INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS

THINGS THAT FLY

2010-06-02

Generally speaking bluegrass music is best experienced live. There’s something about witnessing the complex interplay amongst the musicians as they trade leads with one another that elevates the routine into the sublime. Maybe it’s the urge to tap your toes and bop your head with abandon that is unleashed in the live setting and in the company of others but not in your living room that makes it happen? Some neurologist or anthropologist will have to figure it out. All I can do is comment on the little silver disc in my player. So, having said that, what’s the deal with this new release by the Infamous Stringdusters? Does it come close to capturing the infectious energy the six members routinely generate in their live shows? Well, mostly. Several of the tracks here including "Those Who’ve Gone On", "Take a Chance on the Truth", "The Deputy" and "17 Cents" (featuring Dierks Bentley on vocals) will get you moving regardless of the time or circumstance that has this disc in rotation. Others, like "Magic #9", or the U2 cover, "In God’s Country", feature lots of instrumental or vocal interplay that is pleasant but not attention grabbing and will likely fall into the background as the disc spins in your living room. Overall, a decent listen, but check out the band live for the true experience of these cuts. Smitty

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 07/2017

    Well-Known Strangers
    ALIGNED

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Keith Richards
    Crosseyed Heart

  • reviewed 05/2007

    HOOTS AND HELLMOUTH
    HOOTS AND HELLMOUTH

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE ZOSO SISTERS
    Adieu False Heart

  • reviewed 03/2008

    The Waybacks
    Loaded

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Lee Bob & The Truth
    The Light LP

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.