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When a truely excellent recording appears that captures the essence of *a classic recording*,it is simple to review.This is simply one of,if not the best releases of 2000,and close to one of Emmylou Harris' best collection of songs ever recorded.It has taken her 5 years to follow the excellent *Wrecking Ball*with a collection of songs highlighted by the fact that all except one,have been penned by Ms Harris herself.A long overdue situation,that has you saying *Why so long?* and after listening to the emotion and quality exhibited in the lyric and melody here..that question becomes even more relevant.
It can hardly be said that Emmylou has been idle,from delivering a live album with the much travelled Spyboy,recording with her buddies Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on Trio 2,and recording Western Wall with Linda Ronstadt and developing her song writing skills with the likes of Jill Cuniff from the rocking Luscious Jackson,and then to wrap it up appearing on Willie Nelson's *Teatro*..she has done it all.Whereas Wrecking Ball,one of the finest of 95 had songs from an impeccable cast of songwriters,Red Dirt Girl is Emmylou Harris.The first *star*.
She has long been the greatest alternative country rock,crossover diva,so much so that it doesnt matter what category critics put her in.This release increases her pedigree of being in a class of her own,but now she is seen as a developiong and evolving artist..and in her 50s!!The second *star*
The feel of this CD recaptures that ethereal sound and sonic explorations that distingushed Wrecking Ball,and revisits the production of Daniel Lanois,who so successful worked his magic on Wrecking Ball,and with U2 in the 80s and more recently with the Neville Brothers on *Yellow Moon* and in his own solo work.That was recorded in New Orleans,and she has returned again to New Orleans but this time with her Wrecking Ball engineer,Malcolm Burn..and the outcome is amazing.The third *star*
She continues to surround herself with excellent musicians.This time with a small band of troupadors,including guitarist Buddy Miller,jazzer turned Rolling Stones bassist Daryl Johnson and percussionist Ethan Johns.Notable in the backup harmonies and duet roles are Bruce Springsteen,and his wife Patty Scialfa.The effect is marvellous and the sound perfectly atuned to the heavenly vocals of Ms Harris.The fourth *star*.
What sets her apart from many in the celestial realms of modern or popular music,are the songs she sings and the voice that conveys a spectrum of emotions and feelings,from longing and pain to regret and life and joy..simply a unique voice that gets better with age.From the opening track*The Pearl* she releases the angelic vocals that convey a spiritual almost hymn like quality that stamps her authority on this collection.It is clear that if you like your songs energized from the heart and having that personal feel,that Jimmy Webb like quality ..this is for you.
From the sad and poignant lost loved one lyric of Bang The Drum Slowly,to the addictive and destructive compulsion of love,in I Dont Want to Talk About It Now,I defy anyone not to be moved.From the Celtic flavoured My Baby Needs A Shepard to the Springsteen like ballard Tragedy(which features Springsteen on harmonies)you are hynotized and carried along on this personal journey.The magic of the first take vocals of Michelangelo to the bitter taste of death and failed potential of the title track..this is a great experience.I personally warmed to One Big Love and the trilogy which concluded this collection.Every song perfectly selected and perfectly positioned.The fifth and possibly the most relevant*star*.
This is a classic album,like Roses In the Snow,or Luxury Liner..it is also a classic album like Hotel California and Sweetheart of the Rodeo..it is simply the best.Experience it,experience a truely unique talent.5 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2000
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2000
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
christian herrero
Bonjour, superbe disque vinyle tant attendu!!
Reviewed in France on March 23, 2024
Amazon Kunde
aussergewöhnlich in jeder Hinsicht!
Reviewed in Germany on February 27, 2017