Album Review
Gillian Welch
Time (The Revelator)
Acony Records
Purchase The Album
Gillian Welch is one of the few artists left singing pure traditional country music with just a dash of folk for good measure. Her voice is truly haunting and her songs are simple yet overflowing with emotion. Most artists in her category find themselves stranded in an area where commercial acceptance is simply out of reach. But now thanks to the development of Americana charts and artists with Welch’s kind of talent the future for traditional country music is looking brighter.
The acoustic flavor of the album really makes this release a unique journey. Gillian and her co-writer/producer/guitar player David Rawlings have crafted a batch of winners. The album starts off with the title track “Revelator” which is simply one of the most stunning songs I’ve heard in a long time. It clocks in at over 6 minutes and by the time it’s through you’re wishing it was twice that. The song is a true modern country/folk masterpiece. The rest of the album never quite reaches the level of that opening cut but remains strong.
“My First Lover” is another solid song where Gillian sings about not expecting a whole lot from her first love interest. It would be a worthwhile single. Then you have songs like “Dear Someone” which sound like they could have been on radio twenty years ago and that’s part of what’s so cool about them. You can request “Elvis Presley Blues” on Americana radio right now. Then you have the epic almost 15 minute long “I Dream A Highway”. It’s a testament to Gillian’s writing and vocals that she can get away with a song that drags on for that long without making you want to skip tracks.
Mainstream country music is having its problems and one of the biggest is artists like Gillian Welch. Her music is stunning in its simplicity and emotional impact. Which makes some of the bubble gum popish country music on the radio right now look bad. There is a new uprising in roots music and Gillian Welch will be one of the leaders of this Americana movement.
Time (The Revelator) isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a distinct and memorable release you owe it to yourself to pick this album up. Gillian is able to do more with a couple of acoustic guitars and a song than most acts can do with an entire army of studio musicians and producers. Check this one out. You won’t regret it.
Album Review by Jeff Krasky
The WOC Rating Scale |
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The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection. This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level. This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there. A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy. This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark. |