The name speaks a certain truth4 Out Of 5 Stars
Dave Rawlings has been siding along the Americana and Roots music scene for over a decade, primarily with singer/songwriter Gillian Welch. But you may have heard his work on albums by Bright Eyes, Old Crow Medicine Show and Ryan Adams (whose song they co-wrote for Adams' "Heartbreaker," "To Be Young," appears here). Along with Welch, several of Rawlings' friends appear on "Friend of a Friend," and is all the prior mentioned artists ring your musical chimes, you're going to enjoy this CD.
Welch is in heavy rotation on "Friend," she is either playing guitar or harmonizing on most of the songs. Rawlings also lays some reclamation to his previous contributions to others, like the aforementioned "To Be Young," as he takes an Old Crow song - "I Hear Them All" - and claims it for himself. But he's more than adept on covers; when he combines Bright Eyes' "Method Acting" with Neil Young's "Cortez The Killer," the songs' resonant themes blend seamlessly. Rawlings and Welch also have some fun with their rootsiness; "Sweet Tooth" is a singalong that may be about something deeper then a craving for candy, and "How's About You" is a convincing porch rocker.
"Friend of a Friend" is an affirmation of Rawlings' individual talents. It's a charming album that wears its traditionalism on its sleeves, and will make fans want for more contributions than from what you usually hear on Welch's fine recordings.
No comments:
Post a Comment