All The Roadrunning: two understated musical icons get together and, much to the chagrin of critics who seem to enjoy shooting fish in the dream collaboration barrel, the results are stunning. These two musicians sound like they've been together for decades. Emmylou sounds as beautiful as ever while Knopfler has started to remind me of a young Johnny Cash. His guitar choices are stellar as always, whether picking or emoting or adding that trademark low growl.
It's tough to pick a favorite on this disc because there are just so many. Is there an emotional centerpiece? That probably depends on the listener. The album closes out on a powerful note with "If This Is Goodbye," about Flight 93 on 9/11. It's sad and heartfelt. Then there's the single "This Is Us," where a married couple looks back on their life together. That could be it. How about the up-tempo swing of "Belle Starr" — "I'll be your Belle Starr, You can be my Jesse James". Maybe!
For me, the question has an easy answer: "Love And Happiness." Those two words are what every parent wants for their children. The message is delivered with a lilting tempo and gorgeous harmonies: "You will always have a lucky star/That shines because of what you are/Even in the deepest dark/Because your aim is true." The sentiment is a beautiful one and the music goes right along with it.
I no longer feel too bad about missing out on music like this way back when. There are plenty of things you can't appreciate when you're a kid and, for me, Emmylou Harris was left out by default. That's okay. I've made up for it — with an armload of vinyl, a short stack of CDs, and this wonderful disc.
Article comments
1 - Mary K. Williams
Great review Mark. Love the history you always bring. If "Love and Happiness" is any indication - the the rest of this will be wonderful.