Modern Art

Tom Russell

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: April 22, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hightone Records
• ASIN: B00008V62G
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,032 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description
18th album from Tom Russell, 'Modern Art' is a collection of musical short stories about a variety of subjects & personalities. Includes a brilliant performance of Charles Bukowski's poem 'Crucifix In A Death Hand' combined with Warren Zevon's classic Carmelita'. Hightone. Digipak. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOM NEVER DISAPPOINTS..., May 16, 2003

By	BILL HERZOG (Borrego Springs, CA) - See all my reviews

Although not quite as dark and raw as his last effort Borderland, this may well be Tom's most accessable release to date. It's actually a great place to start for all you TR neophites and curious Nanci Griffith fans. I'll go as far as to put his tragic tale of the sea "Issac Lewis" up there with "El Gallo del Cielo" in terms of weaving that epic story as only Tom can do. My personal favorite is the touching and most likely autobiographical "The boy who cried wolf". A classic, this one really hits home. And be you a guitar fanatic or not, its certain that Tom's often underrated partner Andrew Hardin's amazing fretwork will give you goosebumps all throughout this album. I may be repeating myself, but this one's a keeper.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Memorable Offering From Tom, May 22, 2003

By	John Standiford (Cypress, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those of you who aren't familiar with Tom Russell, the best way to summarize him is that he is truly one of our nation's best songwriters. He's also an exceptional performer although that is sometimes lost by some because so many other people have done great versions of his songs.

His newest CD Modern Art, is a bit of a departure from some of his past works. It's different in that these songs seem much more personal. His songs have always reflected on events and people in his life, but this album really digs deep and under the surface.

In my opinion, the highlights of the album include a number of duets with Nanci Griffith. Dave Alvin's song Bus Station is one such example. More importantly, the new songs fit well with his live performances, so if you get a chance to see Tom when he comes to your town, do it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Capturing a variety of Americana on MODERN ART, August 26, 2005

By	J. Carroll "Jack" (Island Heights,NJ) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Mickey Mantle sings of joy and regret as he remembers the simple life as a "Kid in Spavinaw," "Muhammad Ali" makes an appearance in all his brash confidence, and even poor Stephen Foster is present on this collection of story songs, where Russell shares with the listener a variety of lives, both real and imagined. Each little biography is a reflection on some aspect of life's trial, but many are confirmation that the struggle is worthwhile including the auto-biographical title cut. There are a few throwaways here; the Bukowski/Zevon blend makes me want more Zevon and less Bukowski, and one more version of "The Dutchman" doesn't really add anything to the mix. But the addition of Nanci Griffith on three cuts and the hilarious rockabilly of "Tijuana Bible," more than make up for any of the other shortcomings.