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More Sounds of the New West
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Rounder Records: Celebrating 30 Colorful Years (Borders)
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Folk Selects
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
TRACK LIST at 2006-03-25
Various Artists / Folk SelectsTrack Title 1. Maybe -- Alison Krauss 2. One Endless Night -- Jimmie Dale Gilmore 3. Around This Corner -- Sarah Harmer 4. In My Hands -- Natalie MacMaster 5. All Just To Get To You -- Joe Ely 6. Horseshoe Lounge -- Slaid Cleaves 7. Jack Of Diamonds -- Tarbox Ramblers 8. When I Close My Eyes -- Rhonda Vincent 9. Sign Of Truth -- Tish Hinojosa 10. Dont Rush Me -- Juliana Hatfield 11. My Life -- Robert Lee Castleman 12. Blue In The Heart -- Irma Thomas 13. More Of You -- Laura Love 14. Never Give Up On Me -- Jann Arden
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Unsung
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Thats just what poets do at 2006-07-21
Slaid Cleaves decision to record an album of covers may have suprised some of his fans, as his original songs have always been quite good. But you may have missed that some of the finer moments on his prior albums were of songs he chose from other writers. So Unsung, a full CD of songs by writers that Slaid admires, follows in that line. It flows as well as Slaids Wishbones or Broke Down, and stays in the tradition of great folksingers that cherry-picked songs to best fit their styles.In fact, these choices fit so sublimely that youd be suprised to learn the tunes are outside compostions. Race Car Joe is a direct descendent of Tiger Tom Dixons Blues or Breakfast In Hell. In fact, the Cd title Unsung works in dual directions. Not only is this Slaids way of exposing little known but excellent songwriters, but the story songs frequenlty speak of the everyday folk - like the wonderful Flowered Dresses - that are Unsung in everyday life. (Even if the man inhabiting Millionaire isnt particularrly savory.)My favortie moment in all of this is the tale of Everette, a composite of all those who suffer for their art in regal form. Written by Steve Brooks, this tale of a writer who slept on sofas, slept on floors but could stir your soul with his words is easily one of the best songs youll hear this year. Becuase all artists flail against the norm, sometimes not even understanding it themselves, because thats what poets do. This song, like all those collected on Unsung, reconfirm my prior high regard of Slaid Cleaves as Americas finest folk singer, and now, one of the countrys finest interpretive singers as well.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
And Now for Something a Little Different at 2006-05-30
The decision by Slaid to do an album of covers is a fantastic one. Aside from the fact that we get to hear a unique Slaid take on songs that many of us are already familiar with, it marks a small bend in the road of Cleaves career. Another album in the tradition of Wishbones and Broke Down may have satisfied most fans (including this reviewer), but this album is a little something different from the sound (fuller, more polished) to the choice of songs (more diverse subject matter) which is a hopeful indication that in the years to come we can all expect for Slaid to keep challenging himself and us with his music. Great musicians take chances and while this album is not a radical departure from his others, it does indicate that he is not content to keep reproducing the same songs over and over. Overall, very well done.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Highly Engaging (even if he didnt write the songs!) at 2006-05-31
I recently saw Mr. Slaid live at a small venue with a small audience...and found out why he is such a beloved artist amongst the Texas/Americana music scene. He is a highly engaging character, gentle spirit, smooth voice, great delivery.And great choices for songs, as Unsung shows. These are all superior songs by under-appreciated songwriters. Highlights for myself are Karen Postons Flowered Dresses (she seems to have a knack for writing lines that make the listener close their eyes and let the memories in (as in her Lydia which Slaid cut on Broke Down)); JJ Barrons Song for June (best tribute song to June Carter out there); Melvern Taylors resigned yet fun Working Stiff (you expect someone to break into a kazoo solo in the middle)....Heck, every song is a highlight in its own way.The production is different this time since Gurf Morlix was not involved, but perhaps that is a good thing that contributes to the freshness of this temporarily-non-songwriting Slaid record. (I hear he is a slow writer, so hell be back and his next CD should be highly anticipated.)But dont wait for the next one - this one is just as engaging as the Slaid-written Morlix-produced albums. Enjoy!
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Excellent, unified collection of covers by Slaids friends. at 2006-06-02
There are two reasons for doing cover songs: for younger artists starting out, it is a way to pay tribute to musical influences, and pad out a cds worth of music if you havent written much of your own stuff; for an established artist, it is a chance to acknowledge mentors, and give a hand up to deserving friends who havent had the same level of success. Most of the tunes on unsung fall into this latter category, with Austin singer-songwriter Slaid Cleaves letting his friends and fellow musicians get a wider exposure than they otherwise would.Two of the songs, Devils Lullaby and Getaway Car, are by Slaids current road guitarist, Michael OConnor. These are great songs, and Getaway Cars chorus, ably sung by Slaid, cries out even more for multipart harmony singing.Another Kind of Blue brings to my mind Van Goghs Starry Nights for some reason. Its a short, lovely song, very impressionistic.Everette is a fun song. Written by Steve Brooks, it owes obvious influence to Tom Waits, specifically the tune Singapore. Once I learned the words, I was singing the song in a Tom Waits voice, and laughing myself silly: And staring at his crotch. The song even employs Waits-type arrangements.Racecar Joe is another character sketch, similar to Slaids own Horses from Wishbones.Millionaire although not overtly political, seems to bring to mind operatives like Karl Rove if you are a Democrat, and perhaps George Soros (from a line about owning Presidents) if you are a Republican.Fairest Of Them All is really a womans song, intended to be sung by a woman. It suffers from shifting viewpoints: 3rd person in the verses, switching to 1st person in the chorus. Ill caution Slaid now: singing about wearing a dress and red, red lipstick is going to get you heckled at some gigs. Dont say I didnt warn you. :) Slaid is backed up on this tune by Mary Gauthier, and I think that the song is more suited to Gauthiers done-it-all-seen-it-all voice than Slaids. Its a good song, though. I have no real complaints with it.Flowered Dresses is by Slaids friend Karen Poston, the author of audience favorite Lydia. Poston is the artist whose work Id most like to hear next, when I can fit it into my budget. Slaids singing on this song evokes a Rockwell landscape of Americana, which isnt a bad thing at all. Slaids voice on this song is husky and romantic; it should be popular with his female fans, especially.Working Stiff is a personal favorite. Slaids voice on this song is evocative of Paul McCartney, and I mean that in the best sense. The arrangement is for a horn quartet, which I love. It just wont sound the same on the road with just Slaid and OConnors guitars, but thats ok. I can still play the disc.Slaids previous cds, Broke Down and Wishbones, suffered from the occasional clunker song nestled among the jewels; I cant really say the same for Unsung. Its quickly turning into my favorite Slaid Cleaves CD, although individual songs from the earlier discs will remain favorites.Thanks, Slaid, for a great CD.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
A great CD at 2006-07-17
Slaid Cleaves, it must be said, is an incredible songwriter. Hes put out some incredible stuff on his past albums (Wishbones and Broke Down being the most recent and best of his work).This album finds Slaid playing the songs of other less notable songwriters. In effect, giving them a chance to find an audience that they may have never reached, while at the same time providing Mr. Cleaves with top-notch, cream-of-the-crop material that he can put his name on.The CD is really quite amazing. All of the songs are great, but some stand out more than others. Oh Roberta, Fairest of Them All, Working Stiff, and Getaway Car are my personal favorites, but each song catches me a different way with each successive listening.My only complaint about this album is the obvious disconnect between the songs, the singer, and the writer. You cant truly feel supremely moved by the incredible writing (or at least, I cant) because you know the singer didnt write it. Regardless, the songs are so good and Slaids take on them is so perfect and balanced, you cant help but love it all.Recommended. Highly recommended for fans of Slaid Cleaves.
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Wishbones
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
I dont believe a word of it at 2006-07-24
I purchased this disc after having read the glowing reviews and because of Slaid Cleaves association with artists I admire. Unfortunately, I find WISHBONE utterly boring and unlistenable. Every note, word, syllable and emotion is so perfectly placed that it resembles the work of a gifted graduate student who has assimilated the works of the masters without really having anything of his own to say. The overwhelming effort to convey sincerity and passion seems processed and canned. I greatly prefer his UNSUNG disc.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Disappointed at 2005-09-01
After the acclaim this album has drawn I was looking very forward to hearing it. I was disappointed in it and found it impossible to get into. I listened to it through 5 times trying to find a groove with it but never did.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
A little too country at 2005-02-16
As much of a fan as i am of Slaid Cleaves, i didnt enjoy Wishbones. Slaids relocation to Texas is strating to seep further into his music. The folk sounds of Lifes Other Side and No Angel Knows have been left behind for a more twangy sound. Slaid, come back to Maine!!
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Aint broke dont fix it at 2004-08-31
No huge surprises in Wishbones, if it aint broke dont fix it. So expect, top notch instrumentation (big iron strings and sliding steel abound ) and equally slick production and performance, emotional weight and clever wordplay, stories of the hard road, American fables, and lovelorn vinaigrettes.In his own words from the title track this is real life no reality show . The gritty Cleaves is again in cahoots with Austin production mentor and buddy Gurf Morlix, but this time he is really utilising Gurfs considerable guitaring skills to maximum effect. This album is a bit rockier with more band arrangements than the award winning 2000 release Broke Down. Cleaves says, with obvious pride, of Wishbones The instrumentation becomes more a part of the story instead of the background to the story. It certainly feels comfortable on the ears to this listener, and I can see why Cleaves is comfortable with the arrangements to the extent he indicates. The only complaint I can imagine from his legion of fans will be why so long? Slaid Cleaves is at his best when he is telling beginning middle and end stories and Wishbones, if anything, has even more story songs than Broke Down. He has a lazy affability and a deceptively well-honed ability to introduce characters, lay settings, communicate emotions and conduct a journey through verse long adventures, with either comforting or confronting choruses, to the inevitable moral filled conclusion and all in 3 minutes. Slaid is as good as it gets at this, and what is even better, from the point of view of an ardent gig goer, the hard working Cleaves ( whos musical trail started busking in Cork in the mid 80s where he was a student ) can still be found touring 10 months of the year and will in any given year be at a venue near you. Though if this album is as user friendly as I suspect it is, and given some breaks, it cant be long until he will only be available live, as a dot at the end of some warehouse for ý30 a ticket, see him while you can!tracks: 01 Wishbones .... a jaunty guitar driven careworn but optimistic tale 02 Road Too Long.... a standard RnB truckers tune (six day in this mode but Im going to get a hit this time) 03 Drinkin Days.... His drinking days are over but hes still in trouble, bad luck doesnt always come in a bottle. The sequel to Horse Shoe lounge from Broke Down 04 Sinners Prayer.... Blues tune, in a Peter Green style, a lament for the lost life. 05 Tiger Tom Dixons Blues.... Reforged collaboration with his pall Rod Picott, the boxers tale 06 Below.... Nostalgic piece of childhood and childhood places both lost never to be seen again. 07 Quick as Dreams... The old timer Jockys recollection, riding the thoroughbreds, in the racing hey day 08 Horses.... Moonshine Willies tale, in a Jimmy Rogers style 09 Hearts Break.... Shuffering Blues and home spun philosophy, my favourite track. 10 Borderline.... Heartbreaking tale of a disenfranchised migrant worker 11 New Years Day.... A Cajun feel good farewell to a friend Rob Ellen
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Getting the better part of the Wishbone at 2004-08-11
Slaid Cleaves is Americas finest young folk singer. Period. Theres simply no other way to put it. His new album, Wishbones, is a collection of songs that mix the best of folk tradition, Woody Guthrie observational skills, Bruce Springsteen common-man common sense and, (when you see him live) charisma out the yazoo. (OK maybe yazoo is not the most potent critical term, but Slaid Cleaves has got the proverbial it.)Wishbones follows the breakthroughs Broke Down paths populated by lonesome losers, bright eyed dreamers and (as he calls them) people you refer to as a character and plays them with a gravity that makes them all seem like long lost friends. But its Slaids economy and live skills that carry both the CD and the current shows.On Wishbones, Slaid and producer Gurf Morlix have captured an essence in each song, even more so than on the excellent Broke Down CD that proceeded this one by almost four years. Theres the wistful title track, the tale of the city that fell victim to progress in Below, and the long awaited recording of concert fave Horses (and Divorces). Slaid and his band know just how much to swing and when to hold back (the Spanish influenced Borderline). It makes him stand head and shoulders above so many better known and allegedly hipper artists, and if you have ever seen him live, youll hear what I mean.For example, the recent 2004 Newport Folk Festival. Slaid and his band just completed a really strong performance of old favorites, choice new selections from Wishbones, all in a context of western swing and folk styles. His band was spot-on and the audience was more than appreciative, clapping and singing along. Then, for their final song and to everyones surprise, the band tore into a butt-kicking version of The Whos Wont Get Fooled Again. While half of the crowd came to their feet to stomp and cheer, the other half stood with their jaws somewhere around their ankles. By the time the band crashed into the final chords (and a minor lyric change: meet the new war, same as the old war...), the audience was literally roaring its approval as Slaid exhorted the crowd to get out there and vote! In a weekend filled with great artists and fine moments, this was (for me, at least) the single most amazing performance by anyone in attendance, bar none. Slaid Cleaves gets it. Wishbones is his best CD to date. (While youre at it, pick up a copy of Broke Down.) 4 and 1/2 stars and one of my favorite discs for 2004.
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Promise
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Bright beginnings for a true talent at 2001-12-12
Slaid Cleaves has come into his own lately with the successful releases of Broke Down and No Angel Knows. Both are outstanding albums and well worth having. This one, the Promise, was recorded in the late 80s when he was first starting out. In fact, it includes a bunch of songs done with his original Portland, Maine band the Moxie Men. The CD is properly titled as it displays the promise of excellent songwriting, singing and musicianship that Slaid has since delivered upon.Unlike his newer recordings, the Promise portion is done in a very folkie style without much instrumentation. The Moxie Men were a full band on the bar circuit and thats what you get in that set. I recommend this to anyone, if youre a Slaid fan its a must.
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Life"s Other Side
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Broke Down at 2000-06-15
I heard the song Broke Down for the first time on KFAN-Texas Rebel Radio and thought that this is the best example of song writing I have experienced in a long time. I would place Cleaves songwriting talent up there with Mary Chapin Carpenters.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Broke down at 2000-06-15
I heard Broke Down for the first time on KFAN - Texas Rebel Radio and thought that this is the best example of song writing that I have heard in a long time. The rest of the album is definitely reflective of what song writing should be.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
This needs to be re-released! at 2004-02-11
For those of you hearing Slaid Cleaves for the first time, this CD is a treat. I listened to Slaid play these songs live all over Portland Maine and sometimes Portsmouth NH for literally years and was very pleased with how they came out on this CD. Willie of the Wind is a fantastic roll of a melody with a story about a homeless guy. Justice is a personal favorite of mine as i lived in Portland Maine when the news story broke that it references. Slaid Cleaves deserves star billing and i look forward to the day when i can see his name at the Grammys!!! i cannot make the complex musical references that others do in their reviews, all i can say is that it makes you just want to lift a beer to the musician and enjoy the songs.
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Broke Down
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Normally I dont give 5 star reviews, but.... at 2005-02-12
...Slaid Cleaves Broke Down is such a good record! Slaid is in the vein of many a folk singer-songwriter, but this album stands out from the rest.Slaid writes and sings songs that are very descriptive; its like a story being told in front of you.The music is very laid back and mellow with lots of acoustic guitar.Also, its solid throughout start to finish, no duds in there. Superb stuff.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
One of The Best CDs Youve Never Heard. at 2003-09-30
I was lured to a Slaid Cleaves show by a friend here in Philly and walked away with three CDs. He was that impressive. In the best folk tradition, he weaves tales of the down trodden with tales of hope in a rich voice that never comes across as preachy or weak-kneed. Like John Prine or maybe Steve Earle, Slaid knows how to sing about real people and places (Horse Shoe Lounge and Lydia) and of the larger than life tales that make such myths worth hearing again and again (Breakfast In Hell). I saw him again this summer at the Newport Folk Festival and he was darn near the best player on the side stage. His reworking of Woody Guthries This Morning I was Born Again puts most of the alt-country crowd to shame. He also understands musical economics. Ten selections, and not one of them a filler. (Are you listening Ryan Adams?) I have played One Good Year several times when I feel down, and it never fails to give me a surge of willpower. I cant recommend Slaid Cleaves and Broke Down enough, and especially if hes playing near enough to your town to get into a show.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Would be songwriter in search of a melody...none found. at 2004-05-15
At first I thought the lyrics were promising, then realized they only seem much better than they are because of the god-awful, mindless, endlessly repetitive naryl,naryl,naryl,nothingness of anything resembling a memorable musical phrase. How this collection got wasted onto perfectly good plastic boggles the mind. Whatever happened to the kind of music that Webb Pierce, Hank Williams,Johny Cash,etc. produced? Ill have to send these bowl floaters back to Rounder for a refund.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
McCabes #6 - Slaid Cleaves 05-23-2004 at 2004-05-24
This is a review of Slaids concert at McCabes in Santa Monica on Sunday 05-23-2004. He was simply incredible, playing his signature blend of Folk-rock and Alt/Country with his touring band (His fellow guitarist Michael OConner ROCKED!) He played most of this album along with songs from his latest album Wishbone. My favorites of the night were the title track (Lots of airplay on Sirius Disorder // 24 satellite channel) and Bring It On - also a staple of Sirius and NPR radio. The encore brought Slaid alone with his guitar, playing a unplugged piece from his new album called New Years Day. After the concert - he signed my copy of Broke Down with his inscription For Joe, Slaid Cleaves 2004. I told him he was the first artist that I heard over Sirius Satellite Radio, and he was happy to hear that. He told me he was thinking of satellite radio, I told him to go Sirius. He said he would look into it. Thanks Slaid!! JG
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
One of the best around at 2004-06-04
This album is astonshingly good. The more I listen to it the more I am blown away.
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No Angel Knows
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Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
One of my all-time faves! at 2002-09-20
When I was in college, my parents saw Slaid in concert in Ripton, VT and they bought this album. If a CD could turn white from overplay, my familys copy would long ago. It took me two years to be able to see him myself, upon his return to Ripton and it was well worth it. Now, nothing beats seeing Slaid live, but his albums are great. I still cry at Lyddie (on Broke Down) and Dont Tell Me is one of my top ten favorite songs of all time. If I had to be stranded on a desert island with only ten CDs, this would be one of them.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
True words from a true voice at 1999-10-03
Slaid Cleaves music makes you realize why we love music in the first place. He has hard, true lyrics with a voice to match.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
well, its listenable i suppose.... at 2001-11-22
But i was not all that impressed...
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Old Folkies -- Read This at 2000-07-16
Slaid Cleaves , according to the photos in the liners of his two CDs (this one and Broke Down), might have had a brilliant career as a golf pro, a magazine editor or could have been gobbled up and spit out by corporate Nashville, but noooo! Instead, he became a FOLK SINGER and Im sure there were winter nights up in Maine when his parents -- Craiger and Jenny (really, check his website) -- must have sat at their kitchen table consoling each other, that, well, they acknowledge that their son has high intelligence, COULD be a brain surgeon or rocket scientist...but he really DOES have talent, yes?, and it seems to make him happy...He has talent, yes, and he makes me, a listener unknown to him or his family, happy. This is the boy (OK, hes 35) whom we old country-folkies, old enough to be his folks, had hoped would come along to lead the next generation of musical storytellers.Now a resident of Austin, and a professional drug-taken for a pharmacy company there, Slaids way of writing and singing a song is a Godsend to those of us who cant quite get behind urban folk in the way we wish we could. His voice is direct, gentle and a little country, sincere and clear. The production on his CDs is wonderful. His songs are honest and descriptive. He reminds me a bit of Tom Dundee and a bit of Greg Brown but hes not like either of them. Hes bright and sensitive and not particularly angst-ridden, as far as I can tell, and thats _OK_, and I recommend him very, very hightly to you.
Slaid Cleaves Album Review:
Classy guy, classy album at 1999-12-01
I just recently met Slaid Cleaves, at the Blackthorne Tavern in MA, where he played for an audience of about twenty people. About one year prior to this, exactly one year actually I had gotten this very album. In due time this heartfelt work took up near constant rotation in my CD player. The songs he writes are not the happiest things, but theyre very deep, and beautifully crafted. If you have a somber side, or have ever lost someone you cared about, these songs echo those feelings. Highly recommended.
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