Beware the music buying sprees that can happen when you’re bored… and a little drunk!
Over the weekend, I was watching TV and got bored. I don’t remember what I was watching that bored me, just that I got disgusted and turned off the TV. That’s not a bad thing, really, since there’s a reason people call TV “the boob tube”. When my husband is not home, I usually record music when I’m bored. I’ll either do karaoke on SingSnap.com or I’ll make videos for YouTube. When my husband is home, I’ll usually turn on iTunes.
I currently have well over 12,000 songs on my iPod. Many songs were purchased on iTunes as part of whole albums or buy themselves. The rest come from my huge CD collection. I usually buy new music when I hear something I like. I’ll use Shazam if I’m in a public place and have WiFi or 4G to find out what the song is, if I don’t already know. Sometimes I’ll use it if I hear something on TV that I like. But the truth is, I am just as likely to buy stuff just randomly.
The other day, as I sat at my desk with a large glass of expensive, imported beer, I started listening to music on iTunes. I was just skipping through songs on my vast playlist, playing whatever struck my fancy. All was well until I ran into an album I partially purchased in 2007. At the time, my husband Bill was in Iraq and I was alone, drinking too much wine and listening to a lot of music to pass the hours. I ran across an album by Larry Sparks, a man I had never heard of. But he’d done a bunch of duets with a long list of bluegrass and country stars, one of whom was Alison Krauss. I am a BIG Alison Krauss fan. I downloaded the song Larry Sparks did with her and Dan Tyminski, which turned out to be a cover of The Judds’ “John Deere Tractor”.
Larry Sparks sings with Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski.
I was never a big fan of The Judds’ version of “John Deere Tractor”, but I like what Larry did with it. I ended up buying a couple more songs from the album from which it came, 40 (2005). Then I kind of forgot about it.
Fast forward seven years and I’m listening to “John Deere Tractor” and I got curious about the rest of the album. I started listening to clips on iTunes and recognizing other singers that I have since taken to liking after I first discovered 40 by Larry Sparks. One by one, I started paying for downloads and then just said, “Screw it!” and bought the rest of the album.
From there, I moved on a Michael Johnson album that featured a duet with Alison Krauss. I discovered it at about the same time I discovered Larry Sparks. I knew Michael Johnson from his 1978 hit, “Bluer Than Blue”. The song was played a lot when I was a little kid, but it wasn’t until my husband was deployed that I really connected with it.
This song has more meaning to me than it did in 1978.
Michael Johnson updated “Bluer Than Blue” on a 1997 album called Then and Now, which features updated acoustic versions of his better known songs. On that collection, there’s a really nice duet Johnson did with Alison Krauss that was made very famous by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks. The song I write of is, of course, “Whenever I Call You Friend”.
Michael Johnson and Alison Krauss breathe updated life into “Whenever I Call You Friend”.
Well, fresh from my Larry Sparks download, I decided to complete Then and Now. And from there, I went on to download more partial albums… all while I sat there sipping expensive imported beer at my desk. By the time I was done, I had spent about $25! Who knew listening to music while drinking would end up being so expensive? While I love the convenience of buying music from my computer, I have to admit, iTunes and Amazon are making a small fortune off my habits. I need to curb this tendency, since my husband is about to be looking for work!
Should I be ashamed to admit that I like kids’ music?
I’m 41 years old and I don’t have kids or even any nieces or nephews who are young enough to enjoy children’s author Sandra Boynton’s latest book, Frog Trouble. And yet, yesterday morning I bought the album that accompanies her book. Why? Because Alison Krauss sings a song on it and I noticed I liked a lot of the other artists on the book’s soundtrack.
This video was posted on my Facebook feed yesterday. I listened to the song and loved it and went directly to Amazon.com, where I immediately downloaded a copy of the album. This is not the first time I’ve done this. Several years ago, Alison Krauss contributed a beautiful song called “Evermore” to Boynton’s book, Dog Trail. I downloaded that, too.
This video is not based on the book, but someone on YouTube made a video for “Evermore”.
I discovered “Evermore” in 2007, when my husband was deployed to Iraq and the song brought me consolation as I worried about his safety every day. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to kids’ music. It tends to be wholesome and comforting. It often touches the heart or is silly enough to provoke laughter. It lets an adult listener travel back to a time when maybe things weren’t so stressful or scary.
While Bill was deployed, I also discovered a couple of songs by Raffi that were covered by favorite artists. One song was “Bananaphone”, which Rhonda Vincent and the Rage turned into a fun bluegrass jam.
This song comes from the Country Goes Raffi album. I’ll admit I am a bit old for it, but it’s a cute song nonetheless.
Alison Krauss also contributed to that particular compilation with her rendition of “Blessed Be”. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a video for that song, but it brought me a lot of comfort when Bill was away.
When I suffered from clinical depression in the late 90s, I found myself purchasing a Sesame Street album. I used to listen to it all the time. I’d put it on the CD player as I drove to work each day. My job at that time was very stressful; I worked at a fine restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, where I was regularly berated by co-workers and customers alike. The 45 minute commute to and from work was a good opportunity for me to wind down with something silly. So I’d listen to songs like “Put Down the Duckie” to put myself in a lighthearted mood.
I can’t tell you how many crappy shifts this song got me through.
James Taylor’s “Jelly Man Kelly” is a favorite…
Man, those kids have some lungs!
And so is his brother Livingston’s song, “Pajamas”…
This version of “Pajamas” is from In Harmony, which Liv did with his brother, James, Carly and Lucy Simon, Bette Midler, George Benson, Ernie and Cookie Monster, Dr. John, Linda Ronstadt, and Wendy Waldman, among others.
Another favorite CD during that time was Kenny Loggins’ Return to Pooh Corner. I used to listen to that album all the time in an attempt to chill out and revert to a simpler time.
I know a lot of people like the title track on that disc, but my favorite song was his rendition of “All The Pretty Little Ponies”. I love how he arranged it.
Last month, I even bought the soundtrack for The Muppet Movie, a film that debuted when I was seven years old. I remember seeing it in the movie theatre and loving it, but I only just now came into possession of the soundtrack.
This song always gives me a lump in my throat, even when it’s done by other artists besides Kermit the Frog.
Even Karen Carpenter sang it!
And now I think I better quit with the nostalgic kids’ music because I’m starting to get very verklempt.
Bluegrass star Ron Block has just come out with a new album called Walking Song…
I discovered Ron Block’s music when I discovered Alison Krauss and Union Station (AKUS), a band that has made bluegrass stylish. Ever since the hit 2000 film O Brother Where Art Thou?, with its very bluegrass inspired soundtrack, more and more people are listening to bluegrass and its hybrids. Ron Block is a singer, songwriter, banjo player, producer, and all around neat guy. He’s written a lot of songs for AKUS, but he’s also nurtured talent, his own and up and coming star, Sierra Hull, who performs on Block’s brand new album, Walking Song.
Knowing about Ron Block’s music, I was especially excited to hear about Block’s new album Walking Song. It had been too long since his last effort. Back in 2007, he released DoorWay, which I bought and loved. Six years prior to that, he released Faraway Land, which was also well-received. Though he stays busy, Ron Block seems to be stuck in a six year cycle when it comes to putting out his own music.
Even though I was in the midst of a big move when Block’s Walking Song hit the shelves on July 31st, I made sure to order it as soon as I could get to a computer with Internet access. It got to me this past Saturday and, I have to say, Ron Block has done it again! Joined by the likes of AKUS bandmates Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas, and Barry Bales, Block also has his protege Sierra Hull playing mandolin on several tracks. He’s also enlisted Suzanne and Evelyn Cox of the Cox Family to sing harmony on a few songs. Well-respected artists like Stuart Duncan, Sam Bush, and Rob Ickes also put in performances, populating this album with some very high quality musicians.
Ron Block co-wrote most of the songs on this album; there are a couple of traditional numbers as well that Block has skillfully arranged. The lyrics on this album were contributed by Rebecca Reynolds. I am not very familiar with her work yet, but I have a feeling I’ll be learning more about her now. She really has a way with words.
I couldn’t wait to pop my new CD in my computer and give it a spin. Here are my thoughts on Ron Block’s Walking Song so far.
The music on Walking Song
The first song is the very pleasant title track, “Walking Song”. Block’s tenor is comforting as he sings alliterative lyrics by Rebecca Reynolds. Kate Rusby offers warm, feminine harmony vocals on this charming love song. “Walking Song” features clever lyrics that creatively turn phrases into a love story. Matched by Block’s expressive music, the words come to life and turn the title song into a fine introduction.
The tempo picks up for “Devil In The Strawsack”, which is a traditional instrumental romp arranged by Block and played by Ron Block, Barry Bales, Sierra Hull, and Stuart Duncan. I love these instrumentals on bluegrass albums because they’re egalitarian. Everyone has a chance to shine and they’re just a lot of fun to listen to without the complication of lyrics.
“Jordan, Carry Me” is another collaboration between Ron Block and Rebecca Reynolds. Stuart Duncan plays a haunting fiddle intro which breaks into a somber melody featuring Dan Tyminski singing harmony. It’s no secret that Ron Block’s music is often spiritual. While I am not particularly religious, I appreciate well-written songs, regardless of the subject matter. Tyminski and Block sound great together and Reynold’s lyrics are very intelligent and impressive.
Gentle acoustic guitar kicks off the pretty song, “Ivy”. This song has a very traditional sound, though it was written by Rebecca Reynolds and Ron Block. Block sings and skillfully accompanies himself on acoustic guitar. I really like this song, with its simple melody beautifully played on Block’s guitar. It reminds me of an Irish tune, complete with sweet lyrics about coming home.
“Summer’s Lullaby” is a lovely, gentle song in waltzing rhythm. Kate Rusby sings a sweet harmony vocal to Ron Block’s lead. If you’re looking for a bluegrass styled lullaby, this is a good one to drift off to sleep to.
Banjo accented “Nickel Tree Line” has the sound of song that could have just as easily been recorded by AKUS. Indeed, Alison Krauss lends her sublime soprano to the harmony line and fellow AKUS players Barry Bales and Jerry Douglas join in. Stuart Duncan’s fiddle blisters on this very strong track. I like it, but it makes me miss AKUS. It’s nice to have this song to tide me over until the next AKUS release.
Ever since I heard Alison Krauss and The Cox Family sing on 2004’s I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, I have really admire The Cox Family. Suzanne Cox joins Ron Block on “Let There Be Beauty”, another song that sounds very Celtic complete with subtle whistles on the chorus.
Next is a gorgeous arrangement of the spiritual, “What Wondrous Love Is This?”. Block plays banjo, National Duolian, and guitar, while Jeff Taylor contributes accompaniment on the pipe organ and accordion. The end result is a hauntingly beautiful treatment of a very classic song.
“The Fields of Aidlewinn” is another dramatic song featuring Dan Tyminski singing harmony and Sierra Hull playing mandolin and octave mandolin. John Joe Kelly’s bodhran drum and Jeff Taylor’s subtle accordion give this track sort of an Irish world music feel. I follow Ron Block on Facebook and I know he spent time in Scotland and Ireland recently. I can really hear the influence on this album.
“Chase Me to The Ocean” is another pretty song inspired by Block’s spiritual side. The melody is lovely, with its lullaby quality and vivid lyrics, again penned by Rebecca Reynolds, whose obvious songwriting talents are growing more and more impressive to me. Kate Rusby is back, singing a very soothing harmony. Block obviously wanted her peaceful sound on the songs that have that lullaby quality meant to relax listeners into restlessness. I am smiling as this song ends.
Right about now, it’s time for another bluegrass romp. This time, it’s a traditional number called “Shortnin’ Bread”. This is a lot of fun to listen to and it sounds like Block and his band had a ball recording it. I dare you to try to resist tapping your toes!
“Colors” is another languid track featuring acoustic guitar and accordion. Dan Tyminski plays mandolin and I am caught up again by the interesting lyrics. I get the sense this is a song about down and out people trying to survive an impersonal city through music and the company of misfits.
“Sunshine Billy” is sort of an upbeat bluesy track with perky accordion accents that make me think of France. Suzanne Cox is back on harmony and Buddy Greene plays a sizzling harmonica solo. This is a fun song that sort of offers a contrast to the more serious numbers on Walking Song. I think this is my favorite song on this album.
The last song is “Rest, My Soul”. Written by Ron Block and Rebecca Reynolds, this song sounds like a very old and traditional hymn. It’s pretty and graceful, with a waltzing rhythm and lush, warm, harmony vocals by Evelyn and Suzanne Cox. This track gives me goosebumps. It’s just gorgeous.
Overall
I really like Walking Song. I think I was more impressed by 2007’s DoorWay, but that’s probably because it was the first of Block’s solo efforts that I paid a lot of attention to. DoorWay also features the stellar and wise track, “Someone”, which I just love. I think Walking Song is as strong an effort as DoorWay was. They are different in that Walking Song seems more traditional and Celtic, while DoorWay had some fantasy elements. I will have to listen to Faraway Land again to see which of Block’s three albums I like best. Let’s just say that I think if you enjoy Ron Block’s music, you will enjoy this latest effort. Walking Song is a well-crafted and very enjoyable album.
