Search - New Lost City Ramblers :: 20th Anniversary Concert

Imitative Style Fails To Impress

Chris Luallen | Nashville, Tennessee | 05/21/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This band undoubtably played an important role in the folk revival scene of the late 50s-early 60s. But, though I like most of the songs on here, the band's renditions failed to move me. This is partially because I would rather hear songs, such as the Carter Family's "Keep On The Sunny Side", by the original artists. I also admire folk musicians, such as Dave Von Ronk and Joan Baez, who provide a new take on traditional material. In contrast, the Ramblers seem to be trying to imitate the original artists as closely as possible. The result is a watered down version with nothing really creative happening. I do appreciate this band for helping to bring folk music to a wider audience. But I find their imitative style to be less than inspiring."