Customer Reviews

Plow to the End of the Row

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's rare these days for the term "artist" to really be applicable to a Nashville-based singer or songwriter, but this is indeed the work of a true artist. Adrienne Young's original songs are simple and straightforward yet crafted with a skill and attention to detail that are the hallmark of timeless folk music. Speaking of which, the traditional tunes blend perfectly with the originals despite the sometimes drastically differing production styles. The fiddle and banjo tunes nestle seamlessly alongside more pop-oriented numbers like "Poison" and "Nipper's Corner." Fans of old-time or traditional folk music will love the originals. In fact, you'll find yourself checking the credits to see which is which; "Sadie's Song," "Conestoga," and the title track sound just as timeless as the traditional "Lonesome Road Blues."

"Home Remedy," a duet with Will Kimbrough, is a hit waiting to happen. (Watch the video on her website: www.adrienneyoung.com.) Besides a wonderfully catchy melody, the lyrics leave you wondering who inspired them... and pondering how lucky that person must be to have had someone create a beautiful, passionate, heartfelt song like this for them.

In an industry filled with soundalike cookie-cutter female vocalists, Adrienne stands out with a beautiful, distinctive voice made all the more attractive by the honesty and believability she gives to the lyrics... a warm, inviting voice that makes your ears perk up and pay attention... and makes you think she's singing just for you.

Music industry types, especially those in Nashville, constantly bemoan the blandness of much of the music in the marketplace. Yet they themselves are largely responsible for the interchangeable artists on the charts. Adrienne Young's debut effort proudly, even defiantly, displays the kind of self-assured artistic vision and stubborn commitment to great music that Music Row long ago forgot. This is the sort of CD that the major labels would blindly pass over in their quest for the next forgettable million-seller. If you know that your taste is better than theirs, this is music for you! Get into it now so that years from now you'll be able to say you were there when Adrienne Young was plowing the beginning of her row. Many roads are about to open up for her. And whichever one she takes will lead to a good place, because any place will be good once she gets there.

The recent success of the "Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack has apparently convinced the suits that run the music business that there is in fact a large appetite out in the hinterlands for genuinely presented, well crafted folk music. There has been, therefore, a rush as of late to get this genre out there and see what happens.

If what happens is the arrival of more folks like Adrienne Young and her band, Little Sadie, this is a trend that may have very strong legs. This is a truly wonderful album.

The strength of this effort is the songwriting. The fact is the vocals are nothing special and the musicianship is competent but unspectacular. However, the songs are extremely well written, honestly rendered and presented with a sense of true emotional and artritic authenticity. The bottom line is this is a work whose whole transcends the sum of its many parts.

The title tune is a good example. Taken from an old farming saying, "Plow to the End of the Row" is a simple song that nontheless evokes an overwhelming sense of the hardships and endless toil that make up life on the farm while at the same time celebrating the values of that life. It provides a sense of both time andplace while specifying neither. It is a truly wonderul example of the craft of songwriting, a craft largely lost in the current stagnant state of usic in America.

If you value songs that tell stories, challange your intellect and warm your heart, then you will treasure Plow to the End of the Row.

Originally from Florida, Adrienne Young may be a new face on the Nashville music scene, but she and her band Little Sadie are making a big splash with their neo-traditional sensibilities that incorporate elements of folk, country, and bluegrass. Keep in mind, however, that this is an independent release so just how far and wide will her largely original music get disseminated? On the other hand, Adrienne is a recent Belmont University graduate with a music business degree who has a considerable amount of business acumen. This debut CD is packaged in such a way that garnered her a Grammy nomination for best recording package. The tri-fold digipak comes complete with a 20-page paper booklet (all lyrics included) and a small packet of wildflower seeds. Take her advice to break dirt and cut the furrow. With a voice as sweet as the lemon mint, Adrienne's sharing a bit of that passion and love for music that blooms in all of us.

The music on "Plow to the End of the Row" is solidly crafted and has a pleasant, at times striking, feel. The band's instrumental and vocal prowess are more than sufficient, and Will Kimbrough's and Todd Schneider's french harp playing (on two tracks) is an especially nice, relaxing touch. The bluesy quality on "Home Remedy" is perfect to emphasize the power of love to cure most anything. Other standouts include Tyler Grant's lead guitar and Clayton Campbell's fiddling on a traditional tune like Leather Britches or Lonesome Road Blues. The banjo (played by Robin Rucker, Ketchum Secor, Will Kimbrough, or Adrienne) is only given a subordinate role for fill in ten songs. My own personal preference calls for mandolin over snare, drums or drum loops. Their vision for success today, however, necessitated the latter forms of percussion, and this may actually allow them to get them more airplay on the likes of Americana and public radio "fresh tracks" programs. Electric guitar and drums draw them closer to the modern singer-songwriter folk genre.

Adrienne's messages are thought-provoking and presented with genuine sincerity. Her advice in "Blinded by Stars" is to not "let the towncrier decide if we go to war" and "don't be blinded by stars tangled in stripes." Her song, "I Cannot Justify," addresses reincarnation, but a deeper message deals with personal growth as she sings "How can I justify the narrow vantage of these eyes, such a good disguise, I cannot justify." The title cut is a straight-forward expression of the trials, tribulations and hardships faced by farmers.

"Sadie's Song" starts with the fiddle tune's familiar riff but evolves to become a tragic murder ballad of trust gone astray that provides us with some insight into the rationale for Sadie's ultimate demise. The song took first-place in the bluegrass category of the 2003 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest. "Poison" and "Nipper's Corner" get a little too raucous and pop oriented for my own tastes, so I'm glad to see the band come back to leaner and more acoustic arrangements by the album's last few traditional offerings.

Adrienne Young demonstrates a maturity that belies her age, and she'll see plenty of better days ahead. She's been able to translate her vision into a welcome and successful Americana journey. With her soft, silky voice and songwriting talent, she's sure to go far. I think she's just trying to get people reconnected with what's important in life. She sings about being born a rebel and questioning what she's told. Let's hope that her premonition "no wonder this young skin I'm wearin' feel so old" does not come true and discourage her. In fact, it's her confidence, independence and business savy that should propel her to greater heights in an industry in need of something organic, pure and fresh. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

I first heard Adrienne Young while watching a local TV show here in Louisville called Now,That's Country. She and her group did several live performances and that was more than enough to get me completely hooked. This CD contains one impossibly beautiful song after another; 'Home Remedy' would be at the top of the charts in a just world, 'Sadie's Song' is genuinely frightening, and 'Conestoga' is maybe the most perfect song of heartache I've ever heard. But I picked those three almost at random. EVERY song, from beginning to end, is impressive and truly heartfelt. And she's an indie, too! Be kind to your ears and soul and buy this CD.

Sitting in a Starbucks, I heard a song of hers for the first time and loved it so much that I was compelled to ask Starbucks staff who was singing (had never heard of Adrienne Young before). After returning home, I went straight to the computer and ordered "Plow to the End of the Row" from Amazon -- and have since bought two more copies as gifts. Second best part: Her CD came with flower seeds!!!

Wow! what a great band. Heard "Wedding Ring" on XM Radio and promptly purchased both Plow... and The Art of Virtue. An easy way to raise one's spirits, put a smile on your face and want to dance. (And, that's just the music, before you listen to the thoughtful lyrics). Anxiously awaiting any music they produce in the future. Get both of these albums; all the tracks are exceptional!! Thank you Adrienne Young and Little Sadie for such fine music.

when you're speechless? Trust me, you will feel cheated when the CD is over. You'll wish it would go on and on. Adrienne Young is fabulous. If I had only one word to describe this music it would be "comfort". Thanks Adrienne and Little Sadie.

I didn't know these musicians before I ordered the CD, saw it mentioned in SIERRA magazine since the album and group support local farming. Musically it's amazing, great songs, great singing, great playing, and a variety of tempos and topics. My favorites are "Plow to the End of the Row" and "Home Remedy." I love the worldview it imparts, very upbeat and down to earth.

I really enjoyed this CD. I saw Adrienne Young in concert this past Spring and the CD was even better than I had hoped.

Bought from her/little sadie at a live performance at the handlebar. She is very cordial and interacts great with a crowd. Her music is awesome- one to watch!
We really enjoyed them. Great cd- plow ...