Customer Reviews

Shaken By a Low Sound

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I originally became interested in Crooked Still when I heard Aoife sing on a Wayfaring Strangers' album. I like this album better than their first, Hop High, primarily because this time the instruments do not overpower Aoife's voice. The songs are drawn from diverse sources (primarily bluegrass, but a Shaker hymn and a blues classic also appear), the musicianship is impressive both technically and interpretively, and Aoife sings the songs beautifully. I bought two copies of the album before the official release date and have since bought an additional 6 copies for friends and family. The play length is about 39 minutes. The lyrics are not included with the album, but when I asked about this, Crooked Still said they are redesigning their website. When this is completed, the lyrics will be available on their site. There were only a couple of isolated words that I could not understand, so this is not a big issue.

If you're checking out the reviews for Crooked Still you either already know what a great outfit these folks are or maybe you're poking around based on word-of-mouth. Regardless, they ably follow-up their amazing debut album (Hop High) with another collection of bluegrassy traditional songs and cover tunes on Shaken By a Low Sound. Again, the Still bring it to effect. Standout tracks include an upbeat version of the Dylan gem Oxford Town which comfortably segues into the classic Cumberland Gap, Ain't No Grave which gets the train song treatment, and an airy take on Wind and Rain. The album really is a good all-around listen; however, (and here are my reservations) it lacks a certain quality that made their debut such a fabulous disc; first, gone is the prominent spacey, hypnotic feel that made it sound that something heavy was going down in the studio that day. Additionally, maybe it's the production/arrangements (Robert Johnson's Come On In My Kitchen) or song choice (didn't the great Boston folkie Kris Delmhorst just record a cover of Ain't No Grave?), but it doesn't quite hold the attention as well as Hop High either. I was also hoping for a batch of original songs as well, but I recognize, in obviousness, that this was not the intent here. Like I said, it really is a nice little disc in spite of these trifling issues, and it would be a shame if you overlooked Shaken By a Low Sound for them as Crooked Still are diamonds in the rough of a too often vapid music scene. Looking forward to seeing 'em on tour!

This record is fine...wonderful, in fact. The band (a cello-bass-banjo power trio!) combines a profound understanding of the "trad" repertoire with hot chops and a hot chick singer with a breathy-but-tasteful delivery. BUT GO SEE THIS BAND LIVE!! I have just returned from Wintergrass and feel safe in saying that I have seen the future (of something or other) and his name is Rushad Eggleston, virtuoso madman. Rushad is evolving into a major force and, in addition his magical cello, he has--for lack of a better word--a schtick you have to see to believe. He is the Jimi-Django of this fabulous aggregation. GO SEE HIM BEFORE HE EXPLODES. Holy, holy bejesus!

Country: Crooked Still, Shaken by a Low Sound (* * * 1/2)

O'Donovan -- Aoife O'Donovan. Remember that name, because with a sultry voice that makes her sound like a bluesier Alison Krauss, she's about to become the newest darling of the Americana set. Also like Krauss, O'Donovan's four-piece neo-folk outfit (which includes banjoist Gregory Liszt from Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions Band) creates refreshing rearrangements of familiar tunes. Grounded by double bass and cello, the year's most descriptively titled album turns public-domain tunes into bluegrass and chamber folk. With those, plus thrillingly original takes on Bill Monroe's Can't You Hear Me Callin' and Robert Johnson's Come On in My Kitchen, Shaken is stirring. -- Mansfield

So, what do you get when you combine a lead singer with an airy, sultry, velvety smooth voice, a rocking double bass, a banjo player that actually earned his Ph.D. from MIT, and a cellist that's totally bonkers? You get Crooked Still, a band who's unique style of bluegrass music is turning heads wherever they play. I had the fortune of stumbling across these guys at Merlefest and I was hooked from the first song. Their style of music is generally referred to as "Alternative Bluegrass"; basically, they take a traditional song, break it down, and then add their own unique rhythm and melody. These guys take a _very_ creative approach to bluegrass/American folk music (for example, flat-picking a cello), and if your listening habits tend towards the more traditional approach, this may not be the band for you. As good as they are, I'm hoping at some point they will start creating some original material. Also, as many have noted, their second album "Shaken by a low sound" lacks the freshness and edge of both their first album and the live performances of the songs on the album--though that may reflect the influence of the label rather than a conscious decision by the band. Bottom line: if you can only purchase one Crooked Still album, get the first one, "Hop High". If you get a chance to see this band live, do so. You won't be disappointed.

I am a die hard traditional bluegrass fan that came into it by way of Fleck, Meyers, Bush, etc... This CD reminds me of the power of "The Telluride Sessions" with a more traditional feel. The vocals are reminiscent of Alison Krauss, but not as sugary, and the bass will rattle your windows, and you haven't lived until you have heard a flatpicked cello. I have played banjo/upright bass for 15 years, but when I hear young musicians of this caliber and vision, I wonder sometimes why I even bother... I can't recommend it highly enough, BUY IT NOW!!!!

What a good band. This cd has a well-balanced mix of lively and low-key, sad and soothing songs and tunes. For me, having cello in the mix gives the arrangements something fresh and soulful. "Shaken by a low sound" works both as a "listening cd" and as great background music.

my wife and i heard aoife o'donovan a couple of times when she was one of the singers with wayfaring strangers. when we were perusing the concert schedule at the somerville theatre my wife recognized her name as the vocalist for the band crooked still. we decided to give it a try but we weren't sure what to expect. within the first 10 seconds of the concert i was in love with the group. we travelled over to vermont later that month to hear them again and then travelled down to club passim in cambridge a couple of months later for a tuesday 10 o'clock at night concert to try out new material. we're going to see them again in july. i've bought four copies of each of their cd's, one copy for us and the others for friends. i am thinking of rewriting my will and leaving everything to aoife if she will sing at my funeral.

i really like wayfaring strangers and have lent my wayfaring strangers cd's to friends and relatives. hardly anyone cares for them as much as i do and i understand that it can take some getting used to. crooked still is not like that. it is so accessible that i think just about anyone would like it and some people will love it.

Great CD, I bought it after hearing then in concert!!

I love this band and this CD does them great credit. My favorite cut is Come on in my kitchen, a song I knew 40 years ago but they do it here with depth and feeling.