Customer Reviews

Theatre of the Unheard

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Darrell Scott caught my attention immediately at the New Song Festival in West Virginia last summer. Since then, I've bought all of his albums and have had 2 more opportunities to see him play live. He is definitely one of our generations best songwriters. One of my friends claims that his imagery is at times just as good or better than Bob Dylan. Decide for yourself. His new album is just as good, but in a different way than all of his others. I love the baritone guitar and electric feel just as much as his more acoustic albums and I'm an acoustic player myself. Darrell has an extremely impressive list of successes already, but I feel this album may be his most successful. Look at his bio for a humbling experience. Chances are, you've already heard his songs played by other people without even knowing it. I'm going to stop rambling and let you decide for yourself what I'm talking about. Enjoy.

Songwriter Darrell Scott has had a fair run recently as a Nashville composer, providing hits for the Dixie Chicks, Sara Evans and Brad Paisley, to name a few. This is his first album on his own independent label, and while there's some striking material, there's also a slight air of self-indulgence as well (the average song length is about five minutes...) I liked the first couple of tracks a lot -- "East Of Gary" and "Uncle Lloyd" both explore the unglamourous side of the American working class ethos, and both are notable for their lack of Merle Haggard-ish "working man" posturing (a now-tedious trend in modern country). Scott handles the material with subtlety and skill, and both songs hit me the right way. Not sure why I wasn't really as taken with rest of the album... I guess it went down an overly crafted Greg Brown-ish folkie path or something -- the songs were too lofty, the picking got too glitzy, I'm not sure exactly what it was. Scott's voice is really nice, but his songs are best when he reins them in a bit. Still, this is definitely an album worth checking out -- Darrell Scott has a lot to offer fans of intelligently written Americana, so take my criticism with a grain of salt.

I am a huge Darrell fan. I have all of his cd's and bought some,that he played on, just to here him play. This cd has a song for everyone. These songs have been shelved for 10 years and now they are getting there chance. I listen to it over and over. He is the best songwriter around. This cd is different than his others. He plays more electric guitar. These songs are so good. Here is one of my favorite lines out of the song "Six O'clock in the Morning" "Adam stood over Eden fair , While Eve slept he touched her soft hair, Waiting to catch the first train out of there at Six o'clock in the morning. The man can paint a picture and just put you where he wants you. He is Amazing . Please buy this cd. It will become one of your favorites.

Putting this album into any genre is a dangerous thing...he may be in Nashville these days but it's not just country....its all the wonderful things from all over that make this album. What I love about this is the fact that it's quality songwriting backed up by some great playing and delivery...and it's a great album to listen to from track 1 through to the end. I've had the cd for 4/5 days now and it's a joyful listen. Don't take my word for it...buy it yourself...you wont regret it!

I think this is a Darrell Scott essential - features the full range of his style and artistry.

You come to expect great things from Darrell Scott. This album, like every other, is not just a collection of great songs. There's a flow from beginning (East of Gary) to end (10,000 Miles Away). Each song a tale of life, and its struggles and glories. I could mention specific songs that stand out, but I would have to mention EVERY song. Darrell's talent, both vocally and through the use of many instruments shines on this album. I find myself listening to it at "6 O'Clock in the Morning", "Day after Day".

I described this album to a friend by saying it was kinda like Burl Ives singing Rock and Roll! Maybe that was a bit overstated because it's more folk/country than rock. Darrell is not only a talented songwriter but a gifted musician/storyteller as well. This is one outstanding CD...mellow, melodic...