Folk & Country > MCA Folk & Country

Advantages: Another great CD from George Strait
Disadvantages: Not enough tracks

...The title track 'The Road Less Traveled', again, a powerful song with wonderful lyrics and melodies and sung equally so. George Strait manages to skillfully incorporate a wide range of musical styles from the more traditional country through to a more rock, pop, R&B and honky tonk influence without losing its overall country feel. George Strait is one of country's top selling artists and this album will leave you in no doubt as to why. Combining ...
...something for everyone. This is a good introduction to George Strait if you have never heard of him before and if you haven't, hey, why not give it a go. The quality of both the music and the singing is outstanding and another hit for George Strait. Definitely one to add to your collection. ... Read review

Advantages: Giving country a well deserved facelift
Disadvantages: -

...where by the time of Copperhead Roadthe young country guitarist had been replaced by the Harley riding, leatherclad, tattooed troubadour. Image aside, what do you get for your money. Well the style is a fusion of country and rock. Forget your Dwight Yokams and your Garth Brooks, this album has more in common with John Cougar Mellencamp and even Springstein on a laid back day than the typical country sound. The album opens with the title track, a ...
...side to earles work. Copperhead Road shows Steve Earle immerging as an eloquent rocker with a degree of political comment and a collection of wide ranging visions and the ability to open up his own heart and wear it on his sleeve. Underneath the more rauchous guitars and road warrior image the young country singer can still be seen in the background, and the two halves of the man combine to make a high octane, country tinged poiniant rock album. ... Read review

Advantages: Groundbreaking Recording, Charming Angelic Voice
Disadvantages: Not used to Celtic Melodies

...to track --- 1. Somebody (3:41) ~~ 5/5 A great opening with the airy instrumental chords, then Dover's pure and clear voice caught my attention immediately. It is an Irish or Scottish song in 18th Century. I like the melodies. 2. The Baron O' Brackley (6:15) ~~ 4/5 The melody is strange to me, but the rhythm & sound of the pipe solo is delightful to me. 3. On Castle Rock (4:50) ~~ 3/5 A pure instrumental piece, the pipe is leading the melody. ...
...Another strange melody, but Dover's angelic voice makes me to close up my eye to feel it. 5. Jack of Diamonds (4:20) ~~ 5/5 This track I like it more! The lively tuned of the rhythm is more familiar to me, is a song of America comes from Southern Missouri. 6. Cantus (6:16) ~~ 5/5 The language of this track is mixed in English and Irish (?), is a 14th century Irish monastic tradition. I like it so much although I can't really understand what she ... Read review

Advantages: Highly original and relaxing acoustic guitar songs, superbly played
Disadvantages: Inferior bonus tracks might interfere with the mood of the album for some.

John Martyn was a very talented British singer/songwiter/musician, who attracted a strong interest and following during the 1970s (less so in the '80s),.But he enjoyed little commercial recognition, despite his best albums selling steadily over the years. Although Martyn started out as a folk artist in the late 1960s, by the time of this release, jazz and blues influences had crept into his repertoire. By the '80s, Martyn's studio albums had ...
...but not some might say, for the better. Bless The Weather, released in 1971 is John Martyn's fifth album, and arguably his best. It originally included ten tracks, nine songs plus one superb instrumental jam. What the original album managed to achieve is the near perfect blend of contemporary folk and jazz. And with John's expressive vocals, he hardly puts a foot wrong here. The CD's photograph cover hints at the atmosphere of the whole album, ... Read review

Advantages: Every track draws you in fantastically
Disadvantages: None

Rob's finest solo album sees him return to his roots. The master of the resophonic guitar, backed up at various times by his band mates from bluegrass supergroup Blue Highway offers some of the best music ever recorded on the dobro. The album is mainly an instrumental one with only the first track of the CD having vocals, that being a rip roaring version of Machine Gun Kelly. Sweet and soulful sounds can be found throughout, and Rob's dobro/bass ...
...Am A Pilgrim" is truly a treat for the ears. Of course no bluegrass CD would be complete without the obligatory fiddle tune, and on this album these include Fiddler's Dream and a fast paced, fun, hard driving rendition of Lost Indian. All in all a fantastic album for any bluegrass fan, especially so for other resophonic guitarists who can learn a great deal from Rob's playing. ... Read review