Customer Reviews

Shadow on the Ground

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

 

 

...despite the alarmingly amateurish punctuation on the sticker (someone needs a lesson in how to use quotation marks), this is a great record by an American classic. While his last record, his first for Rounder, focused a lot on songs re-recorded from previous albums (the Rounder versions are usually superior), this is more of a mix -- some covers, some new originals. It's again flawlessly produced by Lloyd Maines and Wayne Benson, and brilliantly played. It should be said that, setting aside is gifts as a writer, Hand is a tremendous vocalist, synthesizing his influences (Hank, Lefty, etc.) into a totally original and unpredictable sound. As a writer, he just keeps getting braver: who would think to write something like "The Parakeet"??? I only wish it had included the version of "Kind of Hush" that he's been doing live for a while...but otherwise, Hand has handily beat the sophomore slump.

I have listened to everybody from Hank Williams to Brad Paisley. No one compares in this era to the heart and soul of true country music. James Hand has the truest voice and soul of anyone who hasn't come out of Nashville in the last 30 years. He stays true to the roots of country music and writes from the heart. All you have to do is listen. If you love traditional country, this is the REAL DEAL. Just ask Willie!

James Hand sings from the heart; a lonely, dark spot deep in his soul. He doesn't need the extra modern take that has been added to a couple of songs on this album. Most of the songs were great. I have all 3 of his CD's and enjoy them all. His wording takes you along to the place he is singing his songs from. You will feel the searing pain and the sharp humor. Keep them coming Mr. Hand!

Great CD. Received on time with a small abount of damage to the case. Cracked in the front.

I first hard James Hand on XM Radio Dallas Wayne. He is real Country. One of the best I have heard in years.

If your a classic country music fan this album is a must have..It's a combo of Hank, George and a little Waylon's humor tossed in..I consider this a 'yafta' ...you have to buy it..

A couple years back, I heard an NPR interview with Mr. Hand and decided to pick up a copy of The Truth Will Set You Free. It turned out to be the best album of this genre since Waylon and Billie Joe hatched "Honky Tonk Heroes". The following New Year's Eve, my wife and I traveled to West, Texas to see James in a local honky tonk on his home turf. Now, here is his second Rounder release, which - as Willie and Kris say - comes from a man with a whole lotta soul who is undoubtedly the real deal.
Yes, he is a fine songwriter, clever lyricist and tremendous vocalist, - as others have pointed out. It is simple, honest and yet complex American music. I am especially struck by the way these records are produced. No synthesizers, no echo chambers, no backing chorus of 1,000 or the New York Philharmonic!! In short - NO NASHVILLE - no pop-hype nonsense. This is real American music, folks. Simple, yet complex - straightforward, yet extremely clever. Don't miss it!!
Will there be a third Rounder release over the next few years?? Let's hope so. Take your time, James, I've got enough to explore here for now. Don't rush anything - take your time and do it right (Again)!!