I appreciate the fact that Eaglesmith doesn't belabor the specifics; he's less a satirist than a moralist. The gap between haves and have-nots, between true believers and fellow travelers, concerns him more than any particular political issue.
But what I appreciate even more is the musical spell he casts, with an un-gussied-up blend of folks, blues, and bluegrass that's quintessentially American. Having accumulated a sizeable following over several years by word-of-mouth rather than media hype, Eaglesmith may be poised right now to break through to a wider audience. But I get the sense that he won't sacrifice his weathered humanism to do so.
Eaglesmith’s fierce populism rings sincere; there’s no aw-shucks Nashville fakery here, no flannel-shirted posturing. And bleak as his picture may sound in some stretches of this CD, he manages to redeem it in songs like “I Pray Now”, “Get On Your Knees,” “Wheels,” and “Stand,” bursting through with indomitable spirit. Eaglesmith’s insistent faith in that human spark shivers through this entire album; it’s a moving thing indeed.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Very nice review Holly. I had not heard of Eaglesmith before, but I'll add him to the list.
2 - Holly A Hughes
Thanks, Mat. Apparently Eaglesmith's been working under the radar for years; I'd only recently learned about him myself. I still need to work through his back catalogue, but that's something to look forward to.
3 - Mat Brewster
Ah yes, I love finding an older artist and then having the joy of listening to their back catalog.
4 - Nanette Park
Nice review!! I have been a fan of Fred Eaglesmith for a few years now. He has some awesome tunes. Hope he comes back thru the midwest (MO) soon.
5 - Alyssssaaaaa
Oh!!!! I SO wish that *I* was just discovering Fred!!!! What a treasure. I'm a Canadian and have had the pleasure to see Fred and The Flying Squirrels many times. He just keeps on getting better. Washboard Hank has moved on and Willie Bennett had medical issues a year ago.
I always think of Fred and his songs as 'Country for the Intelligentsia' He has an amazing sense of humour that comes across in his songs but REALLY spins your pigtails when you see him live.
That man can tell a story!
IF you EVER get an opportunity to see Fred Eaglesmith ..particularily in a small venue.. get a ticket and go. You are in for a truly GREAT show!
I am truly a FredHead