Search - Crooked Still :: Shaken By a Low Sound

Excellent album

Bama Girl | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I originally became interested in Crooked Still when I heard Aoife sing on a Wayfaring Strangers' album. I like this album better than their first, Hop High, primarily because this time the instruments do not overpower Aoife's voice. The songs are drawn from diverse sources (primarily bluegrass, but a Shaker hymn and a blues classic also appear), the musicianship is impressive both technically and interpretively, and Aoife sings the songs beautifully. I bought two copies of the album before the official release date and have since bought an additional 6 copies for friends and family. The play length is about 39 minutes. The lyrics are not included with the album, but when I asked about this, Crooked Still said they are redesigning their website. When this is completed, the lyrics will be available on their site. There were only a couple of isolated words that I could not understand, so this is not a big issue."

Good sophmore effort

Craig Fisher | USA | 09/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're checking out the reviews for Crooked Still you either already know what a great outfit these folks are or maybe you're poking around based on word-of-mouth. Regardless, they ably follow-up their amazing debut album (Hop High) with another collection of bluegrassy traditional songs and cover tunes on Shaken By a Low Sound. Again, the Still bring it to effect. Standout tracks include an upbeat version of the Dylan gem Oxford Town which comfortably segues into the classic Cumberland Gap, Ain't No Grave which gets the train song treatment, and an airy take on Wind and Rain. The album really is a good all-around listen; however, (and here are my reservations) it lacks a certain quality that made their debut such a fabulous disc; first, gone is the prominent spacey, hypnotic feel that made it sound that something heavy was going down in the studio that day. Additionally, maybe it's the production/arrangements (Robert Johnson's Come On In My Kitchen) or song choice (didn't the great Boston folkie Kris Delmhorst just record a cover of Ain't No Grave?), but it doesn't quite hold the attention as well as Hop High either. I was also hoping for a batch of original songs as well, but I recognize, in obviousness, that this was not the intent here. Like I said, it really is a nice little disc in spite of these trifling issues, and it would be a shame if you overlooked Shaken By a Low Sound for them as Crooked Still are diamonds in the rough of a too often vapid music scene. Looking forward to seeing 'em on tour!"

The Madman of the Cello!

1969mets | New York, NY | 02/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is fine...wonderful, in fact. The band (a cello-bass-banjo power trio!) combines a profound understanding of the "trad" repertoire with hot chops and a hot chick singer with a breathy-but-tasteful delivery. BUT GO SEE THIS BAND LIVE!! I have just returned from Wintergrass and feel safe in saying that I have seen the future (of something or other) and his name is Rushad Eggleston, virtuoso madman. Rushad is evolving into a major force and, in addition his magical cello, he has--for lack of a better word--a schtick you have to see to believe. He is the Jimi-Django of this fabulous aggregation. GO SEE HIM BEFORE HE EXPLODES. Holy, holy bejesus!"