Alison Krauss
Now That I've Found You: A Collection (Rounder)
We've said it before at this publication, and we'll say it again: Alison Krauss has one of the best voices in music. Not just bluegrass, not just country, but music in general. She has a gift for reaching deep into your soul with one croon, one stretch of the larynx, and tickling your emotions. Frankly, she's a gift.
This collection was originally released in 1995, and it's getting a timely reissue (on vinyl for the first time) to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
There's a mixture of previously unreleased tunes, and fan faves. Of solo stuff, plus her work with Union Station and the Cox Family. Lively gems such as "Every Time You Say Goodbye" sit alongside porch-friendly ballads like "Tonight I'll Be Lonely Too." The American Songbook covers, such as "Baby, Now That I've Found You" and "When You Say Nothing At All," are wonderful, and Krauss' version of the Beatles' "I Will" could turn the harshest person into a blubbering mess.
"While she had already released five studio albums—including two with Union Station—Krauss wasn’t widely known outside the bluegrass scene," reads the press release. "That would change, however, in the months following this release. The songs included in the compilation paint a portrait of an exceptional young artist, poised to break out in ways that she could never have imagined."
And she did.
Foot Ox
A Lighthouse With Silver Dog Eyes (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)
We're told that the gloriously-named Foot Ox is the "long-running experimental folk project led by Teague Cullen," and that this is their "highly anticipated new album."
Fair enough. We have to hold our hands up and admit that we weren't familiar prior to listening to this album. Despite the fact that this writer spends all his days and nights listening to music, usually new music, there are still artists that have the ability to surprise.
This is a wonderful piece of work. Elements of prog and even dabs of psychedelia blend beautifully with trad folk on songs such as the opening "Owl Cries." It's a subtle, magnificent effort, with single Horseshoe" shining bright.
"‘Horseshoe’ was actually written back when I was in a band called Cardinal Signs with Frankie and Andrew," says Cullen. "We ended up having to break up when the pandemic hit and live shows stopped. The song is really about those big, uncontrollable forces in life, losing people because of circumstances, and trying to follow your heart even when things get chaotic. But really, it’s about appreciating the people you have around you and embracing that.”
We'll drink to that!
