Shovels and Rope – O’ Be Joyful
2012
A normal weekly occurrence…I clicked a link on a blog for a recommended new band. A real good time later, I was thinking “Wow, what was that alternative-folk-country-bluegrass-through-an-indie-rock-filter celebration all about”. Subsequent listens have revealed an album that says what I already knew…. stunning folk rock really exists in so many forms so far away from where you expect it. The guy/girl duo share all vocal and instrumental duties and proves that a simplistic setup has no negative effect on the impact it delivers. It also reminds me how many talented artists are stirring below the surface. There is story painting with brushes of rocky relationships and finding one’s path across the land in “Birmingham”. But many tracks, like “Hail Hail” and “Cavalier” are commentary on musical genres and the sheer fun of making music while carrying everyday struggles. The combination of pointed vocals, gritty whiskey drenched jams, and stellar songwriting will have me interested moving forward, but for now I’ll just enjoy this celebration.