Search - Railroad Earth :: Amen Corner

Great New Album For RRE

Microborg | Evanston, IL United States | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This roots/Americana band has done it again. If you're familiar with their previous albums or their live shows, this will be something new and exciting for you. Starting with the first track, "Been Down this Road," the entire album has a wonderful homey feel to it. It's as if the members of the band are comfortable with each other, as they should be after so many years. From the track "Right in Tune":

"I got no worries, I got no doubts

'Cause I know we got it all worked out

You know your part and I know mine

And we're right in tune, me and you."

As on their older albums, each song has a strong feel of optimism. Master songwriter Todd Sheaffer has written some of his best songs to date for this album. With the addition of RRE's classic ability to masterfully orchestrate their songs (the driving sax on "Hard Livin'", the fabulously understated vocal harmony on "Been Down This Road", the floating lyricism of the mandolin on "Lonecroft Ramble"), the songs gain unparalleled life and emotion.

That said, some songs are better than others. "All Alone", while a great song, is sung with an undeniable channeling of Jerry Garcia. Some people might enjoy hearing a new Jerry tune, but it seems to betray RRE's ability to go in their own direction.

Still, when considering the album as a whole, this is the band's best work yet. It's sure to satisfy anyone that enjoys acoustic music or wants to hear some great musicianship."

Channeling Jerry

Scribe | Monroeville, Pa. | 06/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had to smile when I read Microborg's review, because I agree with it just about 100 percent, but one of my few differences of opinion concerns exactly where Todd seems to be channeling Jerry. Micro believes it's on "All Alone," which I think has Jeff Tweedy and Wilco written all over it! Great song, regardless. But when I first heard "You Never Know," I had to re-read the liner notes to make sure that RRE hadn't coaxed Garcia back for one last vocal encore! I STILL hear Jerry singing everytime I listen to that song. But, then again, I've believed that these boys have a definite Grateful Dead vibe from the first time I heard them, and every show I've gone to has only confirmed that.



There are no songs anything less than brilliant on this record, but two of them stand out for me. "Forecast" has an incredible instrumental hook, and I can't wait to hear where (and how far) they take this tune when they play it live.



"Little Bit O' Me" just blew me away from the get-go. I received a review copy of "Amen Corner" about 2 weeks before my daughter's graduation from college. I popped it in the CD player for my drive home from work, and by the time "Little Bit" was over, I literally was sitting in traffic with a smile on my face and tears rolling down my cheeks. It brought back all those memories and emotions a father feels during those milestone events in his children's lives. Twenty-two years of special moments just came flooding back. I still well up a little bit when I hear that song. I know Todd was inspired by the recent birth of his own child, and I hope he knows how universal his sentiments are, and how special that song is for all dads out here! Thanks, Todd!



And thanks, Microborg! :-)"

I'm in love all over again...

mocampn | 06/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll have to agree with Microborg...they have definitely done it again!! I can't stop listening, and while I've only had it a few days - it has gone to work, in the car, and back home & I'm still listenin' and lovin' it. I have a sudden urge to drop everything and follow the band through their tour of the U.S. But alas, I will have to wait till they come closer to home in September. If you like their other albums and/or have seen them live, this will get you all hyped up to see them again. Buy it!!You won't be disappointed. =)"