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O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Various Artists

August 28, 2000
I'm not from the US, my family hail from Kashmir and I was born in the UK, grew up listening to punk rock but WOW! The soundtrack literally drips with the era and place it hails from; every time I hear a snippet I swear I can feel the heat and smell the wheat - so amazing!

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Awkward Annie

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Kate Rusby

September 03, 2007
Kate Rusby has a lovely voice and the arrangements of this collection of songs are sensitive. What's not to like? Well there is one big flaw for me - the lyrics. It's partly that for a 21st century girl to be writing songs about maidens, knights and castles seems odd. This is not a complaint about people singing folk songs. Those songs were about their times but it's strange to hear a woman with her own website writing as if she were a medieval troubadour.

But it gets worse. One of the best songs on the album is John Barbury great vocal, lovely accompaniment. But the words get in the way. Here's an example. In one line a girl denies she looks ill because had "lain with a man". Then the next line explains she is "nine months gone" and ... Read More:

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A Hundred Miles Or More... A Collection

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Alison Krauss

August 18, 2008
Alison Krauss I guess is one of those singers you either love or hate. She has a tonal quality that for me epitomises the very best in Bluegrass. This album is no exception. The sheer quality of her voice is at time unbelievable
and whilst it is true she veers away from pure bluegrass - her strength is that she can carry this off with huge credibility. I bought this album not only because I love Alison Krauss - but I heard her wonderful duet with James Taylor of "hows the world treating you?"- and simply had to have it! This is an old song recorded by Elvis in his early days - and hearing Alison and James brought back all those memories of wonderful songs, and meaningful lyrics. I also adore her version of "I'm just a country boy/girl" formerly ... Read More:

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New Favorite

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Alison Krauss Union Station

August 18, 2008
Alison Krauss has one of the beautiful voices in modern music. But this album shows Union Station to be so much more than her stunning vocals. The stand out feature of this album is the musicianship of all members of the band. The addition of jerry douglas dobro has added a new layer to their compositions. This album is simply a must.

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Wide Open Spaces

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Dixie Chicks

September 21, 1998
Introducing us to their rhythmic and melodious country/rock style, and their infectiously candid and assertive manner that would later get them rather unfairly into political hot water, the feisty Dallas trio's first mainstream album is a fantastic example of country music that has been made accessible to a wider audience.

The Chicks are entertaining, they sound as if they really had a lot of fun making this album, and their performances are full of spirit and energy - they're a joy to listen to. The album also has heart and soul, there's a lot of humanity in the lyrics which might not be immediately obvious to the casual listener.

However, I did feel that they were holding something back on these recordings, there was even more life they could ... Read More:

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The Rough Guide to Bluegrass

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Various Artists

March 05, 2001
Rough Guide have come up trumps with this wonderful sampler of bluegrass music. Characterised by the banjo, fiddle and mandolin, bluegrass' roots lie in 1930s and in the combination of many European and native American folk styles such as Irish, jazz, blues, East European polka and gospel. The CD contains famous artists such as the amazing Alison Krauss and Union Station, represented here by their classic track "Every Time You Say Goodbye", and older pioneers such as the Country Gentlemen, featuring the banjo ace Bill Emerson. A commendable balance is struck between vocal and instrumental tracks, and between faster and slower tunes. Indeed, the variety of artists is testament to the multitude of styles that the genre enjoys. The scintillating pace of Emerson ... Read More:

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Rambling Boy

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Charlie Haden

October 27, 2008
In all honesty these have to be some of the most moving pieces I have ever listened to.As described in the title Charlie is among family and friends and the entire album resonates with that atmosphere.You can easily tell that everyone feels very much "at home" and there is an obvious lack of competing for first place. Bruce Hornsby on piano and Pat Metheny's measured acoustic guitar playing are absorbing. The Sally Gardens track almost reduced me to tears.Simply beautiful. I'm still recovering. Thanks Charlie.

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Still Crooked

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Crooked Still

July 07, 2008
Meloncholic melodies, moving cello and ethereal vocals set a mellow mood on this excellent CD.In essence folk orientated vocals over light bluegrass / old timey backing provide a winnning formula which whilst cast in the Americas, is easily assimilated to British ears. A sure fire winner.

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Lonely Runs Both Ways

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Alison Krauss

November 15, 2004
So many other reviews have so succinctly said what I fear I may fail to say. I was working her Birmingham 2005 concert when Restless stopped me in my tracks. As a Steward it is a rare, fine musical band that can cajole me into buying two of their CDs instantly, on the face of one beautiful song.....but am I glad!

AKUS's music could be for those gentle folk who do not want to admit to liking some country music. It could be for those who like exquisite harmonies and pure sound. Or it could simply be for those who love. If you've never been dumped.....if you've never felt crushed....if you've never looked into someone's eyes and seen their soul stare back, then for god's sake buy this album. You simply haven't lived.

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Cherryholmes Vol.3: Don't Believe

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Bluegrass
by: Cherryholmes

September 29, 2008
The third album by the Cherryholmes demonstrates how with the passing of time musicianship can evolve to great heights. Tight and variable harmonies deliver everytime. Most of the material used is written by the Cherryholmes with Cia featuring as the main driver. The celtic routes can be discovered on a couple of tracks. It's a fine blend of tracks which demonstrates the musical tightness that only a family band can bring. having seen the Cherryholmes live this year reinforces what an extra ordinary collective talent they are. For bluegrass fans this is a rare treat and I would recommend for hours of listening!