Since I hadn’t spent money on music in awhile, I decided to drop by Horizon Records. My targets were some kind of complilation by the Rat Pack and the new CD by The Duhks, plus whatever else interesting I might find. Tonight I scored big time – with two wonderful CDs that offer a new twist on some old melodies.
The Duhks new CD is nothing short of phenomenal. At first I didn’t think I would find it, since it wasn’t in the Pop music section. However, I did eventually find it in the Pickin’ section. That’s the problem. This is a cross-over band whose music is not easily categorized. Produced by Bela Fleck, they can best be described as alternative bluegrass with incredibly close vocal harmonies. These guys really rock, from the opening cut “Death Came A-Knockin'”, to some very traditional fiddle tunes. The only letdown was a cover of Sting’s “Love is the Seventh Wave.” They are much better when they do their own (or at least own arrangements of traditional) stuff.
Putamayo (link) is a label best known for compilations of world music. I’ve got several CDs of Afropop and Carribean music from them. This evening I found “Blues Lounge”, which features some excellent remixes of traditional blues tunes. Generally, I don’t care for remixes, but these complement the originals, adding a rhythmic vitality they keeps interest and a driving impetus to the music. There’s a killer version of “John Henry’s Blues”, and a remix of the Blind Boy’s of Alabama’s “Run On”, done by Moby.