Customer Reviews

New Favorite (Hybr) (Ms)

5 star:		(103)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fresh off the successes of her Grammy award-winning solo album FORGET ABOUT IT and recordings on the double platinum O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU soundtrack, newgrass queen Alison Krauss returns to the folk/bluegrass scene with NEW FAVORITE, her first album with Union Station since 1997's SO LONG SO WRONG. After two years without new music from this amazing artist, this album is well worth the wait.

Alison Krauss has tried some different things musically over the last few years. Her last several albums with Union Station have established their music as what SPIN magazine described as "taking bluegrass back to the future," she tried a more contemporary folk sound on her last solo album, and this past year she performed a few old time bluegrass numbers on the O BROTHER CD. NEW FAVORITE sports the best of all three musical experiments. Songs like "Daylight," "Crazy Faith," and the instrumental "Choctaw Hayride" showcase the sound that has made Union Station famous in the bluegrass circuit, while "The Lucky One," "Stars," and "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" protray Alison's talent vocals. The old-timey sounds of the O BROTHER CD are shown in songs like "Momma Cried" and "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn," and feature the outstanding lead vocals of Union Station guitarist Dan Tyminski (a.k.a "Ulysses Everett McGill"). Another highlight of the album is the title song, co-written by fellow O BROTHER artist Gillian Welch and featuring more stunning vocals and music by Alison and the band.

Although it may not be a good choice for a first time Alison Krauss buyer, NEW FAVORITE is definitely a must for longtime fans of the band. Fans of the O BROTHER soundtrack and its companion, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN also may enjoy the variety of songs on the album. This album has already dominated my CD playlist for the last two days, and is sure to be my "new favorite" for a long time!

How can you keep getting better and better, well whatever the formula...Alison Krauss and Union Station have found it...the result is pure entertainment through good ole bluegrass.

This 30 year old artist, who signed with the Rounder label when she was 14, is without a doubt, the shining beacon on the bluegrass scene...plus the Union Station gang ~ Barry Bales (acoustic bass), Ron Block (banjo/guitar), Jerry Douglas (dobro/lap steel guitar) and Dan Tyminski (guitar/mandolin) with lead and backup make for a "CHOCTAW HAYRIDE", just pickin' and a grinnin' with the Illinois State Fiddle Champion, Alison Krauss, won at a very early age...gotta love it!

Friends, as you play this CD over and over again, your favorite song changes or one more is added, can't say enough about the talent on this particular album, a must have...want to leave Rounder Records a tip, keep up the good work, need more of the same...when you say "O Brother Where Art Thou", it's here...now that I've found you, you're my NEW FAVORITE!

You might try other Rounder releases with Alison Krauss, all worthy of a good listen ~ "Forget About It" (116-610-465)..."So Long So Wrong" (116-610-365)..."Now That I've found You:A Collection" (116-610-325)..."Every Time You Say Goodbye" (116-610-285)...please check my reviews on amazon.com/music.

Total Time: 45:07 on 13 Tracks ~ Rounder Records 11661-0495-2 ~ (2001)

It seems that most of the negative or lukewarm reviews here are written by those who approached this record with expectations of what bluegrass should be, or what Krauss & Union Station should be, or what country should be.

I came in with none of those. I know almost nothing about bluegrass or AKUS...I'm not even sure what a dobro is.

I heard "Lucky One" on an "adult alternative" radio station, of all places, and had heard about Krauss' talent, so I took a chance on this CD. I'm not a country fan nor a bluegrass fan by any means, I just thought it was a pretty song.

It turns out that the whole CD is very strong, filled with beautifully written and performed songs. There's definitely a pop feel to a few of the tunes, such as Fogelberg's "Stars", but every one is played and sung with feeling and musicianship. The production values are excellent too -- no studio gimmicks, just pure sounds crystal clear.

It's hard to imagine anyone who appreciates music being let down by this set.

Alison Krauss & Union Station continues its remarkable run with the release of "New Favorite." As if Ms. Krauss, singer/guitarist Dan ("The Voice of George Clooney") Tyninski, banjo/guitar whiz Ron Block, and rock-solid bassist Barry Bailes did not already present a formidable team, AKUS adds resophonic guitar genius Jerry Douglas to the lineup as (at least for the time being) a full-time member. In addition to contributing a teriffic instumental ("Choctaw Hayride"), Douglas's presence gives the band a darker, blusier sound, which carries into Alison's less "grassy" efforts and makes the transition to those songs less jarring than on previous AKUS recordings.

Alison delivery of the title song is as haunting a vocal as you'll ever hear, and Dan Tyninski continues to show himself to be one of the greatest current bluegrass singers - his duet with Douglas' dobro on "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn" is soul-grabbing.

This CD reaffirms my faith in Alison's commitment to bluegrass - now my biggest fear is how she'll be able to keep this talented troup together. With his appeal broadening as Clooney's singing voice in "O Brother, Where Art Thou" (as well as winning several CMA awards), Dan Tyninski could be ready for stardom of his own.
But for now, it's good to have this incarnation of AKUS operating at full bore.

The new album by Alison Krauss and Union Station is a treat, it is simply wonderful to listen to. The album lends its influences from the OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU soundtrack, in songs like "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn", "Choctaw Hayride", "Momma Cried", "Bright Sunny South", "It All Comes Down To You", and "Take Me For Longing" to name a few. Not only Alison on lead vocals, but fellow band mate Dan takes his turns on many tracks, adding his beautiful bluegrass style to the mix. Plus there are the classic songs fans have grown to love, reminiscent of her FORGET ABOUT IT album such as "New Favorite", "Let Me Touch You For Awhile", "The Lucky One", to name a few. This is the perfect album for fans of Krauss and Union Station, as well as fans of bluegrass. If you haven't listened to it, see what the fuss is about, this is some great music.

Alison Krauss and her music are captivating. Although a diehard country fan, I also have a profound appreciation for all genres of music. Alison delicately molds all musical styles into one style i like to call, classical Bluegrass. Her voice is chilling, especially in "New Favorite." This song evelopes one's mind and soul...reaching into one's innermost feelings, liberating them. The instruments provide a rich, deep, and wholesome wind in which Alison's voice is carried. The cd will lift you up with its down home comforting blue grass, and then fly you above the clouds with others such as "Daylight Falls." She projects herself as vulnerable, yet intensely powerful, her strength projected through her angelic chords and honest messages. I could recommed many cd's to listeners, but I must insist that this one be a purchase if you throughly enjoy all realms of music, especially country. In conclusion, you'll wear this cd out before you will ever put it back in its case. Congrats Alison and Union Station on an amazing compilation. Everyone's voices harmonize almost hauntingly. What a glorious album.... God Bless Everyone!

Its wonderful how lately, bluegrass music has made a comeback. This in part is largely due to the runaway success of OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU, the movie and accompanying bluegrass soundtrack. Bluegrass has always been some excellent music, but now its finally becoming popular again. Dolly Parton has also made bluegrass what it is today with her critically acclaimed albums THE GRASS IS BLUE and LITTLE SPARROW, and same for Patty Loveless with her latest MOUNTAIN SOUL.

This is the latest album by Alison Krauss & Union Station. Alison sings lead on many songs, and plays instruments too with the band, but also Dan takes vocals on a few songs. The chemistry between this group is remarkable, they make some of the finest bluegrass around. Every song is just wonderful, every time they release an album its wonderful because their music is so fresh and original, and good. This album is much like the OH BROTHER soundtrack with songs in that vein of bluegrass, as well its much like Alison's previous work, very reminiscent of FORGET ABOUT IT from 1999. Which isnt a bad thing, because thats wonderful music. I highly reccomend this album to anyone who is curious about what bluegrass is, or has a hinkering for it, or is just a fan overall. Go buy it! its awesome!

Those who claim Alison Krauss' voice is angelic are exactly right. Her voice evokes the kind of heartbreak and lonesomeness that she sings of in ""Let Me Touch Your For A While," "The Lucky One," "I'm Gone," "Daylight," and even "Take Me For Longing." The whisper-like pieces of the songs blend well with the louder sections such as "Daylight" while keeping the listener in the clouds.

The firmer bluegrass songs like "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn," "Choctaw Hayride," "Momma Cried," and "The Bright Sunny South" all pay homage to traditional bluegrass musicians like Earl Monroe, Lester Flatts, and Bill Monroe while keeping the sound fresher and more contemporary. "It All Comes Down to You" is a perfect example of what someone earlier described as "Newgrass."

All in all, this is an excellent album entirely indicative of the outstanding musicianship and talents of the band. Each song can stand alone as a single or a video. In fact, I'm surprised that "I'm Gone" or "Daylight" haven't been made into videos.

I am a novice when it comes to Bluegrass, but after being mesmerized by the beautiful music in the film "O Brother Where Art Thou" I decided to explore this musical style.

While New Favorite is not of the same classical bluegrass style of O Brother, the music on this album was every bit as entrancing. It may be cliche to say that Alison's voice is angelic, but I can come up with no better word. From the first track, "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" through to the final track, "New Favorite", Alison's voice emotes a sense of longing and inspiration that haunts me each time I listen. The ethereal quality of the production work seems to bring out the absolute best in Alison.

Dan Tyminski and the other members from Union Station sound fantastic. I particularly enjoyed "The Boy Who Couldn't Hoe Corn" and "Momma Cried" The lyrics and Dan's performance seem to fully capture my naive notions of what bluegrass is about.

As a newcomer to bluegrass/newgrass, New Favorite, will lay a sound foundation to what will become a new dimension to my music collection.

Alison Krauss & Union Station are taking the next step in their ever-evolving bluegrass style. With the success of Alison Kraus, Union Station/Soggy Bottom Boys as well as Nickel Creek, Bluegrass & Newgrass are becoming favorites for those who once considered themselves as purely Country & Western fans.

I found the CD to start out on a superior note with Alison's 'Let Me Touch You for Awhile' and 'The Lucky One' with solid bluegrass numbers from Dan Tyminski and Union Station in 'The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn' and 'Choctaw Hayride'.

The CD continues with pure blugrass mixed in with Alison's ballads. I really enjoyed the CD during the first listening and have appreciated it even more after each hearing. I place it with 'So Long, So Wrong' as one of her best works.