Spine

WIE NEU

FÜR FANS VON SON VOLT;NO DEPRESSION; American folk music: Continuing in the direction established in their last release, Comet, Cordelia's Dad serves up a tasty mix of traditional songs on Spine, which was produced by Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey, the Breeders, Helmet). The CD opens with "Granite Mills," a political song dealing with the working conditions of mill workers. They've also re-recorded "Imaginary Trouble" (which is also included on their earlier album How Can I Sleep?), and have included a few shape-note songs (notable for their compelling four-part harmonies), such as "Return Again". The sense of humor featured from the group's earliest days is intact, as the recordings of "Knife" and "Spencer Rifle" will attest--do not listen to the latter while drinking, as choking may result. The addition of fiddler Laura Risk (who can also be heard on Ken Kolodner's Walking Stones) adds a whole new dimension to the group's sound that is especially welcome. -- Genevieve Williams



No Depression
The band provides a key missing puzzle piece in alternative country, laying bare and highlighting the British Isles styles and song sources at the heart of the oldest old-time country. Within the sharp, sometimes brittle, folk geometry on Spine moves the ardent, volatile spirit of alternative country.

STEVE ALBINI;NO DEPRESSION; American folk music