Customer Reviews

Americana

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4 star:		(2)
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You could almost cull this CD from KGSR Austin's playlist archives. Many of my favorite Texas-based folks are here, including Terri Hendrix, Chip Taylor and Robert Earl Keen. I know Austin is a well-spring of music, but I'd like to hear some artists from other parts of the country as well.

The good aspect of Putumayo collections is that you always discover something new and a portion of your money goes to a good cause. In the case of this CD, it's the Second Harvest Food Bank.

The bad aspect is you can end up spending a LOT more money on CDs. If you like the Little Willies selection, their CD is a winner. Robert Earl Keen's "Farm Fresh Onions" is also another well-done CD. Additionally, check into Dave Carter. His passage robbed the Americana scene of a defining artist, but his current catalogue is still very much acquiring.

I particularly liked the choices and the sequencing of this CD. "Hole in my Pocket" covered by Ruthie Foster for the end number was a haunting choice and a suitable coda for the selections.

This new compilation from the "world music" Putumayo label is a modern "folk festival" in a CD case (actually an ecologically-safe cardboard digi-pak since Putumayo supports social causes). Somewhere this summer nearly all the singers and musicians included on the disc are performing at a folk festival somewhere in the US.

Like nearly all of their terrific releases, this is a "sampler" of artistes who record for other labels and most of these tracks come from releases from 2002 through 2005. The concept of these discs is to: 1) introduce listeners to artists they are not familiar with (by including a few whose names they would recognize and 2) to make some money with a portion of the proceeds going to a worthy cause. This time the beneficiary is America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network.

I enjoy these samplers - and this one is no different - because I always find someone new to me. This time it's Robinella (the band whose leader is named, well, Robinella!). In small print under "Licensing Credits" in the bound in liner note booklet you can learn the source of each track along with the label's website address. I've known of banjoist Alison Brown for years but the produced picked a rare track with Brown on acoustic guitar, which can be both a positive and negative or listeners seeking more of Brown's instrumental work. Putumayo carried the "world music" label to its liner note booklet as well with everything printed in French and Spanish as well as English. This means the notes on each track are short, though somewhat informative. Personally, I wish they would list the supporting musicians for the tracks included. They too, deserve credit.

Many of the artists in that overused word "Americana" come from Texas, especially Austin. My favorite Texas artist is Teri Hendrix, who is represented, not only by "Prayer For My Friends" from her album The Ring, but wrote "Hole In My Pocket", sung by the soulful Ruthie Foster on the final track. The album's programmer got it right when he placed this song at the end. You'll be singing the chorus long after you turn off you CD player!

So, take this for what it is - another great introduction to some artists - and carry the journey further. You've heard of Norah Jones (who is her as part of The Little Willies) but you might find yourself now seeking out the Old Crow Medicine Show or, hopefully, discovering the multi-talents of Terri Hendrix!

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

"Americana" was released in time for Independence Day, perfect music to accompany barbecues and laidback fireworks shows. With its red, white, and blue motif, it's patriotic without being obnoxious. It celebrates American folk music heritage.

"Americana" has a diverse range of artists. Their music isn't challenging (if you prefer psychedelic country,get Workingman's Dead instead),but it's pleasant. There are spiritual songs,like RobinElla's "Down the mountain" and Terri Hendrix's "Prayer for my friends." Rising star Josh Ritter has a tribute to his town of Harrisburg. Eliza Lynn's "Sing a new song" shines light on a new talent. The Old Crow Medicine Show,which has performed on Prairie Home Companion,contributes Wagon Wheel. Banjo player Alison Brown,who was once with Alison Krauss' Union Station,has "Deep gap." Norah Jones shows she's better collaborating with others than as a solo artist when she channels her inner Patsy Cline with the Little Willies in "It's not you,it's me." The compilation closes with Ruthie Foster's hopeful "Hole in my pocket."

"Americana" is relaxing music. It's an all-American compilation like apple pie and barbecue. Enjoy!

Just recieved the email recommonding this album, actually I remembered I saw it before at putumayo website, but didn't pay much attention, because I didn't think it's my taste. But now I'm listening, and find it really nice entertainment to ears.

Wow really cool tunes if you are into American folk. Great line up of artist and songs.

I have been fortunate to hear Americana, that peculiar hodge-podge term of new and alternative country and folk music, which encompasses Bob Dylan and Neil Young and banjo pickin' Bill Evans, from my radio, as KPIG transmits from up the hill (the first web radio station, by the way). This compilation CD is a fairly good sampling of the flavor of the genre. However, it just touches the surface and lacks some of the irreverence for authority and challenging humor. If anything, the anthology should induce a desire to hear more. Interesting in what is available here is Norah Jones in full country mode with The Little Willies before she went to significant solo career. My favorite selection is Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show, which makes you want to drive, drive, drive with a smile on your face.