The Black Dirt Sessions

Deer Tick | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: June 8, 2010
• Label: Partisan Records
• Copyright: 2010 Partisan Records / Deer Tick
• Total Length: 46:32
• Genres:
  • Alternative Rock
• ASIN: B003L9YGHK
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,735 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars an underrated, and often under appreciated album July 9, 2010

By M. Slack

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been a long time Deer Tick fan, and about 1 out of 3 people I show them too are not terribly impressed. Maybe its John's harsh unconventional voice, or country pickin', or they are turned off because a new and well respected band is doing little to nothing to be "hip". After this initial dislike, I play Deer Tick around them enough, they always seem to come around. There is just an honestly, and infectious nature to John's songwriting and singing that is undeniable. They may not give a darn about their image, or if anything try to counteract this falseness that seems to loom around even some of the best bands, and get back to what was so great about early rock and roll. The Black Dirt Sessions keeps this trueness so to speak, and is my favorite of their album's to date. Something that "Black Dirt" has that neither War Elephant or Born on Flag Day is a cohesiveness and seriousness that was needed for the boys from RI, to fully mature as a band. Its not nearly as rambunctious as their previous albums, and certainly not as much as their Ep - More fuel for the Fire. But thats okay. It is a beautiful demonstration that they are capable of a variety of song types, and should not be disregarded in those respects. Mr. McCauley writes from a much more personal place, and lets us see a whole new side of Deer Tick.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Different pace, but still amazing! August 17, 2010

By R. Dotson

Format:Vinyl|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Music: If you're familiar with Deer Tick's previous two albums, you might be surprised to find how laid back and mellow this album is. At first I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting some fast-paced songs, but I've gotten over that and really love this album. My favorite song is Goodby, Dear Friend (nearly brings me to tears). I'm not going to go into the pros and cons of every song, because that's different for everyone. But, I definitely recommend this album. It's nice to have some Deer Tick that's an acceptable pace for first thing in the morning listening. Amazing work!

The Medium: Vinyl quality was a bit dissappointing, especially compared to the pressings of their previous two albums. Although it's pressed on 180gm vinyl, it doesn't have the quietest noise floor. Quite a few pops and static. I have mid-range equipment (Rega, Jolida, etc) and take extremely good care of my records, so I was surprised at how much noise there was. I even cleaned this with my record cleaning machine. It's not so bad that you shouldn't purchase it, just a little frustrating. It's possible that my copy was defective, too. I was happy to see that an mp3 download card was included (this wasn't mentioned in the item description).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent album from an excellent band. April 12, 2011

By Tommy D TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:MP3 Music

Like many I absolutely loved the previous album 'Born on flag day'Born On Flag Day and so was really looking forward to this one. It starts off reasonably well with 'Choir of Angels' being almost reminiscent of `Crying Shame from their first release `War Elephant', but it does go a bit maudlin on track 3 'Goodbye Dear Friend', which does exactly what it says on the tin. The same could also be levelled at `Mange', but the strangest thing is a reprise of 'Christ Jesus' which was on 'War Elephant' and seems to run counter to the general up beatness that we have come to expect from John Joseph McCauley III and co. Can not think of a reason for getting the import other than the UK release unless I clicked on the wrong one so a big oops for me.

That said 'When she comes home' is just brilliant and I don't think I can ever tire of hearing it. As has been commented elsewhere they are a force to be reckoned with live, even with a power failure as happened at End Of The Road Festival in 2010 (their second of three sets) and they joined the wonderful Phosphorescent on stage who kindly repaid the compliment to them on backing vocals.

Whilst it is not a real change in direction it is a change of pace but I feel they are still cutting their teeth and I firmly feel that they have better to come (hence not 5 stars) but would suggest getting Born on Flag Day first and if that grabs you then you would be twattish not to indulge in this one.