Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 96
 Poor Old Dirt Farmer from Marvell November 4, 2007
Reid J. Vaccari (Illinois)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Had a chance to get a little more familiar with Levon's new album, Dirt Farmer, and it's a wonderful collection of tunes. Having not heard much of Levon's solo stuff, nor anything from recent performances (haven't made it to a Ramble yet), I wasn't sure what to expect.
After having surgery in 1998 to remove throat cancer, Levon's voice is left with a rougher timber that suits the songs he's singing here. That said, he can still wail like you'd expect from him.
Joining him on the album are Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan's multi-instrumentalist from 1997 to 2004), his daughter Amy Helm, Teresa Williams, George Receli (Dylan's current drummer) and others. Larry's expertise really helps bring the album to life, and he brings the variety here, playing acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, mandolin, fiddle and dulcimer throughout the album, he also provides backing vocals. If that wasn't enough, the album was also produced by Larry and Amy.
The album kicks off with two traditional songs, False Hearted Lover Blues and Poor Old Dirt Farmer, with Levon on vocals and drums. His drumming is the signature Helm style that drives these tracks, and Larry's mandolin shines through on the first track. On Poor Old Dirt Farmer, it's the fiddle that stands out, and Levon's vocals pick up steam as the song goes on. This song has gotten stuck in my head with no relief in the near future. The accordion playing, as well as Amy on mandola, weave together with the fiddle to form a laidback bluegrass flavor. Once again, Levon's drumming is excellent.
The third track is Steve Earle's The Mountain, which is a beautiful song that allows Levon's vocals to shine. Levon is on the drums for this one as well, and Buddy & Julie Miller join him for harmony vocals. Larry's fiddle playing is again beautiful. I'm not familiar with much Steve Earle but this is a great song, and it's the perfect song for Levon to sing.
Little Birds is another Traditional song, this time a slower bluegrass number.Amy Helm and Teresa Willaims jump in on harmonies, and the song builds around Larry's fiddles and mandolin. Some great singing from the ladies here.
The Girl I Left Behind is probably my favorite track on here, an upbeat traditional bluegrass tune. Levon sings and plays acoustic, and Amy takes over on the drums. When the song kicks off with "There was a wealthy ol' farmer, lived in the country near by", I can't help but be reminded of his vocals on The Band's Daniel And The Sacred Harp. The whole song in fact reminds me of an updated version of that. The band really jumps on this one, great stuff from Larry and Brian Mitchell on accordion.
Calvary is a slower, funky song written by bass player Byron Isaacs. Levon's vocals are the highlight on this one, with Amy and Teresa adding harmonies again. This song has a cool vibe and some good playing on the resonator from Larry.
The next song is Anna Lee, which is just Levon singing over a lone fiddle, with Amy and Teresa providing harmony vocals. Similar style to Little Birds, some pretty singing.
The next two songs are both by Paul Kennerley, Got Me A Woman is a lighthearted bobbing bluegrass song, featuring Levon on mandolin for the first time on the album. Fun song, and Levon seems to enjoy singing it. The other Kennerley song is A Train Robbery, which sums up the song content. "We will burn your train to cinders, so throw the money on down" Levon and company sing on the chorus, accompanied by some stomping chaingain percussion.
The old Carter family song Single Girl, Married Girl is after this, another cool song with Amy and Teresa providing harmony and echo. This is played at a medium laidback pace, and features a sweet resonator solo from Larry Campbell.
The Blind Child is a traditional slow bluegrass song, led by the accordion and fiddle. Some fine playing here, doesn't really do much for me as a song, though.
Feelin' Good is a jaunty riff written by J.B. Lenoir. Levon and Amy duet here, and Larry plays some great acoustic on this one. Amy Helm really has a great voice, and shows it off here. While it's a somewhat slower song, Levon's loose, cocky vocals remind me of Don't Ya Tell Henry from the Basement Tapes.
The album closes with Wide River To Cross, a Buddy & Julie Miller song. A somber, reflective song, where Levon's vocals shine again.
All in all, Dirt Farmer is very impressive. A great selection of bluegrass, old country and folk songs played at the very highest level of musicianship. Standouts for me are Poor Old Dirt Farmer, The Girl I Left Behind and The Mountain.
Helm at his best November 3, 2007
John Fleming (Mahwah, NJ)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Levon does it again. An inside look at Helm's roots. Levon is truly an American treasure....one of the true musicians left. Dirt Farmer is sure to be a classic. Levon has assembled himself with a music legend and master in Larry Campbell. Amy Helm and Teresa Williams add the perfect balance to Levon and Larry.
 Twangy December 4, 2007
H. Alsabrook (Del Mar, CA USA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Well, I love Levon and everything he does but I must warn the uninitiated that this is the most Arkansas twang music I have heard in a long while. If you like downhome folk music you will probably appreciate this but it is definitely not "The Band".
Welcome Back Levon! November 30, 2007
Rick Raymo (NorEaster)
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
After throat cancer and ten years of recovering his voice? Levon Helm of The Band/Last Waltz Fame does the best album of his career. Buy it. 'nuff said.
Refreshingly Real and Rootsy October 30, 2007
T. Jo Klatke-Anctil (New England)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
If you want real, rootsy and refreshing,
don't hesitate to buy this, buy one
for every real music lover on your gift
giving list. Unlike anything that's out
there now.
|
