Customer Reviews

Dirt on the Angel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Expressive, playful, powerful!!!!
I would have to give this 5 stars + also.
A musician's musician if you would. Hasn't left the top of my stereo since it came out. As far as I'm concerned it's just another stellar album in a discography that is at the top of the genre of Americana music. Is that actually a genre yet? As I find myself saying at Danny's live shows "What in the hell is he playing here?".
Some damn fine music that's what. You won't be disappointed with this fine music.

I have played this CD more often since I bought it at a Danny Barnes show 2 months ago than I would have guessed possible. He is a wonderful song writer, incredible player - just a genius on guitar and banjo. You get his sense of humor and good natured showmanship when you see him live, and that shines through on this CD as well. Plus - what a killer band. The back and forth on "peanut butter..." with Darol Anger is great. I had the good fortune to see him again just last night here in Seattle. Damn, the man can play! People who say they hate the banjo need to open their ears and check this guy out. He is just a smokin' improvisational player.

This is the best record of Danny Barnes' career (including the Bad Livers/Willies, etc.). That is saying something as I am a big fan of his entire body of work. The material spans the history of American music and has elements of bluegrass, rock, jazz, old time, and more. Also included are two unique and amazing covers of The Faces "Ooh La La" and Beck's "Loser". The band is comprised of Danny, Bill Frisell, Chuck Leavell, Darol Anger, Dirk Powell and others--how can you go wrong? The record is solid from start to finish and I can not get it out of my player. The man is a genius and one of the best singer/songwriters in the world--he deserves more attention and you should buy this record now--you will not be dissapointed! It's a modern roots masterpiece.

I agree with everything the above reviewers said. My only problem is with the 4 stars given this masterpiece by one reviewer -- it deserves the full 5 and more!!!! That's why I had to add my 2 cents. He's at the top of his game and DOA reflects it. Also, if you ever get the chance to hear Danny live, don't miss it! He's a musical and literary genius, a ham, and doesn't take himself too seriously unless you're talking about the musicianship or the writing. Also, if you really want a treat, visit his website and read his musings "On Music". Danny's biggest fans are some of the best musicians on this planet -- that's why he's got such good ones on this album! They recognize his brilliance--how he's the real deal. Bottom line is, I love this album and give it a 6!

"Dirt On the Angel" is to Danny Barnes' solo career as "Horses In The Mines" was to Bad Livers (his 90's band): it's an old-timey sounding masterpiece w/ modern relevance. Doesn't hurt that Bill Frissel, Darol Anger, and Chuck Leavell play all over it. Also doesn't hurt that Danny Barnes is evolving as one of the most interesting songwriters since John Hartford. Some themes are familiar -- life in the country, peanut butter, and another great chicken song. Danny's playing is the highlight... he is indisputably the best banjo player on the planet but this writer would say he's the most blazing guitar player on earth as well. The final track (a cover of Beck's "Loser") harkens to latter days Bad Livers material w/ programmed beats and samples and we hope he circles back on future releases. As it stands, "Dirt On the Angel" should appeal to country/bluegrass fans w/ unformulaic tastes, experimental music fans w/ open minds, and hardcore metal fans that can translate banjo lines to the inherant power within. Best release of the year so far.

Cross the more chaotic songs by Dock Boggs with John Hartford and you might end up with something that sounds like Danny Barnes. This album is hard to get a handle on at first, but will grow on you. As Danny says, "Get it while you can".

Banjo picker Barnes seamlessly covers the gamut from traditional American mountain music to hip hop. And his succulent cover of The Faces' "Ooh La La" is one for the automatic repeat button.

Danny Barnes is an incredible musician and songwriter. If you're familiar with his former band, the Bad Livers, you will no doubt enjoy his solo stuff. "Pickin' and a grimacin'" is how a music writer friend of mine describes Barnes' music. And that hits the nail right on the head. Take equal parts of bluegrass, punk, country, and rock 'n' roll, put 'em in a bottle, and shake 'em up. The end result is the music Danny Barnes makes. Dirt on the Angel is a killer record. Highly recommended!