Customer Reviews

Some Assembly Required

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

 

 

I was a little put off when I saw the track list because I knew all but three or four songs. I was hoping for all new songs. After listening to the CD I realized why the guys were so excited to release the album. It is their best by far. Most fans know them through live shows and don't devote to much time to their recorded albums. This one is a must get. The album has a great sound all the way through. The guest artists give each song a nice touch but this is a Assembly of Dust record to be sure. There was a high standerd set for this album unlike Recollection's disjointed gathering of tunes. Also if fans are reluctant to check it out because Nate Wilson is not a featured player anymore you will like it anyway I'll bet. Nate also does a great job co-producing the record. Highlights for me are Pedal Down, Light Blue Lover, Edges, Leadbelly, and High Brow. All are great. I'm sure you will appreciate the great effort put forth by all of the guys. See you at Rev Hall, Phil

Very impressive effort!!! Such a fine mixture of Folk, Blues, R&B, Southern Rock, Prog. Rock, & more. Gotta love it!!

This is, by far, one of my favorite albums. I can listen to every single song all the way through. Throw in all the special guests and this album is unbeatable. It is a must have for any fan of "jam band" music.

It is hard to believe there is only one review for this which is why I am adding another. This is a very good music from a very good band. It is easy to listen to and the lyrics are very well crafted. You will get something new from each listen. If you get a chance to see them live do so.

Its been a while since I listened to Assembly of Dust.
If you enjoyed Strangefolk at any point in your life, Honest Hour was a nice way to transition into Reid's latest incarnation. If you've ever listened to Percy Hill, even more so.
So here we are with their latest offering, and its fantastic. Its well produced and well constructed.
The thing I like most, each song has its own voice and style. I hate albums were after three songs, you feel like its the same thing over and over again.
Also, the contributions by the guest artists push this up to 5 stars: Theresa Andersson, Mike Gordon, and Jerry Douglas being my favorites.

Take the staple out of your wallet and download this for $5 from their website.

This is a well crafted album. To cut right to the chase I give this album only four stars because for some reason not enough of these songs really hit me where they should - the soul.
From a technical standpoint it should achieve 5 star status. Tightley arranged and crisply executed this album sounds awsome and the star studded guest list doesnt hurt one bit, both from a textural standpoint and marketing. I in fact bought this album due to the fact that it featured such a lineup and for the most part was not dissapointed. Let's talk about the guest stars - David Grisman, Keller Williams, Mike Gordon, Bela Fleck, Grace Potter, Martin Sexton - the lineup is outstanding, and most impressive is that the album maintains a flow throughout as if the revolving door isnt even there.
The songs themselves bask in the glory of southern rock and country, with a stong focus on musicianship - this is a jamband afterall, and these guys can play. Add in the lineup here and you have something a bit like Little Feat, and perhaps a bit like Levon Helm. Old school, but with fresh chops.
Ok, so... great songcraft, great musicians, great production and feel - both fresh and familiar at the same time - this album goes down like a shot of your favorite whiskey. So whats the problem? - there isnt one really, but for some reason these songs arent that memorable, dont get me wrong, there are few, but not enough to hold this album up on the pedestal it longs to be on, and not enough for me to consider it perfect.