"Before I Go" - Ordinary Elephant

"Before I Go"  

Ordinary Elephant 

2017

This is not a CD for background 'listening' as the music and lyrics are subtle and need full attention in order to benefit from, let alone appreciate, what is being presented. Definitely recommended if primarily quiet, reflective folk music is your liking.

The latter half of the CD finishes particularly strongly with cuts #7 through #13 all recommended. But discover your own favorites.

The most enjoyable cuts:

*  #2 "Railroad Man"

* #7 "Lady in the Elevator"

* #8 "Who I Am"

* #9 "Evangeline"

* #10 "The Things He Saw"

* #11 "Washington Said East"

* #12 "Before I Go"

* #13 "Thank You"

All cuts are FCC compliant except for "Another Day" at the 0:57 mark.

"Big Things and Little Things" -- Truckstop Honeymoon

"Big Things and Little Things"  

Truckstop Honeymoon

2016

Any time the words truckstop and honeymoon are paired up in any sort of setting, well, that's definitely a need-to-know-more longitude and latitude. In this case, it involves a two-person husband and wife band ensconced at present in Lawrence, Kansas. Them and four kids ... so maybe there's something more to truckstops than most of us know.

"Big Things and Little Things" is very witty at times, a melding of folk and bluegrass serenaded with lots of banjo, some mandolin, guitar and more.

The best cuts to these ears, mind and heart:

* #1 "Big Things and Little Things" - a political cut

* #3 "The Governor of Kansas" - a love versus hate cut that is also political

* #5 "Ugly Part of Town" - why is such always the most irresistable area?

* #6 "Ice Cream Man" - would get someone in a coma moving

* #7 "Montague Street" - loved this best cut of all

* #8 "The Optimist" - a unique take

* #10 "Do You Really Have to Ask" - a need-to-know story in a call and respond song

* #11 "Now We are Six" - the blending plus development of a family

* #15 "Got No Use" - the primary subject is guns but ultimately more expansive




All cuts are FCC compliant.

Reviewing the latest Guy Clark release

"Guy Clark – The Best of the Dualtone Years" -- Mike Regenstreif