Search - Early American Rural Music :: Times Ain't Like They Used To Be, Vol. 3: Early American Rural Music

More than a history lesson...

I Survived High School | Philadelphia | 12/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The beauty of the anthologies in this series is that the fine music is accompanied by liner notes that help the uninitiated to understand and savor the performers as well as the performances. When I was no longer able to stomach the latest packaged acts being spoon-fed to us by the music industry, I stopped listening to recorded music. Then, on a hunch, I started to explore roots music, much of it on the wonderful Yazoo label. These songs reward repeated listening accompanied by liner note reading and biographical books on favorite performers. So much of what is best in life is hidden, because when it becomes too popular, the commerce machine rushes in and spoils it. These recordings are immune to that phenomenon and will never be stripped of their human warmth, artistry, sincerity and emotional power. Newcomers should keep in mind that "blues" music as performed in most bars and clubs is far removed from its origins -- stripped down, rehashed, sanitized, electrified -- and ruined. I hate that kind of music, but I love the old recordings, where the soul still shines through on each performance. There are numerous sub-genres in roots music that are almost completely unknown to most people today. Shocking, even weird at first listen, they provoke the attentive listener's curiosity and present an opportunity for an adventure in personal exploration. Enjoy."