Customer Reviews

Dancin With Them That Brung Me

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Dancin With Them That Brung Me" is all and more that I expected for Stacey Earle's second record.

It has a very appealing "back woods" sound, simple but harmonious melodies and interesting lyrics.

It displays more confidence than "Simple Gearle" and only goes to enhance my already considerable admiration for the artist.

There is a freshness about Stacey Earle's music that is rare these days, comparable to the individuality of her brother's music and Gillian Welch's approach to the genre.

A real gem!

Stacey Earle's new album is a delight. Period. She has managed to create musical with a catchy, whimsical approach that draws you inside of her songs, but upon closer listening you'll notice that there's a variety of complex emotions and ideas bubbling under the surface.

I've maintained for a while that, although they may be strange bedfellows, Americana (I hate that term!) and Rap music are the only two genres of popular music with at least a few brave artists who are willing to write about the world around them. Stacey Earle knows this, she does this, and we have the pleasure of listening.

I'm not sure what the people who posted negative reviews were expecting, but Stacey's not trying to be Steve Earle. There's enough ciphers of his musical style out there already. She spends her time and music trying to find her own voice, and I for one couldn't be happier about it.

Simple. Honest. Heartfelt. Stacey Earle's second effort builds admirably on the strong foundation of "Simple Gearle". What differs considerably, though, is the growing sense of confidence that is displayed in her singing and songwriting on the new CD. Sparce, yet elegant, this collection proves that touching and compelling music can still be made at home, by folks.

In light of the fervent, renewed interest in re-discovering the "roots" of folk music (via the Harry Smith & Alan Lomax re-ssues, etc.), it is suprising that latter day music featuring the same honesty and simple beauty can be so easily missed.

The somewhat negative reviews posted by some I attribute to either momentary psychosis or a severe case of PMS, regardless of gender.Stacey is in very fine voice here, and with her husband Mark and company she delivers one sublime song after another. "Wonderful Life" has such a hook in that I dare you not to be humming it for days on end. The Gearle can do no wrong!

I own both of Stacey Earle's cd's. They are amazingly good and I never tire of them. There is not one cut I wish would hurry up and finish. Owning them is money well spent; they would make great gifts for friends; but best of all, you get to hear her sing to you and you'll not soon forget her.

Stacey Earle's "Dance" CD is an original effort. I love the acoustic-based minimalist style. The washboard percussion makes you feel at home on the happy midtempo opener "Promise You Anything." "Is It Enough (I Luuv You)" is one of my very favorites on the CD with its catchy chorus and pretty tune. "Did I Say I'm Sorry" is a slower tune of regret. Stacey's voice has a hard edge to it, but is beautiful on the perky "Makes Me Happy." "No New Shoes" is a slow tune on this Cinderella-like ballad. The music gives a sense of liberation on the peppy break-up song "Good-by." "Kiss Her Goodnight" is a sad slow ballad about missing mama. (Mine just moved onto the next world; so this one brings tears to my eyes.) Another favorite of mine is the catchy upbeat track "What a Wonderful Life." "Must Be Love" is bouncy and will have you slapping your thigh in time; it could be a great companion piece to the "Lovesick Blues." On the title track, Stacey sure sounds a lot like Victoria Williams! "Why" is another excellent track with a catchy cord progression and a peppy whimsical melody. The CD ends with the country folk "How I Ran," "You say so much, sometimes it's more than I can understand. You said I couldn't sue; I said, Oh, well, yes, I can!" This CD is excellent with some wonderful tunes and performances. As a songwriter, Stacey doesn't demonstrate quite the depth of Iris DeMent, but the whole presentation is quite enjoyable. Good work!

This is a very nice CD. Stacey has a very unique voice, quite different than her brother Steve. Lyrics are interesting. If you like to dance, there's a couple of nice waltzes and a rhumba.

We've all gotten past the fact that Allison Krauss chooses to sing in a dainty voice (listen to her early work and you'll see it wasn't always so), so give this Gearle a chance. This apparently simple Gearle is really quite sophisticated as evidenced by her unique lyrics, fresh delivery and fine arrangements. Some of these tunes are quite catchy. A very nice work.

I first learned of Stacey Earle shortly after the release of this CD. I had gone to see Steve Earle, and Stacey opened for him. I went away far more impressed with Stacey than Steve. I bought this CD and "Simple Gearle" and have listened to them many times over the ensuing years--and they continue to improve. Earle's voice is authentically twangy, a trifle nasal at times, but textured like a rough linen. The lyrics are refreshingly straightforward. "Is It Enough" is one of the great love songs: Earle kinds and channels the common desire to find and give oneself completely to someone else--and have the loved one accept your love. "Good-By" is a definitive break-up song, the voice of a woman who has the strength to walk away. "Wonderful Life" is an anthemic testament to walking on the sunny side. Every parent should listen to this song! "Must Be Love" is a cheerful, almost goofily happy paean to being gobsmacked by love. The title song is a nearly defiant statement of fidelity--but it is a joyful acceptance. "Why" has more of a pop sound with a somewhat jazzy guitar accompaniment. Finally, "How I Ran" is one of the saddest break-up songs that I've ever heard.

In all, Stacey Earle combines a sense of simple authenticity and directness with real musical talent. The combination is rare and delightful. She writes and sings with a combination of adult intelligence and an informed innocence. She is one of our treasures.

Simple. Honest. Heartfelt. Stacey Earle's second effort builds admirably on the strong foundation of "Simple Gearle". What differs considerably, though, is the growing sense of confidence that is displayed in her singing and songwriting on the new CD. Sparce, yet elegant, this collection proves that touching and compelling music can still be made at home, by folks.

In light of the fervent, renewed interest in re-discovering the "roots" of folk music (via the Harry Smith & Alan Lomax re-ssues, etc.), it is suprising that latter day music featuring the same honesty and simple beauty can be so easily missed.