Broke Down

Slaid Cleaves

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 25, 2000)
• Original Release Date: January 25, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philo / Umgd
• ASIN: B000044U3T
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,475 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
On his second Philo release, singer-songwriter Slaid Cleaves builds a bridge between New England, where he grew up, and Texas, where he now lives. Cleaves's voice often affects a yearning quality reminiscent of traditional Irish music, and his songs are populated by the sort of tragic characters familiar to old folk ballads. In "Cold and Lonely," a poor farmer grieves for his dead wife and children, while the narrative "Breakfast in Hell" is a Canadian logger's answer to "John Henry." The suffering takes a more personal turn in "One Good Year," where Cleaves laments, "It's a bitter wind, in your face every day / It's the little sins, that wear your soul away." But just when the downcast mood begins to grow oppressive, Cleaves comes back with the defiant "Bring It On" and the redemptive "This Morning I Am Born Again," featuring Woody Guthrie's amazing lyrics set to new music. Austin-based producer Gurf Morlix , known for his long association with Lucinda Williams, contributes spare and evocative instrumental textures. --Rick Mitchell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Broke Down" but triumphant, February 6, 2000

By	JoAnne (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Slaid Cleaves' new album is a terrific contribution from this talented singer/songwriter! My personal favorite on it is "Key Chain," an interesting evolution from his earlier car songs. Here, the car key represents the last piece of the narrator's old life and the first piece of his new one. He may be "broke down," like other characters on the album, but he's picking up the pieces and starting all over again. I also loved the setting to new music of Woodie Guthrie's lyrics in "This Morning I am Born Again."

The great Gurf Morlix and the other musicians add texture to this album, as well. This album is well worth adding to your collection.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of The Best CD's You've Never Heard., September 29, 2003

By	Tim Brough "author and music buff" (Springfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I was lured to a Slaid Cleaves show by a friend here in Philly and walked away with three CD's. He was that impressive. In the best folk tradition, he weaves tales of the down trodden with tales of hope in a rich voice that never comes across as preachy or weak-kneed. Like John Prine or maybe Steve Earle, Slaid knows how to sing about real people and places ("Horse Shoe Lounge" and "Lydia") and of the larger than life tales that make such myths worth hearing again and again ("Breakfast In Hell").

I saw him again this summer at the Newport Folk Festival and he was darn near the best player on the side stage. His reworking of Woody Guthrie's "This Morning I was Born Again" puts most of the "alt-country" crowd to shame. He also understands musical economics. Ten selections, and not one of them a filler. (Are you listening Ryan Adams?) I have played "One Good Year" several times when I feel down, and it never fails to give me a surge of willpower. I can't recommend Slaid Cleaves and "Broke Down" enough, and especially if he's playing near enough to your town to get into a show.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1:32 AM and Broke Down, January 27, 2000

By	John Malloy "guildd100" (South Berwick, ME USA) - See all my reviews

As a long time follower of Slaid's I have to say this is just an INCREDIBLE record. It certainly may prove to be his best. Although 2000 may have just begun, this one's gonna be tough to beat. Slaid's voice resonates so deeply on this record it is simply stunning. The writing is among his best and the songs are immediately timeless. Slaid is much more than an excellent singer/songwriter, he is an IMPORTANT artist that needs to be supported. Just amazing.