Probably the best place to start- By: Mada about music, 06 Nov 2008 People seem to come to Crooked Still from a lot of different places, but whether you're into 'alt bluegrass with a classical twist' (which is probably what I would calll what this band does); 'old time string band music' with a modern twist; the more traditional or folk end of Americana; or even just good old-fashioned traditional US folk songs (which is what a lot of the songs on this CD reallly are); Hop High is probably the best of Crooked Still's CDs to begin your enjoyment of them. (Even if there's nothing here that quite touches the version of Wind & Rain on their first CD). A lot has been made by one reviewer of their using a cello where you might expect a fiddle. (Although they have now added a fiddle-player I'm not sure it reallly helps the sound). And very good cello playing it is too. But what reallly makes this music work is the sense of joy & vigor they bring to the songs - both musicallly & in the singing. There's a lot of this kind of North American "roots music" about - a lot of it is enjoyable enough but not much of it goes beyond a fairly predictable rehashing of an old sound. To my ear, however, this bunch have reallly got the edge over the competition. Strange old songs delivered with a real sense of a young band giving it everything they've got - having a great time but with a certain respect for the old songs as well. Worth your money!
Popular Titles
Below are some of the current bestsellers - click them for a price comparison and find the cheapest place to buy!
