Customer Reviews

Modern Art

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although not quite as dark and raw as his last effort Borderland, this may well be Tom's most accessable release to date. It's actually a great place to start for all you TR neophites and curious Nanci Griffith fans. I'll go as far as to put his tragic tale of the sea "Issac Lewis" up there with "El Gallo del Cielo" in terms of weaving that epic story as only Tom can do. My personal favorite is the touching and most likely autobiographical "The boy who cried wolf". A classic, this one really hits home. And be you a guitar fanatic or not, its certain that Tom's often underrated partner Andrew Hardin's amazing fretwork will give you goosebumps all throughout this album. I may be repeating myself, but this one's a keeper.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Tom Russell, the best way to summarize him is that he is truly one of our nation's best songwriters. He's also an exceptional performer although that is sometimes lost by some because so many other people have done great versions of his songs.

His newest CD Modern Art, is a bit of a departure from some of his past works. It's different in that these songs seem much more personal. His songs have always reflected on events and people in his life, but this album really digs deep and under the surface.

In my opinion, the highlights of the album include a number of duets with Nanci Griffith. Dave Alvin's song Bus Station is one such example. More importantly, the new songs fit well with his live performances, so if you get a chance to see Tom when he comes to your town, do it!

Mickey Mantle sings of joy and regret as he remembers the simple life as a "Kid in Spavinaw," "Muhammad Ali" makes an appearance in all his brash confidence, and even poor Stephen Foster is present on this collection of story songs, where Russell shares with the listener a variety of lives, both real and imagined. Each little biography is a reflection on some aspect of life's trial, but many are confirmation that the struggle is worthwhile including the auto-biographical title cut. There are a few throwaways here; the Bukowski/Zevon blend makes me want more Zevon and less Bukowski, and one more version of "The Dutchman" doesn't really add anything to the mix. But the addition of Nanci Griffith on three cuts and the hilarious rockabilly of "Tijuana Bible," more than make up for any of the other shortcomings.

A magnificent record by a great American writer and singer. At an LA show recently, Russell said he'd never written a sea song before. So he writes "Isaac Lewis," which is glorious -- one of the best folk songs (which is to say, best songs) of the last five years. You see a picture in living color the way the chords and tune move with these graceful lines: "So I kissed the lips of Emma Gray and set sail for Liverpool/And the parrots perched in the riggings, boys, and the dolphins swam in schools." If I may, Russell's got some father issues, and his best songs, such as "Isaac Lewis," plumb them beautifully. Speaking of heroes, "Modern Love" has tributes to Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. The former, "The Kid From Spavinaw," digs deep and touches gold (those father issues again), but in the latter Russell pulls his punches, ironically enough. It's the only letdown on the record. It'd be weird if it were perfect, huh? Buy this, and give your father, grandfather, or uncle one on Father's Day.

I especially liked the diversity of songs and styles from the upbeat but serious Muhammad Ali, to excellent interpretations of American Hotel and Bus Station. I discover something new every time I listen.

I think this is his finest CD. Great ballads plus 3 duets with Nancy Griffith. I could do without Racehorse Haynes and Tijuana Bible (both show Tom's sense of humor), but I love all the others.

Tom's "Modern Art" is appropriately titled, because it is indeed a work of art. "The kid from Spavinaw" will grip anyone who ever looked up to Mickey Mantle (and there are lot's of those), while "Isaac Lewis" will haunt anyone who has ever sailed the sea (or even lived near a pond). I'll not compare it to Borderland or his other works, they're all fine. I'll just say this is an incredible piece of work.

This is another typically excellent Tom Russell CD. But I do not think it is as good as Borderland which was a thematically very focussed album. Modern Art feels like a collection of fine songs that was NOT specifically written for an album. But it is early days yet and I may get a deeper insight into this album in the future. But for now it is 4 stars rather than the 6 I would give Borderland (out of 5).

Tom Russell has again turned out another must have CD. If you thought Tom was good on Lettermen, with until you hear this new one. This is another must have Tom Russell CD. No one can sing and write like Russell. BUY THIS CD!

Jay Marvin
WLS Radio
Chicago, IL

It is only correct to state that I am a Tom Russell fan. However, that alone does not effect this review. "Country / Folk Music" has gone through so many changes, it can be difficult to keep up. "Pop Country" is not in Mr. Russell's lyrics, (nor his stage persona), he plays music - (that he writes!)- and let's the audience be the judge.

This disc is a great addition to any fan of music that makes you listen. The power of the words and overall theme of the music makes you understand that you are in the hands of a master storyteller. When I listen to this CD, I realize that I am very grateful: Tom Russell makes you think, lets you float on a sea of music that transports you to the freedom of true music. It not flashy firworks and swinging singers from rafters cloaked in the guise of "Country Singer" - this about a man on a chair with his compadre Anderw Hardin weaving a magical guitar by his side - singing the songs that were written from the heart.

Let's see ol Garth do that one.