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Fred
Eaglesmith
And The
Flathead Noodlers
"Balin"
by Lone Star Mama
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I won’t lie, I've been looking forward to this CD
for a while, seemingly an eternity. It’s no secret I love Fred Eaglesmith and cohort Willie P. Bennett and any one else fortunate
enough to play with these guys. We all have musical passions, and
I’ve made no secret that this is a biggie for me. But I decided
this time I’d be as objective and critical as possible.
For example, Fred’s last release “Falling Stars and Broken Hearts” caught me off guard. I listened through it once, and wasn’t sure if I liked it, it was SO different. I listened again, and fell in love. It’s still one of my favorites. I pretty much knew what to expect with “Balin”. I had been told it was bluegrass, which is honestly not one of my most favorite genres of music. Oh, I like it, but don’t have an extensive bluegrass collection. I suspected, and am now sure, that this is another jewel in Eaglesmith’s crown. The CD begins with “The Building”, and captures the listener from the beginning with Eaglesmith’s words and Bennett’s magical harmony. I use the term “magical”. It’s not a sweet harmony, but one that adds depth and meaning. The Fred/Willie harmony is something that has always “made” the music for me, and this one is at its finest. The second track is one we’ve heard for awhile, “Do You Love Me Now”, and I’m just damned happy it’s finally on a CD. Throughout the CD (full of new songs, not revamped old favorites done bluegrass style as some might think), I couldn’t help but marvel that our favorite Canadian has done it again. He’s mastered an album full of music that fits into yet a different category than the last. And style aside, it pierces the soul, just as he’s become an expert at doing. Two other concert favorites are on this CD. “The Rocket” has been a “long wished-for on CD” tune from his devoted Fredheads. It’s just as powerfully recorded as it was the first time I heard it live. In typical Fred genius, it’s a good song, unless you hear and feel the words. Then it’s an awesome song, preferably listened to alone with Kleenex in hand. “Small Motors” is the other song I’ve been yearning for on CD, and he does it the justice I’d hoped for. Again, the first time I heard it, it brought tears to my eyes. It did again today; a sad, yet sweet song done so stylishly as only he could do. “John Deere “B”” is quickly a favorite, as is “Tin Pot Nelly” (the only song on the CD not written by Eaglesmith) . “I Shot Your Dog” grabbed me for a couple of reasons, and to really ‘fess up, it made me think of our own Miss Lana. No, she hasn’t shot her neighbors’ dogs yet, but I think the thought has been there a time or two! ;-) The bluesy “Mary Lane”, lyrically blended with Willie’s talents on the harmonica is like putting on a blanket and tucking you in at the end of the CD. A+ music, objectively, start to finish. Best $15 I’ve spent in a long time. There are 17 listed songs, and don’t forget the hidden track! I rarely enjoy listening to a CD all the way through, and even more rare is straight through a second time. I think I’ll start it again when it’s done. I can’t get enough. C’mon April, ready to see Fred and the boys again when they hit Texas! Check Miss Lana’s calendar for the up to date listings on when and where these guys will be on their yearly trek to the Lone Star State. The CD can be purchased at shows or at www.FredEaglesmith.com , and it’s worth every effort to purchase. This is a work of art I will always treasure, and I have to say thanks to Fred (& The Flathead Noodlers) for sharing such an awesome gift with us once again.
Written by Dana Jones, March 2003
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