- Discover more great music in our Proper Music store, and read about the very best of Proper Music's latest and forthcoming releases in Properganda Issue 19 (online flash version).
Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Acoustic Guitar, 19 November, 2009
As he sings in the catchy "East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam" he has "learned to carve his song," melding sharp insights, literary references, and apt metaphors ("when the mountains glow like mission wine") that address large themes--immigration, love, blue-collar work--through the prism of well-drawn characters, most especially himself. Calexico's fuller orchestration--horns, chimes, and percussion, supplemented by Barry Walsh on exquisite keyboards--adds unusual textures and exciting effects.
CD Description
With a career stretching back nearly four decades, and a catalogue of more than 20 albums, Tom Russell is already considered one of the great singer/songwriters of our time. However, his newest album, Blood and Candle Smoke, recorded in Tucson with members of the indie-rock band Calexico, takes his work to another level entirely with tremendous songwriting and a new, contemporary spark.
The consummate storyteller, Russell has amassed a devoted following that cherishes his vivid, novelistic tales evoking the spirit of the American experience in tightly constructed, panoramic vignettes. Among his most ardent fans are fellow artists Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, K.D. Lang, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Iris Dement, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, Ian Tyson, Nanci Griffith and Guy Clark. Produced by Tom Russell and Craig Schumacher (Neko Case, Iron & Wine, Calexico).
The consummate storyteller, Russell has amassed a devoted following that cherishes his vivid, novelistic tales evoking the spirit of the American experience in tightly constructed, panoramic vignettes. Among his most ardent fans are fellow artists Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, K.D. Lang, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Iris Dement, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, Ian Tyson, Nanci Griffith and Guy Clark. Produced by Tom Russell and Craig Schumacher (Neko Case, Iron & Wine, Calexico).
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tom Russell has picked up the mantle recently fallen from Johnny Cash's shoulders and he wears it with confidence and authority. Make no mistake Blood and Candle Smoke is a masterpiece. This is the pinnacle of Tom Russell's career, his song writing is superb and the Mexicali arrangements take his recordings to a new plane.
It is unlikely that he will do anything better than this, nor does he need to. It is a once in a lifetime achievement. Criminology, Darkness visible, and East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam, are outstanding tracks in an outstanding album.
Tom Russell has demonstrated himself to be one of the greats if not the greatest of all Americana recording artists.
It is unlikely that he will do anything better than this, nor does he need to. It is a once in a lifetime achievement. Criminology, Darkness visible, and East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam, are outstanding tracks in an outstanding album.
Tom Russell has demonstrated himself to be one of the greats if not the greatest of all Americana recording artists.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It doesn't really come as a surprise that Tom Russell teams up with Calexico for an album. They both belong to that same dusty America that has wide open spaces and no-line horizons.
A great story teller he's always been but now he takes us outside his borders to Africa and Asia too.
The songs themselves? Just as good as always.
I can heartily recommend this on first listen.
A great story teller he's always been but now he takes us outside his borders to Africa and Asia too.
The songs themselves? Just as good as always.
I can heartily recommend this on first listen.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Tom Russell albums always make you sit up and think and this one is no exception. Its got a great "lived in" feel to it. It needs a few plays to really appreciate what the album's about but its well worth the effort. For me the standout track is "Criminology" but several others are of a high quality.The great thing about Tom is that you know he's always prepared to try something different. A first rate album thats well worth investigating.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Better than Cash!
If you are already a fan, then this album will ddefinitely not disappoint. If you're new to Tom Russell, this album is hugely typical of his work, and is the equal of anything by... Read more
Published 4 months ago by DAG
Tom Russell - better than Johnny Cash
A superb album, rich and dark, "Nina's voice on the turntable, spinning darkly around...". I love Johnny Cash but have to utter the heresy.... Tom Russell is better. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Helen of Troy
Marvellous
Interesting to see that one previous reviewer considers "Criminology" the best track on the album, while another considers it the weakest! Read more
Published 9 months ago by M. J. Mooney
A Revelation
I've been buying records since 1963 (starting with Roy Orbison)and now have a considerable collection of pop, rock, blues, classical and jazz. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Jim C. Wilson
a brilliant purchase
Heard him on the Radio for the first time and bought this on the strength of one track. Best CD purchased in ages. I have since bought the 2 disc anthology which is also great.
Published 18 months ago by purse
No hat required
Gruff, tender, literary and humane. Proof that Country has a fathomless best and no need for cliche.
Published 23 months ago by Snuffyarroder
"Listen! - this is important!"
I'm afraid Tom Russell has become too whiney and dramatic in delivery for me. I can't remember him being this one-dimensional when I saw him live: isn't he aware that strained and... Read more
Published on 28 April 2010 by Chas. Dickens
Criminologist Makes Good
Forgive the title but Tom does make quite a few references to the fact that he was a Criminology lecturer. Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2009 by Edric_the_Destroyer
Great Service
I am absolutely delighted to receive my C.D. Blood & Candle Smoke, plus it was abonus to receive it within a couple of days Brilliant Service cheers Dennis Tuffin
Published on 22 Nov 2009 by Dennis M. J. Tuffin
Carry on Tom!
Tom Russell's latest CD carries on pretty much in the same vein as much of his latter work. A mix of some personal stories and some more general songs about the "wounded heart of... Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2009 by Harry Coe Bean
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
