Folk & Country > Country Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter

Advantages: Becoming a Texas Jewboy
Disadvantages: None if you have a sense of Humor

Richard "Big Dick" "Kinky" Freidman is a hero of mine and proof that Texans are not all bad. Any state that spawns Him, the 13th Floor Elevators and the Butthole Surfers is Ok in My Book, and since I am an Honorary Texans Jewboy then I have to support my home state...... Ok a bit about Kinky he is a Jew, Singer, Songwriter, Writer, Cat Lover and now candidate for the office of Governor I think that all voting should be extended to us Texas Jewboys ...
...rambling what can you expect from this little nugget of an album well early 70s' country and western was is the answer, I love C & W but not Garth Brooks or Billy Ray Cirus. Throughout the album pedal steel guitars slide through simple but basic songs sung with heart which is what country and western music is about. There is a bit of everything here from social commentary on "We Reserve the Right to refuse Service to You" and "Sold American". "Ride ... Read review

Advantages: Eight of the greatest albums ever made
Disadvantages: None

TVZ was the greatest songwriter, lyricist, and singer ever. I was lucky enought to see him play live, once in Leicester in 1994, and then in London in December 1995. Both awesome experiences. This cd box set has his first 8 albums bunged onto 4 cds at a knockdown price. If I hadn't bought all of these ages ago, i would have got this like a shot. TVZ plays toubadour country folk like no one else. His songs have been covered by the likes of Emmylou ...
...a bit of folk/Dylan/Cohen, then you'll absolutely love Townes Van Zandt. Mr Mudd and Mr Gold is probably the greatest song ever written. Apocalyptic lyrics about a card game that mean so much. Any of his songs could be cited as a superb example of a man who scated the frayed ends of sanity and takes you to right into the blackest depths of despair. Completely uplifting. Tie on your flying shoes. ... Read review

Advantages: Pure unaffected Singer
Disadvantages: Her voice will not appeal to everyone

Infamous Angel 1992 I've always enjoyed singers with unique voices Iris Dement would definitely fit in that category, her voice is pure unaffected and can send a shiver up your spine like few present day singers. That said her voice is not for everyone, my wife for one can't stand her, no accounting for taste! Anyway I think this is a suburb album by one of the best current female country artists. To label Iris simply as a country artist would ...
...style and sound. The emotion she can put into a song is breathtaking especially the brilliant "Our Town" which will appeal to anyone who comes from a small town which has seen better times. This is not a commercial country album the instrumentation mainly acoustic is traditional and the harmonies are right out of the 1950's. Think 'Oh Brother, where Art Thou' soundtrack' to get some idea of the instrumentation. All Iris's songs cover traditional ... Read review

Advantages: Great voice, Lyrics
Disadvantages: None

...age. Her eighth album entitled Liejacker is one of her best and has been critically acclaimed by the music press who consider her to be the greatest british songwriter of her generation. You may have read my review of London's Bloomsbury Theatre where I saw Thea Gilmore in concert and met her in the foyer after the gig where she signed my copy of this album. I requested this album on dooyoo So without further ado here is my review of Thea Gilmore's ...
...May. **Liejacker** 1. Old Soul This is a nice duet with Dave McCabe of The Zutons, the track opens with a gentle guitar and then Thea's distinctive vocals come in with the beat of the drum coming in gently every few seconds. The addition of Dave McCabe works really well as he offers up an emotive clear vocal. A wonderful start. 2. Black Letter This is a great track which has a darker feel to the opening track Old Soul. I love the Cello in this ... Read review

Advantages: Amazing tracks, great musicians!
Disadvantages: Communication

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones...an amazing array of just about everything you can put into a band while keeping it edgy, listenable, and exciting for the listener. This album in particular I picked up a few months back, and it's barely left my player since. I just can't get over the musicianship and technical work put into each song with such detail. If you enjoy Bela Fleck or even just heard a few songs and want to hear more go grab this album quick, ...
...--Sinister Minister-- Starts the album simple and funky enough with the work of the over-talented Victor Wooten on bass. Which is quickly joined by Bela Fleck on banjo and the ever elusive 'drumitar' worked by Future man. Which will set you in the groove of the song, and then enters an amazingly simple yet ever so catchy harmonica line that quickly becomes the basis of the song. Throughout the song each player shows real style and class and really ... Read review