beautiful
In this techno age where the music has about as much soul as a rake lying in the backyard,CD like this one help to remind us of a time before Brittaney and the top boy bands. I highly recommend it and think that anyone who wants real conviction and spirit in their music should give it a thousand listens. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for those interested in Shaker music or religion
This double CD and booklet was issued last year. It follows Rounder Record's "Early Shaker Spirituals" which is a recording of the Shakers themselves singing some of their early music. These new CDs are again the Shakers singing their songs, but covering the timescale of 1833 to 1914. The music and interviews on the CDs were recorded between 1960 and 1980. The booklet is written by Roger Hall, an authority on Shaker music, and discusses not only the music and interviews in the set, but also much other relevant material including a useful discography, and comments about the Shakers and their musical history.

Some of the interest of these recordings is in the historical place of twentieth century Shakers celebrating their faith through music. The quality of the recordings is not brilliant but this reflects the fact that much of it comes from LPs made in 1960. The music itself is fairly Victorian to listen to, but the words are quite inspiring. The use of the organ in some tracks reflects the fact that Shakers began using instruments and singing parts after about 1870. Of particular interest to me were the interviews, including a 24 minute track where Sister Mildred Barker speaks of her experiences as a Shaker. This is of great value as she was one of the most inspirational and forward looking Shakers of this century.

This is a must for those who are seriously interested in the development of Shaker music. It is also a must for anyone who is interested in Shaker religion and how it is reflected in their music. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"I ain't gonna tell you no lies"
I have noticed that this website doesn't bring up every disc in this series with just a "Deep River Of Song" search. In the interest of helping people find these discs here, I'll name every other disc in the series.

South Carolina

Bahamas 1935

Bahamas 1935 Volume 2

Mississippi: The Blues Lineage

Mississippi: Saints and Sinners

Georgia

Big Brazos

Black Appalachia

Virginia and the Piedmont

Alabama

I bought the entire Deep River Of Song series all at once. So many surprises awaited me! Some discs I thought about not buying because maybe I wouldn't be into them, and some I assumed I'd love. This was one of the discs I was iffy on. Until I heard it.

This and Big Brazos are two of the best discs in the series, in my opinion. They are also two I originally thought maybe I wouldn't like. Moses "Clear Rock" Platt is great. I particularly love his Old Chisholm Trail, which happens to be the source for Mike Seeger's Whoopin' Up Cattle on his excellent solo cd, Southern Banjo Sounds. James "Ironhead" Baker's St. James Hospital, which was clearly the source for Doc Watson and Tony Rice's excellent versions (on the Doc Watson and Native American albums, respectively), haunts me. Ironhead is a true highlight of this disc.

This disc also contains my one exposure to "eephing". An odd vocal thing that defies description. In terms of musicianship... guitar playing... Smith Casey is the hidden gem of this collection. His East Texas Rag is sublime acoustic slide guitar. He certainly could have earned more tracks here. I also particularly enjoy Phineas "Flatfoot" Rockmore's Boll Weevil done to a familiar Frankie & Johnny melody.

Of course if you are into American history (the true history, not the white-washed garbage that still gets taught in American schools) then these recordings become all that more meaningful. Imagine a song that dates back to slavery being sung by a group of prisoners in the 1930's, one of the harshest era's within the Jim Crow Era.

I love this disc, but the official review on this site is correct. It may only appeal to roots fanatics. I fear most of it is just too rough for the modern listener who is used to everything being more polished. I just want people to take that into account. I'd hate to recommend something and find out someone was disappointed when they heard it for themselves. If you don't like field-recordings of true real-people folk music, then this is probably not for you.

Fantastic
This collection is fantastic and shows a great respect for men who were forgotten in the history books. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Compiled from benefits held in December 1999 and 2000 inCalifornia and Canada, these acoustic performances document a who's whoof country-folk singer-songwriters united by Emmylou Harris'sprofound commitment to the anti-landmine movement. The performances arenever less than emotionally riveting, though Guy Clark, John Prine, andespecially Kris Kristofferson--his jocund but weathered version of the obscure"Shipwrecked in the Eighties" has a fool's wisdom--lighten the solemntone. Only NanciGriffith strikes a sanctimonious note; the earned indignation of Bruce Cockburn'sMines of Mozambique" cuts much closer to the political bone. Thestandout track, though, is Harris's mystical opener, "The Pearl"--sungwith a harrowing elegance that trumps the Red Dirt Girlversion--although Terry Allen'sabsurd, poignant pastiche "Wilderness of This World" is a close second.--Roy Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great live renditions of studio successes
This cd had a diverse song list, with different types of performers. It is beautiful and intimate compilation.

Emmy Lou Harris's stripped down version of "The Pearl" is very moving. Gillian Welch's and David Rawlings performance of "Morphine" is enchanting. With Gillian's heavenly voice and David's earthy sound, the song sometimes feels like a juxtaposition. This is especially effective since "Morphine" is about the singer's love and hate relationship with the narcotic.

Mary Chapin Carpenter's "This Shirt" is very touching. I appreciated the live version of this song for the clarity of the lyrics. This song has had little, if any, airplay and yet it is one MCC's best.

John Prine's lyrics were silly in "It's a Goofy World." Even though it took no poet to pen these lyrics, the song was fun and easy to sing along with. The inclusion of this song reminded me of Shakespearian tragedies that have short comedies interspersed. Although the album supposts a very serious cause, the song recognizes that we can't just focus on the World's sorrow. It is the joy in life that keeps us alive to fight for a better world.

Kris Kristofferson's voice has never sounded better. Steve Earle's "Christmas in Washington" has so many back up vocalists, at the end, that the song had a tinge of Gospel to it. Nanci Griffith's "Its a hard life," is fairly raucous. The backgound vocals made me feel as though I had a spiritual experience. The song "Mary," is lovely and made me long for my loved ones who have left this world.

The Landmine Truth
The Landmine Concert does not rememble anything close to a slick studio recording. It's also not anything near the full band unplugged sound heard a few years back on the MTV series. What your getting is outstanding laid back intimate solos with minimal accompaniment. The highlight of highlights on this cd is Guy Clark, who has a flair for the dramatic with his trademark funny story singing on "Cold Dog Soup". I also like all the other performances. The only a slight letdown is Kristofferson's"Shipwrecked In The Eighties" because his singing voice has changed. If you like that clean acoustic guitar sound where you feel a performer like Emmylou Harris is playing in your living room, you'll find "Concerts For A Landmine Free World" to be a winner.

How could they make this CD w/out Buddy & Julie Miller?!?!
Although I haven't purchased this CD, I notice that Buddy and Julie Miller's "100 Million Little Bombs" is not on the list of titles. I can think of no more appropriate song for a CD titled "Concerts for a Landmine Free World".

A concert CD that embodies the emotional spirit of the event
I attended the first of these concerts at Stanford Univ. in Palo Alto, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring musical event I've ever experienced. This CD captures the heart and soul of this important crusade, and offers some of the most beautiful live performances by some of the best folk performers of our time. Patty Griffin's soul-stirring rendition of "Mary", recorded in Palo Alto, is worth the price of the CD alone.

If you're a fan of the soundtrack to "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?", then this CD - including incredible live performances by Emmy Lou Harris and Gillian Welsh - will be a welcome part of your contemporary folk collection.

A Good Cause, But ......
This CD offers highlights from a series of concerts organized by Emmylou Harris to raise money to aid landmine victims and raise awareness of this horrendous situation, which exists in many places that have endured armed conflict. For addressing this problem and raising money to help its casualties, this deserves five stars, and I urge you to buy it or make a monetary contribution to this cause.

For these reasons, it pains me to report that, artistically, this recording is only a partial success. Only a few of the performances are truly inspiring, and several sink to the level of embarrassing. Let's start with the good stuff. The album opens with Emmylou Harris's "The Pearl," one of the highlights from 2000's "Red Dirt Girl." Harris sings here with a passion and intensity that serves the song well. Bookending Harris' achievement is the closer, "Christmas Time In Washington," Steve Earle's wonderful, wistful liberal nostalgia trip, which features Harris on backing vocals (Emmylou shows up on several other cuts as well). Another highlight is Patty Griffin's lovely "Mary."

Mary Chapin Carpenter offers a nice version of the decade-old "This Shirt," which, unfortunately has become overly familiar and should probably be taken off her set list for a while. Nanci Griffith's overly-earnest "Its A Hard Life" is another such song that even her fans probably do not need to hear again, and it has not aged well. John Prine and Guy Clark hold their respective own on their songs, but Bruce Cockburn, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, and Kris Kristofferson's offer boring performances of second-rate songs.

Its not easy for me to slam artists who donate their time for a good cause such as this. Once again, I hope you will purchase this CD to help end the horrors of landmines throughout the world. Even if you play it only once and file it away forever, you will have made the world a better place, particularly if you take the time to read the liner notes. Musically, though, this CD is only a partial success, and three stars is as generous as I can be. ... Read more

Album Description

The definitive collection of Jewish wedding music, Kol Dodi is a single volume (2 CD) resource for Jewish wedding music. Featuring five complete wedding services and over 30 songs!

Are you planning a wedding? Kol Dodi is a handy resource to help you in planning the music for your wedding. Contemporary, traditional, Sephardic, Yiddish and Israeli wedding songs and services. Bonus service on 2-CD set!

Includes world-renowned performers such as Alberto Mizrahi, Benjie-Ellen Schiller, Danny Maseng, Debbie Friedman and many, many more! Songbook also available. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you think popular music is a fickle mistress, blame America's railroads. These days the rails inspire little more than hackneyed romantic metaphors, but in the early years of the recording industry, they constituted a formidable, pervasive fad and set a precedent for topical songwriting that will likely never go out of fashion. Train 45, the fourth volume in an ongoing series, collects some of the most charming and evocative railroad songs from the first half of the 20th century. Though meticulously remastered, these old 78 sides still sound scratchy and muted--just as they should. After all, it's hard to picture a railside hobo (the original inspiration and audience for many of these songs) listening to a CD in the first place. He'd sooner use it for a shaving mirror. --Matt Hanks ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Historical recordings of a bygone age
This collection of train songs has been collected from the archives. There are no re-recordings here, so you are unlikely to recognise many of the artists listed here unless you are an expert in early American folk music.

You are unlikely to have much more success in recognising song titles, as even a lot of these are obscure - but you should at least recognise Wreck of the old 97, Orange blossom special and Rock Island line. Even these classics are presented here in the way they were written. If you are used to hearing rousing versions of Orange blossom special played at breakneck speed, the mid-tempo Jerry and Sky version will show you what it was intended to sound like.

Wabash Cannonball has not been included, but three songs based on it have been - they are Poor little Liza poor girl, Train whistle nightmare and Pine Knot Cannoball. The very detailed liner notes explain that Poor little Liza poor girl qualifies because of the manner in which the unfortunate Liza died.

Because the recordings were all made in an age when trains were important, they are more authentic than modern covers. To enjoy this, it helps if (like me) you enjoy early American folk music as well as trains.

Train 45 is a Must-Own for the Railroad music buff
This album collects almost an hour of original recordings of songs which remind us of the hard and dangerous life of the railroaders, with a sprinkling of humorous songs to keep it from becoming truly morbid. As you listen to this you really begin to catch the feelings of the railroad era. The enclosed flyer includes information about each song.

Classic stuff - real music
I just borrowed this from a local library. It's an awesome cd. Reminds me in part of Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, etc. and also the type of sound atmospheres that certain train-loving jazz artists were trying to get to (Duke Ellington, etc.); you definately feel as if you are moving when listening to some of the tunes.

Any fan of early, authentic American folk music will be very pleasantly surprised at this gem. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Indispensable!
These are the songs..and the singers..that helped to change our world in those determining times of the civil rights movement. If you were there, this collection will take you back; if you weren't, this music will claim you too as a sister or brother. A must!

Powerful
This cd helps evoke the importance of music in the fight for civil rights in the South. I would suggest this work to anyone who desires to understand the unspoken history of the South and the full push toward equality with folk's special place in history. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

if you even think you're interested, you'll love this
I ordered both this and vol.2 at the same time, based on the titles of the songs and the clips. Volume one is absolutely great, with not a single clunker. Volume two lags a bit toward the end, but is still a worthwhile purchase. It is unfortunate that there isn't any biographical info (which would have been preferable to a brief bit of printed lyrics on selected songs)on the various artists whose work appears here, but it is wonderful that this rare and exciting music is being preserved. I didn't intend to spend a whole afternoon listening to both discs, but I couldn't resist. Highly infectious music/lyrics.

Original 78 recordings of Old Time Rural Children's Songs
"The Story That The Crow Told Me" is sung by the Carolina Buddies in the middle of this collection of Early American Rural Children's Songs all of which have been rescued from original recordings from the 1920s and 1930s. This album represents Americana at its finest. Before you even get to the actual songs you just have to fall in love with the names of the performers: Fisher Hendley & His Aristocratic Pigs, Ridgel's Fountain Citians, Virginia Mountain Boomers, Fruit Jar Guzzlers, and the Utica Institute Jubilee Singers (not to mention Cousin Emmy). Just do not confuse the Three Georgia Crackers with the Dixie Crackers.

The only song I really recognized on this album was "Skip To Ma Lou, My Darling," although there are bits and pieces of others that sound a mite familiar. But if you are not humming and trying to repeat the chorus of "King Kong Kitchie Kitchie Ki-me-o" by the time you are finished listening to this collection, then I, as a fellah once said, don't know Arkansaw! You might be surprised at the language, since they allow people to sing about a cow's udders in another way but refrain from rhyming tell, well and dell with a certain nether region mentioned in Scripture.

Producer Richard Nevins explain that some of these ultra-rare recordings were more noise than music before remastering began, and while they have cleaned up the recordings as much as possible, these are still going to sound like old 78s, which is perfectly acceptable. These songs have the ring of authenticity just the way then If you enjoyed the music on the "O Brother, Where Art Thous?" soundtrack, then this collection will be right up your alley. Teachers covering rural life in this country between the two World Wars might find it instructive to play a couple of choice cuts from this album to give students a taste of what it was like for kids in another time and place.

Uncomfortable person
The wife of the Nevins talks to a steel wire prime object: "Wondering of lopping the possibility the song meeting by the both sides parents yet well is inside this the child is sad age." One thing will hope the jaded thing they place well put. But, at that song "it was poor and small thing Mammy " cowardice!!! It cried in me. The jaded call to me. When to me being that field, my child counteraction does to it to peel, as above seeing, it does and I is not a possibility of waiting. The child by me it does not want real real. I have a E for dissatisfaction in packing. The Yazoo gets lazily, is see. There is a some typos inside the booklet, there is not electric information. It is printed is the verse which it selects from the song which it is selected inside the book, they one it holds but all for it will hope they the place. This the first hour knows the multi Yazoo to have, went the approach which is odd. In this over there, I recommend this disc highly. The Perhaps this manufactures a return like inside United States thin recent event sees our age above fewly irony to jump, it sees to be few the jaded and song will manufacture. Fact is not same. The child by me it does not want.

A Step Back in Time and Place
The Story the Crow Told Me (both vols. 1 & 2) take you back in time with classic recordings (and little known gems) from the best rural performers of the time: Bradley Kincaid, The Prairie Ramblers, Reily Puckett, and more. This series does a good job cleaning up the old 78s and provides a nice album of children's and novelty songs of the 20s and 30s. Fine Record. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cool
This CD is very good, as any of you who are familiar with Mountain Stage would anticipate. Like usual, host Larry Groce steals the show. His version of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" is an all-timer. Danko and Hudson are great as well. Groce and company's cover of "Positively 4th Street" should be released. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Been there, heard that
"Bluegrass Essentials" is a highfalutin title for a CD that wanders down the same old rutted cow path as umpteen other bluegrass samplers. You'll hear the usual handful of "essentials" by Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Dillards, The Osbourne Brothers and J.D. Crowe and The New South: good tunes, sure, but way over-exposed. For my taste, this collection also leans too heavily toward gospel-flavored bluegrass of a cornball and sluggish variety. Whenever the CD starts cookin' with gas, which ain't often enough, tepid New Grass tunes from the likes of Claire Lynch and Alison Krauss, whose gossamer voices do absolutely nothing for me, tend to bring things to a screeching halt.

Every now and then, a diamond appears in the coal pile, such as Del McCoury's hair-raising vocal on "Rain and Snow," a chilling tale of domestic discord that ends violently, as the best traditional bluegrass often does. On the contemporary front, Vince Gill's "High Lonesome Sound," a modern standard from an artist of consummate integrity, is the pick of the litter. Ricky Skaggs' reckless remake of Flatt & Scruggs' "Don't Get Above Your Raisin' " is mighty fine, too.

A much livelier bluegrass primer, "Appalachian Stomp," is available from Rhino Records. If you're new to bluegrass, "Stomp" is much more accessible and entertaining than "Essentials."

A must have!
Whether you are a die hard bluegrass fan or a casual listener curious about the bluegrass sound, this CD is indeed essential. The CD features some of the best songs by many bluegrass legends. It is impossible not to tap your foot to the best music has to offer.

Very nice mix of some classics with todays artists
This is a very nice mix of new and old. Some classics done by today's popular artists, and also by some of the all time masters. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must own world music Cd
Well, I am definitely new to this reviewing thing. But, since nobody has reviewed this cd yet, I felt that it is my duty to do so!! The Rough Guide Series is an excellent guide to discovering new world music. I've never been to Louisiana, but have always dreamed of going there! This cd is one of the reasons why. Look at the rich music heritage that comes from this state. It is the birthplace of Cajun, Zydeco, Blue, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B. This cd includes all of these genres of music. This is not just music of New Orleans, but other cities in the state. Americans out there, this is a great introduction to what comes from this country!! This cd includes the very famous songs, "Iko Iko" and "You Are My Sunshine." The famous Buckwheat Zydeco and Dr. John are featured as well as many names that may be new to you. Learn a little about the music of this Southern state. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"I hear it in the deep heart's core"
Heart of the Gaels is an excellent sampler from the respected Green Linnet label, home to artists such as Altan, Capercaillie, Andy M. Stewart, John Cunningham, Sileas, the Tannahill Weavers, Jerry O'Sullivan, and Patrick Street, to name a few. Heart of the Gaels presents the listener to some of today's most exciting Celtic acts. Four different Celtic heritages (Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Galicia) are represented. There are musical styles to suit everyone: reels, jigs, slow airs, and vocal acrobatics with songs such as Puirt-a-Beul. Prefer instrumentals? Fear not! There are blazing fiddles, rollicking accordions, soulful tin whistles, bouncing bodhrán beats, Uilleann pipes, and guitars galore! This album has something for everyone and is guaranteed to make your toes tap! Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful Collection
Taken from the archives of THE west coast folk radio show, this Cd Anthology is worth the price of admission if only for the inclusion of the John Prine tune. A sharp performance by guitarist extraordinaire Richard Thompson and Nashville-based ex-Blaster frontman Dave Alvin ("Barn Burning") up the ante, but the real gem here is Iris Dement's acoustic version of her own "Our Town." Her wondrous, vibrato-draped tenor shines in any environment, but in the context of this solo live atmosphere, her slightly-sped up performance is chilling, forcing the listener into a first-person point of view. This collection is essential listening for anyone interested in modern-day folk music.

Well worth a listen
Couple spotty tunes, but otherwise this is an *outstanding* collection. All tracks were recorded live as part of the FolkScene program at KPFK in Los Angeles. The sound quality and intimacy of the recordings is absolutely wonderful. You come away with a sense of being in the studio. ... Read more