Search - Jim Lauderdale :: Headed for the Hills

It's Good

tanner llewellyn | Manakin Sabot, VA United States | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had a hunch that I would like this CD. I had never heard Jim Lauderdale's music before "Headed for the Hills", but I had heard of him, and being a fan of Robert Hunter, I knew this would be a good place to hear him for the first time. One thing that almost held me back from getting this CD was the thought, "what if Hunter's lyrics are really bad?" I dig almost every song Hunter ever wrote with Jerry Garcia, but I don't have the same confidence in Hunter's ability to write for other Dead members and stay away from any post-Jerry songs that Hunter has written for the Dead because, in my opinion, they can't stand up to the classic ones he wrote with Garcia. The first time I listened to this CD I could tell that the lyrics weren't bad, but I wasn't sure I liked the phrasing or singing style of Lauderdale. However, I felt compelled to listen again. It's funny how differently music sounds the first time you're hearing it compared to when you've become accustomed to it. I scrutinized the lyrics and was ready to be very critical of them. Fortunately, after listening to this CD over a half dozen times now, I can say there isn't much to criticize about it. I quickly got over my aversion to Lauderdale's voice and phrasing. It sounds extremely natural. It's really starting to sink in. The melodies, which I understand were written by Lauderdale, take shape after time and start to stand out. The one or two songs that have yet to win me over probably will eventually. If I had to criticize anything it would be that although the musicianship is top notch, a lot of guests sit in, it is rather conservative at times. I would like to have heard a little bit more "music" between verses, but that's not too big of an issue. This album is going to make me a fan of Jim Lauderdale. I'm already planning on buying the album he did with Donna the Buffalo called "Wait 'Til Spring" and the one he did with Ralph Stanley called "Lost in the Lonesome Pines". I may even get more after that. With Lauderdale, Hunter has found a new voice for his words, and I hope to see the two on them collaborate again in the future."

One Amazing CD

Harland Bock | Faribault, MN USA | 08/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like true "roots" music this CD is a must-have. The combination of Robert Hunter's wonderful lyrics and Jim Lauderdale's beautiful melodies make for a body of work that will be treasured in anyone's music collection. The last track is a little out of character in my opinion (I dont think the drums were particularly necessary for this CD,) but that certainly doesn't stop me from giving the CD a full five stars."

Pan of Gold

Zimi Ahzrix | Great Lakes, United States | 06/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, a country and western record that plays more western than country. Not so much cowboy as it is prospector.
Though the beautiful instrumentation is inspired appalachian, the vocals and stories reflect a world of grizzled seekers in the promised land somewhere past the Big Muddy.
Cinematic and nearly animated, there is an edgy mirth spun here with Lauderdale's earthy yodel rooting the tales of Grateful Dead icon, Robert Hunter, to the mountainside.
This disc makes for a great ride into a purple sage filled valley."