Return of a classic...
Sound/Word Enthusiast | Rhode Island, USA | 09/10/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...despite the alarmingly amateurish punctuation on the sticker (someone needs a lesson in how to use quotation marks), this is a great record by an American classic. While his last record, his first for Rounder, focused a lot on songs re-recorded from previous albums (the Rounder versions are usually superior), this is more of a mix -- some covers, some new originals. It's again flawlessly produced by Lloyd Maines and Wayne Benson, and brilliantly played. It should be said that, setting aside is gifts as a writer, Hand is a tremendous vocalist, synthesizing his influences (Hank, Lefty, etc.) into a totally original and unpredictable sound. As a writer, he just keeps getting braver: who would think to write something like "The Parakeet"??? I only wish it had included the version of "Kind of Hush" that he's been doing live for a while...but otherwise, Hand has handily beat the sophomore slump."
Must Have for Pure Country fan
Katherine Williamson | Texas | 11/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to everybody from Hank Williams to Brad Paisley. No one compares in this era to the heart and soul of true country music. James Hand has the truest voice and soul of anyone who hasn't come out of Nashville in the last 30 years. He stays true to the roots of country music and writes from the heart. All you have to do is listen. If you love traditional country, this is the REAL DEAL. Just ask Willie!"