Customer Reviews

This Is Americana

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

 

 

Whether your perspective on this CD is as an introduction to broader musical interests or a supplement to your current collection of Americana material, you simply can't pass up this bargain. I was already a fan of large amouts of bluegrass and alternative country, two genres intertwined with the "Americana" scene, so I knew several songs on this compilation already. However, it's a good listen in itself, and it sent me off to buy more good music I'd just discovered.

If you have any interest in any part of Americana, do not pass up this opportunity. It will definitely broaden your musical perspective.

With only a couple of exceptions, the songs on This is Americana are great tracks. They range from intensely personal singer-songwriter moments of pain to happier, fluffier rockier tracks, much like the Americana genre itself. Diversity is a watchword here, and while it's an excellent introduction to the breadth of the genre, it lacks depth and it doesn't exactly make for a cohesive listening experience.

One would think that the success of the O Brother soundtrack and sold-out festivals such as Bonnaroo and Austin city Limits would tell the music and radio industries that the nation is ready for music with authenticity. Sadly, though, that hasn't seemed to be the case. To quote the Danny Barnes track on this album: "new country music ain't worth a dime, and the radio plays it all the time."

This is a solid collection of tunes spanning an arc from twangy country to soothing folk. The producers have done a nice job of mixing big-name artists like Willie Nelson and Rosanne Cash with newer singer-songwriters who deserve wider recognition such as Tift Merritt and Slaid Cleaves.

Pick up this bargain-priced CD, then go out and see these bands live when they come to your town.

"This is Americana" features 21 songs by some of today's greatest Americana artists including Lucinda Williams, the Jayhawks, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, BR5-49 and many more. There are also some of today's up-and-coming Americana artists like Fairfax, King Wilkie and others. Check out www.thisisamericana.com for more information about the release as well as being able to sign up for the Americana newsletter.

A great collection of songs that will whet your appetite. I bought this sampler disc and have since purchased two of the artists' discs. Priced from $0.50 used and $2 new, its a real steal. Especially fine contributions from Danny Barnes, Rosanne Cash (f Johnny), Anne McCue, plus some delightful lighter, fun songs from Jim Lauderdale and Junior Brown. Grab it. You'll be glad you did!

I ordered this cd. It came with the Americana 2 cd in the case. It was brand new. How did this happen? So I returned it and asked for a replacement. The 2nd one also had the Americana 2 cd in the case.....Hmmmmm. Sounds like there was problems at the factory. I'd love the right copy of the cd. Does anyone have it that I can buy used?

Was looking forward to hearing some good music but somebody switched the CD. Got the right cover but the CD inside looks like its been through a hurricane and the music is lousy! Am sending back immediately. How can this happen Amazon!!?? Very unhappy with this purchase.

I am unable to rate a CD I received.
Twice, the wrong CD was in the package.
First order was shipped with the "This is America 2" CD in the box.
I returned the item for exchange.
I received the correct box again and it too had the wrong CD.
I am betting the music on the original CD I never received is terrific.
The music on #2 of the series looks good too but it is not what I ordered.
Yes, Yes, I know it was a GREAT deal at less than $2.00.
It was still the wrong CD in the box. Returned for refund.

As soul-less a compilation of alt-country as I've come across..."This is Americana" (or at least how Nashville supposedly has defined it) rarely gets off the ground. The few good songs on here get dragged down by annoying filler.

There are several grievous offenders: Trashcan Tomcat & Life in the Country feature melodies you'll wish you could get out of your head; Jr. Brown thinks he's being original w/Little Red Airhead (a new take on blond jokes) but the quasi-anthem "Stupid" just may be the worst song ever recorded to tape...a combination of insipid lyrics w/great production values. If Altman were to remake his Nashville movie today, this could be the opening track. If you're going to make an anthem, at least come up w/something worth being anthemic about!

In Nashville, a good PR man takes precedence over talent & originality & several of these selections are a testament to that. The fluff filled writeups in the booklet add even more evidence to what's wrong w/this CD. Yes there's decent material here from Willie, Cash, Shelby & the Jayhawks & hence the two stars. Just keep a finger on the skip button.

Unfortunately, I ordered "This Is Americana" and the CD inside the jacket did not match what I ordered. I received the CD for "This Is Americana 2" inside a "This Is Americana" jacket.