With this concept album, Marty Stuart pays tribute to the Sioux culture of what is now South Dakota and to the inspiration of Johnny Cash, whose band once included Stuart and who also developed a strong affinity for Americ... more »an Indian traditions. Though it's hard to fault Badlands' good intentions and pointed social commentary, much of it is stronger thematically than musically. Spoken-word interludes that provide transitions might not bear repeated listenings, while the wordless "Hotchkiss Gunner's Lament" (with Stuart's wife, Connie Smith, providing atmospheric vocals) succumbs to new-age romanticism. Yet music and message achieve a powerful synthesis on "Broken Promise Land," where the urgency of the performance bristles with righteous indignation, and a revival of Cash's little-heard "Big Foot." From Custer and Crazy Horse through Sitting Bull and Wounded Knee, Stuart offers a musical history lesson of tragedy than cannot be ignored or denied and hope that still glimmers. --Don McLeese« less
With this concept album, Marty Stuart pays tribute to the Sioux culture of what is now South Dakota and to the inspiration of Johnny Cash, whose band once included Stuart and who also developed a strong affinity for American Indian traditions. Though it's hard to fault Badlands' good intentions and pointed social commentary, much of it is stronger thematically than musically. Spoken-word interludes that provide transitions might not bear repeated listenings, while the wordless "Hotchkiss Gunner's Lament" (with Stuart's wife, Connie Smith, providing atmospheric vocals) succumbs to new-age romanticism. Yet music and message achieve a powerful synthesis on "Broken Promise Land," where the urgency of the performance bristles with righteous indignation, and a revival of Cash's little-heard "Big Foot." From Custer and Crazy Horse through Sitting Bull and Wounded Knee, Stuart offers a musical history lesson of tragedy than cannot be ignored or denied and hope that still glimmers. --Don McLeese
Virginia J. Pierce | Leesburg, FL United States | 10/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While this album is not for everyone, Marty fans will appreciate it. Marty sounds great and, of course, the instrumental work is first rate (as always). It is the history of the American Indian (particulary the Sioux Nation) set to music with a little social commentary thrown in. Marty fans know of his love for the American Indian and his concern for their future and the sad living conditions they now find themselves in."
A flawed Beauty, a gift from Marty
John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 11/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Today there the majority of lyrics express nothing more important then "shake your booty," or "I love you, I don't love you." There is nothing wrong with these lyrics but when they dominate radio, TV and CDs then it is evidence of the dumbing down of contemporary culture. This has been especially true in the genre of country music.
One of the musician's trying to reverse this trend is Marty Stuart, this cd is a prime example.
At their best, Marty's lyrics and new and fresh in describing the long term suffering of the Indian. At times, in their quest to speak plainly, they enter into the realm of the chiche and lost their power. This is often found in the readings and especially in the song "Three Chiefs." Yet, a flawed beauty and truth are found in these passages.
I hope he does a cd someday on the positive aspects of Indian life amidst the suffering.
It is important that we do not forget this suffering is still among us, and needs to be addressed. Many of us have a tendency to forget, and let others do the work of righting the wrongs. Marty won't let us forget, and we own him thanks.
By the way, the music is great and is in the Kick Butt Stuart Groove! :)"
Very Enjoyable ... Great Musicianship ... Highly Recommended
Don Richards | Aurora, Colorado, USA | 11/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Marty Stuart has always been an amazing musician, so any album of his (or featuring him as guest performer) will be appreciated. His forays into concept albums ("The Pigrim", "Badlands") allow him to stretch out into various shades of Americana. This album succeeds in many ways: songwriting, story-telling and strong performances. It is a very enjoyable listen, highly recommended."
Amazing album
Gsorme | Seattle, WA USA | 05/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An extraordinary and evocative album. The songs are first-rate: rich, varied, and beautifully done. It's a concept album that truly works, carrying you beyond the music and into another corner of the world. You can hear the compassion and understanding that went into the creation of the album but it's not pedantic or overly didactic (like I'm being by using those words).
This is my first Marty Stuart album, bought sort of by chance and sort of because of a great review in the All Music Guide. I'm not someone who typically listens to a lot of 'country music', but this transcends its genre, like the best music tends to do, because of its subject matter, the songwriting craft, and the soul behind the writing. The All Music Guide review said something about it raising the bar for country music albums, but I would say it does this for other genres of music as well.
It succeeded in making me more compassionately aware of its subject matter as well as convincing me as a musician and music afficianado that I've got to see what else I've been missing with this Marty Stuart guy..."
Marty Gets It Right
Captain Duke | United States | 03/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While many people are not fond of concept albums, this is one that gets its message across quite clearly. Marty Stuart has created a masterpiece of storytelling with a wonderful mixture of musical styles that is a definite "must-own" for fans of Stuart or anyone interested in the plight of the American Indian. (Yes, that is the more accepted term that most of us prefer, rather than Native American.) Stuart's vision encompasses both past and present tragedies and presents it in an enjoyable musical form. The title track is a clever, driving piece that could easily find an audience were it allowed major airplay. Anyone not moved by the cover of Johnny Cash's "Big Foot" has no compassion in them. The other tracks weave a sad tale of poverty, deceit, and broken promises that one must experience firsthand to truly understand, but listening to Marty's musical narrative is a good start.