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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Steve Earle's Bluegrass Gem, May 20, 2001
This review is from: Mountain (Audio CD)
In his liner notes, Steve Earle says his primary motive for writing the songs on this album (he wrote all 14 tracks) was an attempt at immortality. His stated hope was that at least one of these songs would be performed at every bluegrass festival in the world "long after I have followed Mr. Bill (Monroe) of this world." After giving this album several listens, I'd say he won't have to worry about that. This is one of Earle's finest albums and very much in the vein of his 1995 album Train a Comin'. This time out he hooks up with the Del McCoury Band, simply one of the best bluegrass outfits playing today--check out their excellent 1996 album The Cold Hard Facts for further proof. There isn't a weak track on this album. But if I were to pick a single highlight it would be the closing track, the confessional and mournful "Pilgrim" with its all-star vocal harmony cast (Emmlou Harris, Sam Bush, Tim O'Brien, John Hartford, Peter Rowan, et. al.). Overall, this is an honest and sincere record from an artist who deserves to reach a wider audience. Unfortunately, even the best bluegrass albums are lucky to sell a hundred thousand units. Let's hope it doesn't keep him from putting out another bluegrass album. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Album of the year!, December 21, 1999
This review is from: Mountain (Audio CD)
When my brother called me and asked me to drive to Nashville to see Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band in concert at the Station Inn, I had no idea what I was in for. I read many reviews of this CD and they were all very favorable, yet I had never heard any of the music. I sat there shell-shocked with a slack jawed expresion on my face that turned into the biggest ear-to-ear grin I've ever had on my face. The performance going on in front of me was something of legend. A tiny little hole-in-the-wall full of smoke and stale beer, came alive with music that truly elated my soul. I promptly ran out and bought this CD, along with several other Del McCoury Band CDs. Steve Earle and Del deserve Album of the Year from the Grammy organization for this ground breaking blend of roots bluegrass and raw rock and roll. One shining moment from the show that will always stick out in my mind was when Iris DeMent stood on stage with Steve & Del and literally stupefied the audience with her powerful voice. You will play this album for years to come.
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Bluegrass CD In Years, July 22, 1999
By A Customer
Earle actually precedes this musical set with a written eulogy in the liner notes, speaking of the legendary Bill Monroe and Earle's own innate desire to please the master. He has transcended that, I'm fairly certain, with this exquisite set of his own compositions and lyrics. Bluegrass is simply an art form...exceptional artists possessing extraordinary skill, writing, interpreting, and translating music that appeals because of its basic purity and "down-to-earth" originality. We will listen and recall times gone by because when we hear it, it reminds us of a place and time...a small town celebration...something that we heard as a kid... it reminds us of our grandpa's era...we can almost feel it, smell it, touch it...it's Americana. Once we take a closer look, the scope of bluegrass music today even becomes quite broad, especially over the past couple of decades, past the traditionalist's boundaries that once confined it, into modern times where stellar musicians cling to the roots of the past while forging ahead into uncharted territory. But all too often the past is forgotten. Not this time. Steve Earle has filled the bill admirably on all accounts. He has successfully bridged the past to the present. Most of his songs sound as if they've been around for quite a long time but they are performed exquisitely and with a refreshing approach. He has captured Americana past with "Texas Eagle", "Leroy's Dustbowl Blues", and the Civil War period melody of "Dixieland", which remarkably, could have been written 130 years ago without anyone's knowing different. There are also love songs such as "Carrie Brown" and "I'm Still In Love With You". There are blue collar anthems like the excellent beat driven "Harlan Man". And, with ballads like "The Mountain" and "Pilgrim" to Steve's credit, he has produced a masterpiece of song and word. He also could not have found a better band to join him in this project. Here's hoping that Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band will continue this union and offer a follow up to "The Mountain"; it can't miss.
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