Q109: The Flatlanders -- Hills And Valleys By Amanda on June 2, 2009 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBacks (0)
In Dylan LP years I have two year end best of categories, "Best Dylan Album" and "Best Non-Dylan Album." The best will be Dylan, natch, so like it seems unfair to not even give anyone else a chance at the top spot. This year I will have "Best Dylan Album", "Best Non-Dylan Album" and "Best Non-Cohen Album" because I can't put anything but Live in London up top and that's just the way it is. End of story.
The Flatlanders' Hills and Valleys is currently frontrunner for Best Non-Dylan/Cohen. Anyone with an interest in Texas music, folk-country, alt.country, singer-songwriter music of the last 30 years is going to across each of these three guys -- Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock (although Butch doesn't have the solo profile of the others.) The sound is pure Texas dust -- accordian throughout and unmistakable south west geography and politics -- but with a dazzling richness, each of these three guys have unique voices, vocally and in terms of their stories. The songwriting rises to the occasion. "Homeland Refugee" is a clever reversal of the classic Okie migration story, in this the Californian returns to the dust bowl after losing his house and job. "The Way We Are" kicks it honky tonk, "Sowing on the Mountain" is tex Mex bluegrass. There are a couple that reference migration, notably the jaunty "Borderless Love" and some classic Texas philosophising in "Cry for Freedom" and "Just About Time."
There's not a non-catchy song on the thing. Five stars!
By Andre Havard
on June 2, 2009 8:17 PM
Got it a couple of days ago - your recommendation. listened to it a couple of times - for me, it's one of those that starts off good and you know will get better with frequent plays.
By Brendan
on June 2, 2009 10:45 PM
I finally got my hands on Butch's album "West Texas Waltzes" a few weeks ago and I think it's now my favorite album by any of the Flatlanders. Very early-Dylany. If you ain't haven't heard it, you oughtta.
By Amanda
on June 3, 2009 8:42 AM
I haven't and I oughta. I have Wind's Dominion, because I loved that song Mario y Maria when I heard it on an Uncut sampler.
By Amanda
on June 3, 2009 8:45 AM
PS, The Flatlanders are Artist #465 I have looked up the scedules for who will be in Europe when I am in America. Grrr.
By Andre Havard
on June 3, 2009 7:53 PM
Thanks for the hint about the Flatlanders in the UK - can't go, unfortunately, but I'll be seeing Lucinda the night before their London gig. Last time I saw her, Bruce showed up onstage - maybe one or three of them will do the same?
Is this your fist visit to Arizona?
By Amanda
on June 4, 2009 12:37 PM
Yes, only ("only") been to NYC in the States. Doing Vegas-Flagstaff-Chicago-Memphis.
By Andre Havard
on June 4, 2009 7:20 PM
You'll love it. I've never managed Chicago, but live in hope.
By Amanda
on June 5, 2009 9:27 PM
I will! Not least cos I'll get to see my sister who has defected Sepposide, to Flagstaff. But I love that whole south west thing culturally/musically/geologically/historically speaking so I really can't wait. And yeah, Chicago and Memphis: no introduction necessary!
By Andre Havard
on June 6, 2009 11:24 PM
You doing Highway 61? You must visit Sun Studios - the tours are great - and the Rock & Soul Museum. Clarksdale/ Too much stuff!
Re: Koko Taylor. fRoots Magazine interviewed Koko in the last issue which they have put online for free (looking to reach new customers) The interview starts on page 45. Very poignant.
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A17qd0/frootsJune09/resources/index.htm
By Amanda
on June 7, 2009 9:08 AM
I'm not "doing H61" but obvs in Memphis I'll do all that. Sun, Stax, Graceland, Rock n Soul Museum etc. I don't drive and I've looked into getting to Clarksdale but it all looks too difficult without your own car.
Ta for interview.
By Andre Havard
on June 8, 2009 3:32 AM
I looked at your sister's blog - agree 100% about Sedona.
If you have any qustions, just email me.
By LangMack
on June 8, 2009 7:46 PM
Jimmy Dale Gilmore , Mac the Knife, if you don't think it's the best , well,sadness for my fellow human(he covers a little of Jesse Winchester,off course),
One Endless Night (Rounder)
may as plug Joe Henry "Short Mans Room"ah, Joe who knows you, and Paul Siebel , the shy butcher, sings for his pleasure..
Got to keep 'em going..
By Isobel
on June 14, 2009 10:35 PM
The Flatlanders are playing The Sage Gateshead, Newcastle UK in July, Iam really looking forward so much to seeing them. Rare opportunity in this area!