Spine

Cordelia's Dad

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 21, 1998)
• Original Release Date: April 21, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Appleseed Records
• ASIN: B000006C88
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,190 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Continuing in the direction established in their last release, Comet, Cordelia's Dad serves up a tasty mix of traditional songs on Spine, which was produced by Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey, the Breeders, Helmet). The CD opens with "Granite Mills," a political song dealing with the working conditions of mill workers. They've also re-recorded "Imaginary Trouble" (which is also included on their earlier album How Can I Sleep?), and have included a few shape-note songs (notable for their compelling four-part harmonies), such as "Return Again". The sense of humor featured from the group's earliest days is intact, as the recordings of "Knife" and "Spencer Rifle" will attest--do not listen to the latter while drinking, as choking may result. The addition of fiddler Laura Risk (who can also be heard on Ken Kolodner's Walking Stones) adds a whole new dimension to the group's sound that is especially welcome. -- Genevieve Williams

No Depression
The band provides a key missing puzzle piece in alternative country, laying bare and highlighting the British Isles styles and song sources at the heart of the oldest old-time country. Within the sharp, sometimes brittle, folk geometry on Spine moves the ardent, volatile spirit of alternative country.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a remarkable achievement, December 6, 2000

By A Customer

I won't bother trying to categorize this music as others are perhaps too quick to do so, but whatever else you want to call it, this is a powerful and moving CD, with one of the greatest emotional ranges of any I have ever heard, from uptempo fiddle tunes to the intense longing of "Pilgrim." All the songs are acoustic, some a capella, some instrumental, and some both vocal and instrumental -- whatever the case, all are done with great skill and passion. I have heard few albums of any genre that impress me as much.

I can't recommend it highly enough.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Modern American Folk Masterpiece, October 2, 2002

By	Stephen Johnson (Methuen, MA) - See all my reviews

From the deeply moving Granite Mills and the chill-inducing Knife to the rich harmonies of Wake Up and the vibrant instrumentals on tracks 5 and 8, this is a masterpiece of Traditional American folk music.

I have seen both Knife and Granite Mills performed live on several occasions, and the band has managed to capture the same raw intensity on this recording that they bring to every performance.

Definitely my favorite Cordelia's Dad album, with How Can I Sleep? a close second. Definitely pick this baby up.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Underground Band!, December 13, 1999

By	Amy J - See all my reviews

Cordelia's Dad is composed of very talented individuals who don't get nearly the exposure that they deserve. If you like american traditional music (folk) or UK trad stuff like Loreena McKennitt, you will love Cordelia's Dad. Spine is one of their best albums and contains my all-time favorite song of theirs, Knife. Their songs contain amazing harmonies, too-cool Bohdran drum beats, and powerful fiddling. Give it a try!