Search - Tom Russell :: Blood & Candle Smoke (Dig)

Tom Russell PLUS Calexico!!!!!!!!!!

R. Kyle | USA | 12/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nobody can tell a story in song quite like Tom Russell. You don't just hear the words, you can feel the Santa Ana winds blowing, see the faces of the weathered characters, even smell the fresh sage. Add to that Calexico, a virtuoso contemporary group with musical influences from California and Mexico, and there just aren't enough stars to rate the CD.



How to describe the songs. Of course, you've got one romantic ballad, "Finding You," but it's not the hearts and flowers kind of song you'd get from so many other singer-songwriters. (I will pray to any God who keeps his light on late at night/For the miracle of miracles/The one that saved my life...)



"Mississippi River Running Backward" has this amazing Nawlins gospel feel, talking about the end of the world coming because 'we're just not living right.'



"The Most Dangerous Woman in America" is a coal mining ballad that will send cold shivers down your spine. I literally ended up getting a cup of tea after my second listen.



"Don't Look Down" which is ostensibly a carnie's story, which takes a turn and delivers a life lesson we all could use.



There are eight more tales that will capture your imagination and your heart. I have most of Russell's 20-odd CDs and am working hard to get the rest, but I'm going to say this one's my favorite--until he does something else that gobsmacks me. And, yes, I believe he will. He's not a person to rest lightly on his laurels.



Rebecca Kyle, December 2009



"

An Interesting Mix

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 07/12/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a sometimey Tom Russell fan ever since I was introduced to his songwriting via a cover of one of his songs by Dave Alvin. When Blood and Candle Smoke was released it got such positive reviews across the board, I had to order it. That he recorded with Calexico was the bonus that sealed my decision to buy. And when I put it in the first time, I got pretty much of the Southwestern tinge to the music I expected. But there was something else afoot as well, and that made this CD an interesting mix.

Many reviewers have pointed out East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam and Criminology as two of the better cuts on the album. I agree. But they are very different from the typical Tom Russell tune being almost evocative of Bruce Cockburn. Listen to them and think about that!

Being a Southwesterner, I have a soft spot for the "Southwestern sound" as typified by the excellent Nina Simone and by Guadalupe. I like the other songs as well to a greater or lesser degree, but the latter two songs mentioned are the ones that touch my soul.

Of the several Tom Russell CDs I now own, Blood and Candle Smoke has become my favorite. The CD comes housed in a two-panel digipak and is accompanied by a sharp little booklet containing album info and the all-important lyrics. If you are a fan of Americana, then this CD should certainly be in your collection. You should not be disappointed!"