Elko (Dig)

Railroad Earth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sci Fidelity Records
• ASIN: B000CPH9RU
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,472 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Japanese limited edition issue of the album classic in a deluxe, miniaturized LP sleeve replica of the original vinyl album artwork. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly Amazing, January 27, 2006

By 

John Corcoran (SoCal, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elko (Dig) (Audio CD)

Having seen Railroad Earth live, having worn out several CD players playing their first three discs, and having driven friends and neighbors to distraction by constantly touting RRE's praises, I greeted their new live CD with joy and fear.

Joy at the idea that their quarter-hour live raveups and spontaneous creativity onstage would now be available to hear over and over, and fear that the CD might somehow disappoint. What a waste of worry. "Elko" is a Masterpiece. It is so good tasks stay undone, the dog goes unwalked, the TV stays off, and the wife all but ignored while I sit in my earphone cocoon and listen to it again and again.

Is "Elko" the album of the Decade so far, as suggested by an earlier poster? Damn Skippy it is. The only trouble is what category does it belong in. For starters, it's the best live album I've heard in ages. Bluegrass? The best Bluegrass album I've heard in ages. Jam Grass? Well yeah, except how can you call RRE merely a Jam Grass band when they are so far beyond that? Elko also has jazz elements, World Music chops, Celtic, folk, pop, Southern rock, Credence Clearwater Swamp rock and Lord knows what else. The album shows this extraordinary group of musicians is not reigned in by convention. In an age of musical stultification, RRE is that rarest breath of fresh air, taking acoustic (and mildly electric) music to areas it's never been to before.

The music is amazingly layered. Unlike so many bluegrass outfits which trade leads while everyone else strums along in the background, RRE plays like each member is being paid by the note. Plus they manage to sound precise and improvisational at the same time, no mean trick. As a result each tune demands repeated playing while the listener is constantly discovering new joys in the music.

The two CD set contains more than two hours of music, mostly up- or mid-tempo. There are a few new tunes--the title tune is especially appealing--plus great performances of previously unrecorded tunes like "Warhead Boogie." Add to that some amazing workouts on familiar numbers, such as "Seven Story Mountain" and "Bird in the House. The duel between the amazing fiddler Tim Carbone and mandolin master John Skehan on "Head" is worth the price of the CD itself.

The rhythm section rocks, the playing is a magnificent blend of exactitude and flights of fancy, and as usual, the unique voice of lead singer/ primary songwriter Todd Shaeffer give the songs their emotional cues.

It's not a matter of picking a favorite tune on the CD, it's a matter of finding one that isn't a favorite. So far, little luck with that.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the Decade?, January 24, 2006

By 

Robert Haven (Eugene, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elko (Dig) (Audio CD)

A couple times each decade, I discover a musical artist that completely captivates me and takes over the music listening part of my life (and that is a huge part of my life). In the past it's been artists as different as The Band, The Grateful Dead, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, and Patty Griffin. Ten days ago I discovered Railroad Earth and I've listened to nothing else since then.

On first listen, Railroad Earth sounds like traditional bluegrass, but it soon becomes evident they are much more than bluegrass. Their music is quality folk-rock played on bluegrass instruments, with touches of awe-inspiring Grateful Dead style jamming and improvisation. Each of these guys is a master of his instrument(s), but I'm especially blown away by Tim Carbone and his magical violin playing. The songs, mostly written by lead singer Todd Sheaffer, are sometimes sad (Bird In A House), moving (Railroad Earth), or just plain fun (Head, Like a Buddha). And they all have interesting, non-trivial, and beautiful melodies. Did I mention these boys can jam? If this music doesn't get you dancing, no matter where you're listening to it, you better get yourself a doctor!

This live CD is a wonderful collection of inspired performances of great songs. The music is so rich and full of instrumental nuances, it can be listened to over and over without growing wearisome. And that's exactly what I've done since I got "Elko" -- listened to it over and over and over and over...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great release from a great band, January 24, 2006

By 

William P. Adams "Bill Adams" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elko (Dig) (Audio CD)

I preordered Railroad Earth's ELKO and rec'd it in the mail yesterday. I must say this is something truly special!!!

This band puts on great live shows and this collection really captures that special feeling that virtually everyone that sees this band perform walks away with.

The music is kind of a hybrid mix of Bluegrass, Celtic, Folk, Rock, Pop, Americana. I know that sounds like a lot but they have a very unique sound that anyone that loves really good music and musicians will truly apppreciate.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Railroad earth play, jump on it. Till then buy this CD and revel in the beautiful songs and playing that make this band so special.