Sparrows in the Bell

Pines

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 12, 2007)
• Original Release Date: June 12, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red House Records
• ASIN: B000P6R8JK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #118,671 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

The Onion
"a spooky, dangerous edge pleasantly reminiscent of Bob Dylan's recent sound."

Product Description
Featuring the talents of David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, The Pines combine elements of roots, blues and rock music to create a raw, haunting sound that is inventive and compelling. Sparrows In The Bell is a darkly romantic collection of original songs along with traditional tunes that have been updated for a new generation of folk fans. Like other roots acts of their generation, The Pines create timeless music that is hip and relevant yet evokes century-old ghosts, inspired by romantic writers and roving troubadours.

Sparrows In The Bell was produced by The Pines and Benson's father Bo Ramsey (Greg Brown, Lucinda Williams) and mixed by Tom Tucker (Prince, Jonny Lang)

It was recorded in just four days with the help of a whole lot of Minneapolis talent including bassist Chris Morrissey (Mason Jennings, Andrew Bird), drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal, John Gorka), singer JoAnna James, members of the Spaghetti Western String Co. and Benson's brother, keyboardist Alex Ramsey. The centerpiece of the recording, though, is The Pines themselves.

David's strong voice and rhythmic acoustic guitar blend seamlessly with Benson's soft raspy vocals and grooving electric guitar riffs. Whether singing a wistful love ballad like "Without A Kiss," or a restless song of unfulfilled dreams like "Let's Go," the duo has an unmistakenly original sound. Paying homage to traditional music of their youth, they artfully cover "Careless Love," giving the song a rolling Americana sound that is contemporary and fresh.

The Pines create a sound all their own, walking a thin line between sweetness and sadness, harkening back to the folk, blues and country songs that they heard growing up in small-town Iowa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars once again..., June 12, 2007

By	greg s. (Minnetonka, MN United States) - See all my reviews

The Pines have once again created their real, yet mystical, songs of beauty. The product description above, says it well.

5.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't I hear about these guys sooner?, June 10, 2008

By	Mockingbird - See all my reviews

I'm actually writing this review because I tried to google their lyrics, and discovered that they HAVE no lyrics ANYWHERE online. In fact, there aren't even fansights.
This shocks me, because I found tons of lyrics posted for bands like Wolf Parade, but nothing for this amazing band which was an instant favorite the first time my friend played their music for me.
Actually, I knew by the first riff of the intro that I was in love.
This band is talented beyond belief--their lyrics, their versatility, their presentation, their passion.
I wish I was better at writing reviews, because I cannot find enough good words to say about the Pines, and specifically this CD--which is even BETTER than their last, in my opinion. There is definite development here, and I can't wait to see what else they come out with next.
Definitely give them a try!

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting imagery, October 21, 2007

By	Joan Fregapane (Chicago area, IL, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Sparrows in the Bell" by the Pines contains some of the most lovely and haunting imagery to be found in any recent album. The Pines have wonderfully interesting voices that double the impact of the lyrics. I have listened to this album at least half a dozen times since my purchase, and I continue to find more to enjoy in these songs.