David Rawlings-Poor David's Almanack
I can't believe I forgot to write about this gem. I was listening to it last night and that's when it hit me that I had forgotten. The record is billed as a David Rawlings record. But just as the David Rawlings Machine included a major contribution from Gillian Welch, and all Gillian Welch records might as well be David Rawlings records, "Poor David's Almanack" might as well be a Gillian Welch record or a David Rawlings Machine record or even a David Rawlings & Gillian Welch record. More important, this record is the best thing either has done since "Time (The Revelator)" in 2001.
I know this isn't for everyone. Old timey folk and mountain music might not be the first thing you want to pull off your shelf. But the beauty of the singing and playing is undeniable. I'm a sucker for harmony and when Rawlings and Welch harmonize, they become one, much like Phil & Don. I love "Poor David's Almanack" and it might have to knock something out of the top 15. Or, I need to have a TOP 16.
8 comments:
I was halfway thru the previous post when I realized you were actually going to name your faves of '17! Some good choices, there, crossovers to my list were LC's Shade and the Chris Hillman/Petty thing. Others I thought worth considering (in no particular order):
Bash & Pop - Anything Could Happen
Wadada Leo Smith - Najwa
Jim Lauderdale - London Southern
Chuck Prophet - Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins
Sun Ra - Exotica
Little Axe - London Blues
I normally don't consider reissues in this context (and the Dion album, while excellent, was released in pretty similar form in the 80s, I think, I've got the cassette sitting in a box somewhere). SPECIAL MENTION must be made, however, of the new Tony Visconti mix of Bowie's "Lodger" (which, although it contains great songs, has, up to now, been one of the shittiest sounding DB releases hands down!) The new mix is positively groovy, almost a re-imagining of the original. It is included in the "A New Career In A New Town" box set, but truly deserves a stand-alone release (if that hasn't already happened).
Almost forgot my favourite album of 2017:
Gill Landry - Love Rides a Dark Horse
Bombshelter Slim,
First...I do like the new Visconti mix of "Lodger," but I really don't know why the original release gets trashed for its sound. I never had an issue with it, not then and not know. The new version is different and cool, but not sure if I agree that it is better.
As for Dion, if you are thinking of the "Wonder Where I'm Bound" record, which originally came out in 1969 and then reissued in 2010, it is NOT the same as "Kickin' Child." The masters on the 1969 record were doctored. Strings and a chorus of singers were added by the label. To my knowledge, this new version is what what supposed to be. Pure and clean.
Sal, the Dion release I had in mind was "Bronx Blues: 1962-1965" (1991), which as I recall was pretty clean as well!
Ah yes. Only three tracks from Kickin Child on Bronx Blues.
Sal, I haven't gotten to your Top of 2017 list, but I will! In the meantime, here's a pretty cool cover of this great Dylan song I just discovered, thought I'd share given your recent post about it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J28N3R5NTDM
Well, I went back thru my 2017 purchases and out of the 65 records acquired, 50 were catalog albums (Peter Green and early FM, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, the Rolling Stones,Steely Dan, Tom Petty, Gregg Allman and others). Many of those purchases were the result of Sal's "below the radar" top 100. Out of the 15 current records in 2017, I would characterize them as follows:
1. Records I would listen to on a regular basis
Ray Davies - Americana
Chris Hillman - Bidin' My Time
Gregg Allman - Southern Blood
Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie
Stanton Moore - With You in Mind
The John Sally Ride (took me a few spins, got there)
2. Records I would occasionally listen to.
Trombone Shorty - Parking Lot Symphony
Van Morrison - Roll with the Punches
Jason Isbell - The Nashville Sound
Shalby Lynne and Allison Moorer - Not Dark Yet
3. The remaining 5 will be donated to my local library.
On the re-issue front, I have enjoyed the re-mixed Sgt Peppers - a revelation to me.
Jesse Ed Davis Anthology.
Sal, still on the fence about TR's White Knight. I have streamed it several times, but can't decide if I need to get it. We'll see.. joe
my favorite Rawlings/Welch recording is their version of Hickory Wind on the Return of the Grievous Angel tribute album. they have my undying admiration.
Beth Ditto - Fake Sugar
Charlie Watts with the Danish Radio Big Band
Strawbs - The Ferryman's Curse
Chloe x Halle - The Two of Us
Scott Miller - Ladie's Auxiliary
Deerhoof - Mountain Moves
Slowdive - Slowdive
Post a Comment