Every so often a cd comes around which no words I can formulate in my worm-infested brain that can do it justice. No matter how often I listen to it, no matter how long, nothing comes to mind. That is exactly the case with Emmylou Harris' new cd, "Stumble Into Grace."
It's a fantastic listen. The songs slip by in a dream-like state where one track doesn't stick out more than another. Which can, with many cds, be a bad thing, however, Harris makes it work. It feels like an album that was meant to be, instead of just a collection of songs.
Because nothing sticks out, it's hard, however, to write a review in which I can say anything about the album. If you have heard the music of Emmylou Harris before, you know what you can expect.
If you are unfamiliar with her, Harris creates haunting country music. Her voice is golden, and the music crafted around it compliments it perfectly. If you are a film buff, you will recognize her from her musical contribution and cameo apperance in "O Brother, Where Art Thou." Even if you don't like country music, but are a big fan of beautiful voices, you will find a wonderful addition to your music collection here.
This is the most solid album by her that I have heard. It does everything right and proves, once again, that like a fine wine, certain artists improve with age.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
It is a great album, agreed on that, but I still hold Wrecking Ball above it. I put it about equal with Red Dirt Girl so far, and that's of course a great album in itself. What a voice. I don't think she can rightly be called "country" anymore, but simply is influenced by her roots in it. She's transcended the limitations most people put on what country music can be.
Theory, have you checked out Daniel Lanois' solo albums? You might really enjoy his stuff if you like what Emmylou's doing. My favorite is his second, For The Beauty of Winona, which shows how influential he was to U2 because his signature sound was very much usurped for Achtung Baby. He also did quite a beautiful soundtrack/score for Slingblade that I think is more than worthy of checking out (Emmylou sings on one track there, too.) You should check his stuff out, if you haven't.
2 - The Theory
I like this a lot better than Red Dirt Girl. However, still undecided about Wrecking Ball. That was a fantastic album.
If I remember right, though, Buddy and Julie Miller had not yet gotten involved with Harris' music at that point, and I love those two to death, so I might pick Stumble Into Grace over that just because of their involvement.
3 - Eric Olsen
I haven't heard this one yet, but I love Wrecking Ball and agree with the Lanois assessment. But I also love the Millers, so between that and Theory's excellent judgment, I'll have to get to this pronto.
4 - Mark Saleski
i love Wrecking Ball but not as much as the live Spyboy. that one had Buddy Miller on it playing a fantastic and beautiful guitar.
5 - Tom Johnson
I've been meaning to get Spyboy for quite some time now. I have yet to actually track down a copy in a store yet, I suppose I'll have to get it online. I agree, Buddy Miller does make magic happen.