// Hardly any Nanci content, but we do talk about some old songs, 
// some newer singers, and oh, yeah, lots of "Top Whatever" lists.
// Enjoy... [BP] 

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: Re: NN: top ten
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 12:18:04 EST
   From: Petop@aol.com

Nanci List:

Just to let everyone know, keep your selections coming. The deadline for 
balloting is midnight Friday, Jan. 5. I am keeping a running total so it 
won't be difficult to tabulate the results--just activate a quick computer 
program and it's done. Over 200 CDs have been nominated so far. 

Pete Oppel
Your Friendly Tabulator

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: NN: Shenandoah
   Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 21:58:31 EST
   From: GORDON1717@aol.com

Ed Maier writes:

(( Shenandoah is intense. Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand
 up. This was also the theme song of a western movie years ago, and
 I think the movie title was Across The Wide Missouri. >>
 
I heard this on NPR when they reviewed it. I was sitting in New Haven 
Missouri looking out over the "Wide Missouri" feeling homesick for the east 
coast and I swear that I said to my wife that the river was beautiful but it 
didn't match the Shenandoah back home for sheer beauty. Then they played this 
song on the radio and every hair on my body stood up. (not a nice mental 
image but there you go.....). I never understood the lyrics on this one until 
then. It brought back many wonderful memories of overnight float trips with 
the "Downriver Canoe Company" on the south fork of the Shenandoah in 
Virginia. I think it was about then that we decided it was time to go home 
again where the mountains are blue and the rivers are swift.
Happy and prosperous new year, Happy Hogmanay and welcome to the new 
millenium,

Gordon in misery (but soon to be in Philadelphia)

ps. There was a Jimmy Stewart flick called Shenandoah famous for the first 
use of the word t*t in a Hollywood movie that occurred when the confederates 
came to take his son into the army. I think the officer said something about 
doing his duty for Virginia. Jimmy answered "Where was Virginia when the 
child's mother died and he neede"d a spare t*t". Only Jimmy Stewart could 
have delivered that line with the poignancy that he did!

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: Re: NN: Shenandoah
   Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 00:54:05 EST
   From: Brimpls@aol.com

Hi all, and a Happy New Year to the NanciNet friends far and wide...just 
wanted to share a quick reminiscence with you.

My very first memory, the earliest childhood memory, is of a soft summer's 
day in my grandparents' back yard in Vermont where I was raised. I'm sitting 
on the swing set bars looking up at the big sky above me, and I'm singing! 
"Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you, way-heigh, you rollin' river..." I am 
singing and it is this gloriously happy and sad feeling, all wrapped up in 
one moment and in one memory. I am alone in the scene, although in most of my 
childhood memories, my big sister is right there with me. But perhaps this 
was a solitary moment, at least that's how I remember it. My voice just went 
straight up to the clouds. Remember how much time we'd spend just looking up 
at the sky when we were little? 

My mom sang us to sleep every night and "Shenandoah" was in her repertoire, 
so it must have been in my very bones, that song, melody, words. I can't be 
more than three or four years old in this memory. The song is still one of my 
most cherished songs in the world, and I've sure learned a lot more songs in 
the 40 years since this memory was made.

Does anyone know the old folk song "Pretty Saro"? that's another one from our 
childhood that just gets to me. Beautiful song.

Hope this wasn't too off-topic for the list. But it was nice to write it! 
Good night!

Sabrina in Mpls.

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: NN: Re: Shenandoah
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 02:49:46 -0500
   From: "Shawn Kimbro" (kimbroj@charter.net>

Sabrina --

If I were a scholar
And had a fine hand
I'd write a love letter
That she'd understand
I'd write by the river
Where the clear waters flow
And dream of pretty Saro
Wherever I go

It's an Appalachian folk song, probably first collected by Lomax considering
it's popularity in the 60s. I still hear it in the backwoods picking
parlours I've come to frequent, mostly the name is changed to Sarah now, or
maybe that's what it was originally. Probably goes back to the 18th century
in this country and further across the sea.

  .---. ___________
  |===|////SEE/////\            All my best,
  |  ////ROCK////[]\              -Shawn
  | ////CITY////|__|\         Morristown, TN
  |  ^|^^^^^^^^^^|  |
  |   |          |  |      http://mountainsoul.cjb.net
  |__ |___[X]____|__|    http://www.mp3.com/mountainsoul
    Fiddle Fiction:  http://www.geocities.com/trailzzone/hog.html

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Subject: RE: NN: Shenandoah
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 08:22:54 -0500
   From: "Panchyshyn,Roman" (panchysr@oclc.org>

I do remember a version of Pretty Saro that Judy Collins sang, but it was so
long ago I can't remember where it was recorded.
Roman from Ohio

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Subject: Re: NN: Shenandoah/Judy Collins
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 09:57:56 EST
   From: Brimpls@aol.com

Judy recorded it on "Maid of Constant Sorrow" in 1961, acc. to Internet 
sources. I think I need to hear this one. The song would fit her voice so 
well. And I loved the lyrics, Shawn, though they're slightly different in my 
mom's version! ("I'd write it by the river where the waters o'erflow" was her 
line). Bet Nanci knows this song well, wouldn't you think?

Sabrina

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Subject: Re: NN: Shenandoah
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 10:36:33 EST
   From: PRobin5478@aol.com

Dear List -

Anybody looking for a spectacularly soulful version of SHENANDOAH should 
check out the version by Van Morrison (with the Chieftains) on the soundtrack 
album for the TV miniseries "Long Journey Home."

It is drop-dead beautiful - like a pint of Harp in a grove of blooming 
dogwoods.

Peter Robinson
(always waiting for the new Nanci CD)

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Subject: Re: NN: Pretty Saro/Songcatcher
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 09:49:02 -0800 (PST)
   From: Reid Mitchell (reidmitchell@yahoo.com>

For more information, on Prety Saro, go here:

http://www.contemplator.com/folk6/saro.html

Reid Mitchell

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Subject: NN: Pretty Saro/Songcatcher
   Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 22:11:49 -0500
   From: Tony Cox (tonycox@pacific.net.au>

I was lucky enough to be able to see an early screening (last July) of the
film "Songcatcher", which I'm sure many on this list would enjoy.  Mention
of "Pretty Saro", which is featured in the film in an unforgettable version
by Iris DeMent, made me go and dig out a post of mine to another list with
a view to persuading those of you that have the chance to go and see the
movie.  A cinema classic it isn't, (although it's entertaining enough in a
TV-movie production kind of way), but for lovers of traditional folk music
beautifully performed you'd be pushed to find better.

The plot is as follows (taken from the Melbourne film festival program,
which in turn is taken from the Sundance festival program):

"It is 1907, and musicologist Dr Lily Penleric (Janet McTeer) has just been
denied promotion in the male-dominated world of her university.  Frustrated
and determined to get academic recognition, she heads to Appalachia with a
sound recording device and writing materials (to collect songs in their pure
form). 
The people are wary of her...  Arriving at a volatile time when the coal
companies are vying for land and swallowing up whole communities, Lily
cannot help but become involved in the struggles of these people while falling 
in love with Tom (Aidan Quinn), a rough local musician."

As for Iris' part:  well, she's on screen for no longer than 5 of the 113
minutes, but she sure leaves her mark.  She plays a middle-aged mountain
woman sitting on a porch with her husband when a bad guy in a suit comes 
along wanting their land; he's 'shown off the premises', after which Iris 
sings a beautifully raw and haunting version of Pretty Saro, a traditional 
folk song, to the accompaniment of her husband on the fiddle.  She's miming 
along to it whilst sitting in her rocking chair on the porch, but she does it
convincingly and manages to convey an authentic feel.  The entire song is 
featured, and needless to say it is already an essential item in any Iris 
fan's collection.

The film features raw mountain versions of many of the songs that have since
become standards, most sung unaccompanied, but even if I weren't heavily 
biased I'd have to say that Iris' is the stand-out performance.  
Then right at the end as the credits roll, there's a knockout version of 
Barbara Allen, sung I thought at first by Alison Krauss, but it turns out 
it's by none other than ol' Dolly Parton, singing as sweetly as you'll ever 
hear her.  So hats off to Dolly as well.

Catch it if you can.

Tony

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Subject: NN: Re: Pretty Saro/Songcatcher
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 06:25:50 -0500
   From: "Shawn Kimbro" (kimbroj@charter.net>

Tony wrote:

> "It is 1907, and musicologist Dr Lily Penleric (Janet McTeer) has just
> been denied promotion in the male-dominated world of her university.
> Frustrated and determined to get academic recognition, she heads to 
> Appalachia with a sound recording device and writing materials (to collect 
> songs in their pure form).

In which case, I stand happily corrected for crediting the song-catching to
Lomax.  Thank you for recommending a must-see.  If I can only find it!

-Shawn

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Subject: NN: moffatt
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 10:10:40 -0500
   From: "eprieto" (eprieto@columbus.rr.com>

katy moffatt is coming to my local music hall, an old firehouse
that seats and stands an audience of less than 100.  has anyone
seen or heard katy, to recommend if i should get tickets?
thanks

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: Re: NN: moffatt
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 03:01:25 EST
   From: HighSoft@aol.com

Get tickets. Katy performs usually on her own with acoustic guitar, singing 
mostly her own material, some co-written with Tom Russell or Dave Alvin. Her 
craftsmanship, after over twenty years professional singing, is superb, and 
she has one of those distinctive voices that is only equalled (?) by Nanci or 
Emmylou. Check out any of the CDs. Katy Moffatt is one of the best kept 
secrets of the music world.

Godfrey Smart,
Delft, Holland

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Subject: Re: NN: moffatt
   Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 09:46:49 -0500
   From: Steve Robertson (stever@mindspring.com>

> katy moffatt is coming to my local music hall, an old firehouse
> that seats and stands an audience of less than 100.  has anyone
> seen or heard katy, to reccommend if i should get tickets?
> thanks

Katy's songs show up on Acoustic Crossroads regularly. She has collaborated
with both Tom Russell and Dave Alvin. I would pay ten bucks to see her.
Here's her web site:

http://members.aol.com/klmoffatt/index.html

>From the Georgia Pines,
Steve Robertson

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Subject: NN: Sara Evans - "Born to Fly"
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 10:52:32 -0600
   From: "Ron Hennessy" (rhennesy@coserv.net>

Living in the rarified world of Dallas TX, where I don't seem to be exposed
to the variety of music many NanciNetters are, I mostly listen to country
and classical on the radio.  (Is there a good folk station I should be
listening to in Dallas, anyone?)  I don't get out much.  Either I'm too
busy, too lazy or too frugal . . . maybe some of each.

At any rate, in addition to the trite garbage I usually listen to on country
radio, I occasionally hear some first rate music.  Sara Evans' hit "Born to
Fly" is an example of the latter.  I bought her eponymous album, and the
more I listen, the more I like.

She cowrote 6 of the 11 songs on the CD.  The "Born to Fly" is about her
ambitions to leave the town of her childhood and make something special of
her life (like the Dixie Chicks' "Wide Open Spaces").  "I Keep Looking" is
about how we remain unsatisfied even after we achieve our goals.  So several
of the songs she cowrote are about her own fundamental personal concerns.

Her singing is very reminiscent to me of the fabulous Patti Loveless: in
sound and attitude-forthright and earthy.  It varies from hard-edged to
sweet and seductive, with Leeann Womack's agility.  Her pronunciations are
sometimes odd (like Nanci's) to optimize the musical sound.  She is a
virtuoso singer, enormously talented, with a great sense of drama.  Ensemble
singing with her backup vocalists is flawless and beautiful.

The musical style has its roots solidly in country, but is fresh and
original.  The last minute of so of "Born to Fly," for example, gravitates
to a kind of East Indian sitar sound reminiscent of the Beatles.

Sara Evans' album "Born to Fly" is a rich musical experience.

Best wishes and happy new year, everyone!

Ron Hennessy

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Subject: NN: Top 10 & Then Some
   Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 11:40:48 EST
   From: Rocalittl@aol.com

Hello gang,

Happy New Year to all, and did anyone else have as much difficulty paring 
down their list for the Best Of  2000 as I did? So much great stuff released 
this year. Well, here goes:

1. Emmylou Harris-"Red Dirt Girl"- my very fave of the year, a deeply moving 
and personal spiritual journey from Emmylou, highlighted by brilliant 
songwriting and that haunting voice. Cannot recommend it enough...

2. Steve Earle-"Transcendental Blues"- a killer eclectic release from the 
supremely talented Earle that covers a wide range of styles, from jangly folk 
to blues, bluegrass, Celtic, and more, and Earle makes it all work.

3. Warren Zevon-"Life'll Kill Ya" - Zevon hits a homerun with this one. 
Biting wit and superb playing throughout. A welcome return to form.

4. Kasey Chambers-"The Captain" -enough has been written here about this 
extraordinary new talent...Phenomenal CD.

5. Richard Shindell-"Somewhere Near Paterson"- one third of Cry,Cry,Cry and a 
tremendous acoustic guitar player and songwriter. What a beautiful voice, and 
he puts all his strengths on display on this wonderful disc.

6. Aimee Mann-"Bachelor No. 2"- great songwriting and playing, and lots of 
fun. Her imagery will make you laugh. Such a major talent, great to see her 
get the recognition she deserves.

7. Neko Case & Her Boyfriends-"Furnace Room Lullaby"- Case delivers fine 
songs in that big, bluesy voice. She can wail and has a great band too.

8. Shelby Lynne-"I Am Shelby Lynne"- Wow! What a surprise this was, and a nod 
to Dusty Springfield for sure. Wonderful production and songs, and Lynne can 
really deliver the vocals.

9. Ryan Adams-"Heartbreaker"- an outstanding effort from Whiskeytown's lead 
singer that reminds me of early Bob Dylan. Great guests on this solo effort 
that is highlighted by his introspective writing.

10. Jimmie Dale Gilmore-"One Endless Night"- his best work yet, and 
wonderfully produced by Buddy Miller. A nice roster of guest artists too that 
add to the songs.

Honorable Mentions: 
Allison Moorer-The Hardest Part
K.D. Lang-Invincible Summer
John Hiatt-Crossing Muddy Waters
Teddy Thompson-Teddy Thompson
Neil Young-Silver And Gold
Mollie O'Brien-Things I Gave Away
PJ Harvey-Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Martin Sexton-Wonder Bar
Jess Klein-Draw Them Near
Kate Wolf-Weaver Of Visions, Anthology

Most Anticipated Release For 2001-Nanci Griffith-"Clock Without Hands"

Have a wonderful 2001!

~Lisa Cain

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Subject: Re: NN: Top 10 & Then Some
   Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 17:02:13 EST
   From: Halesbop@aol.com

Lisa wrote:

> Happy New Year to all, and did anyone else have as much difficulty paring 
> down their list for the Best Of  

    Yep, I certainly did, which is why I'm logging in so late with a Top Ten. 
Midway through the year, I was thinking 2000 would be somewhat lackluster, 
but I wound up buying more new releases than ever this year. And I know there 
a bunch of great ones I haven't heard. Really tough narrowing the field to 10 
and with no clear personal #1 this time I'll just list them alphabetically. 
Another dozen or so could be considered honorable mention, but right now my 
list of 10 favorites for 2000 is:

Greg Brown--Over And Under
Cowboy Junkies--Waltz Across America
Donna the Buffalo--Positive Friction
Stacey Earle--Dancin' With Them That Brung Me
Jimmy Dale Gilmore--One Endless Night
Emmylou Harris--Red Dirt Girl
Paris Combo--Living-Room
Martin Sexton--Wonder Bar
Sally Timms & Jon Langford--Precious Jewel
Victoria Williams--Water To Drink


Happy New Year,
  Steve

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Subject: Re: NN: Top 10 & Then Some
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 20:46:09 EST
   From: Poetmuse@aol.com

Halesbop@aol.com writes:

(( Martin Sexton--Wonder Bar >>

I have to agree with you on this one.. I just picked it up and am really 
loving it!!
Two thumbs up from me as well. :)

-C

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Subject: NN: Best of 2000
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 09:25:53 -0800 (PST)
   From: odddduck@deltanet.com (Bill Lukesh)

Folks,
 I don't really do top ten lists so I kind of just did five music
categories and one for  film. 
 
Album of the Year:
 Emmylou Harris "Red Dirt Girl"
Finally ELH has done something on her own.   This is an amazing set of
songs. The title track is a tune not unlike a tragic version of 'Mary
Margret'. Some of the best incorperate snatches of  folks songs like 'bang
the drum slowly' and 'Jesus loves me this I know'. 


Re-release of the year:
 Johnny Cash "Love, God  Murder'
  This is exactly what a tribute/ re-release album should be. Its not just
the 'best of'. Many of the tracks are  in fact obscure and thus one gets a
more rounded understanding of the man's long and great career.

Best Classical
 Stravinsky: "Shadow Dances" the orpheus chamber orchestra.
   Since he rarely wrote for the same forces twice, finding great
performances of  Stravinsky's chamber music has always been a 'cut and
paste' sort of thing. Until this disc. Yep from the early '3 pieces for
string quartet' to his chamber masterpiece 'Octet for winds' This is the one
disc I played more than any other all year.

Classical Re-release
  Vaughn Williams Symphony #6 Boult (dutton labs remastering of the 1950
recording)
  This one was easy. Vaughn Williams 6th symphony is  very beguiling. Worse
in fact than Mahler's 7th or Sibelius's 4th  string quartet.  One of those
pieces one keeps buying recordings of hoping that they some day get it
'right'. Well as it turns out the first recording was 'right'.  The
remastering actually makes it  sound better than Boult's stereo recording
from the 70's. Like Shostakovitch's 8th string quartet, the message of this
music is needed as much now as it was during WWII when it was first written.
Put this one on, after reading(or re-reading ) Machavilli's ' the Prince'.
Then Buckle your seatbelts since Jan 20th is just a stone throw away,  I
think we are  in for four year E-ticket ride. 

Best Soundtrack:
  "Final Fantasy IX" Nobuo Uematsu
   Okay its not a film or a TV show. But its good to know that at least one
composer is carrying on in the tradition of Herrman and Waxman.
Leitmotive's? Yep, but he's been working towards since the beginning of the
series. From the opening credits to the final battle, this music is far
better than anything that has come out of hollywood in years. 

Best Film(so far)
 "Requiem for a dream"
  Okay, there are at least six films I haven't seen yet including 'Quills'
and 'House of Mirth'. However, this is the first film in years  which  I had
to see again almost instantly. Okay, so it does "Glamorize' addiction, but
Cubby Selby always Glamorizes addiction. Four character's who try to  find
'water from a deeper well' to quote ELH.   Keep in mind, I think Polanski's
'Repulsion' and Fassbinder's 'In a year of 13 moons' are two of the greatest
films ever made. This falls into that category.  IE don't see it on a first
date.
BilBao

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Subject: NN: Best of 2000
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 14:34:52 -0800 (PST)
   From: Martin Jack (gatesuk@yahoo.com>

Ok my favourites of last year are:

1.  The Go-Betweens - The Friends of Rachel Worth

Great Antipodean mixture of folk rock and indie.  The
alternative relative of Crowded House.

2. Teenage Fanclub - Howdy!
More great British indie pop, with lashings of vocal
harmonizing.

3. Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump
Intelligent indie rock, and far more melodious and
open than Radiohead's Kid A.

4. Introduction to Nanci Griffith: Wings To Fly and A
Place To Be

The album that got me into Nanci's work, with a great
cross-section of her best material from her 4 MCA
albums.

5. Billy Bragg and Wilco - Mermaid Avenue II
More profound than the first volume, with a harder
blues rock sound on tracks like "All You Fascists",
"Feed of Man" and "Meanest Man". Could this be the
alternative answer to Nanci's Other Voices?

6. Richard Thompson - Mock Tudor
This did come out last year - but I bought it recently
and its just a glorious album.  I'm making it up for
it not being in my Millenium list, because it would be
lol

7. Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl
Great atmospheres, and Emmylou's soaring vocals.  Need
I say more!

8. Neil Young - Silver and Gold
Probably his most personal acoustic album, with some
beautiful tracks like the title track, and "Razor
Love".

9.  The Beautiful South - Painting It Red
Their most ecletic album - with moments of thoughtful
pop with quite a few soul and blues influences.

10.  Nanci Griffith - The Dustbowl Symphony 
Impressive orchestral work.  Just listening to "Love
at The Five and Dime" with Darius Rucker, sent shivers
down my spine.  I kid you not lol

Mentions -
Grand Drive - True Love and High Adventure
Steve Earle - Transcendental Blues
Neil Young - Road Rock vol. 1

_________________________________________________________________ 


Subject: NN: Best music of the year
   Date: Mon, 1 Jan 01 09:35:04 -0000
   From: John Edward Graveling (kai21@dial.pipex.com>

While it's been a year where I haven't bought as many cd's as in recent 
years, the quality has been high. I think the problem we listeners face 
now is finding the quality releases. They are not always available in the 
racks at our local retail stores, whether they be the big chains, or the 
local independent retailer. If we do not see the product on the shelves 
then how do we discover new music? There is the internet, but lists like 
these and the recommendations that are forthcoming are an invaluable 
source, as indeed are publications like "No Depression", "Performing 
Songwriter" and other favourite magazines we all buy or browse through 
depending upon our musical staple.

In no real order here are the cd's I think brought something to the 
musical table, offered something original and showed great talent.

THE ESTABLISHED ARTISTS:

Steve Earle-"Transcendental Blues". It took me a while to get into this, 
but it's a real melange of styles and a great musical experience. The 
guys consistency over 15 years has been staggering.

Warren Zevon-"Life'll Kill Ya". A comeback of sorts. The guy has a 
particular skew on life and his acerbic vision of life and all it throws 
at you is totally unique. A gem.

John Hiatt-"Crossing Muddy Waters". Stripped down sound, but wonderfully 
played acoustic based instrumentation, allied to remarkable lyrics and 
that voice. If pressed this would be my record of the year. Another 
writer with a unique vision and way of putting a story across. Simply 
gorgeous.

Tom Pacheco & Steinar Albrigsten-"Nobodies". I prefer Tom on his own, but 
Steinar adds something to the pot with his singing and playing. Tom is 
not an established name in his homeland USA, but in parts of Europe he 
makes a great impact. A true story-teller and there may not have been 
better songs anywhere this year then the title cut, and "Teddy 
Roosevelt", a cutting take on what happened when Roosevelt went to Cuba's 
aid, but then colonised the country for America's gain. "There's nothing 
like a good old war/Teddy said with a smile so cruel/Teddy Roosevelt was 
no hero/Teddy Roosevelt was a fool".

Jimmie Dale Gilmore-"One Endless Night". Quite simply the best country 
record of the year. That voice still pervades it's magic, even after all 
these years. Just listening to the best cuts, "No Lonesome Tune" is sheer 
magic, the words of Townes Van Zandt sung by Jimmie Dale. John Hiatt's 
"Your Love Is My Rest" pure country magic. A great take on "Darcy 
Farrow", and nine other songs for your entertainment.

Emmylou Harris-"Red Dirt Girl". Is Emmylou becoming the female 
incarnation of Neil Young? An artist now seemingly capable of 
re-inventing themselves, yet still pushing the boundaries and creating 
great, timeless music.

Trisha Yearwood-"Real Live Woman". As my ears tire of listening to 
mainstream Nashville country/pop, there are still artists capable of 
producing telling music, from the heart. Trisha has an ability to choose 
great songs, form the well known pens of Mary Chapin/Kim Richey on "Where 
Are You Now", to the criminally neglected Bobbie Cryner's title tune. The 
playing is superb, not production line, play by numbers. A great album, 
from a great singer.

THE UP & COMING ARTISTS:

Lee Ann Womack-"I Hope You Dance". The next Trisha Yearwood? Has the same 
uncanny ablity to choose great songs. This contained THE song of the year 
for me, Julie Miller's "I Know Why The River Runs", stunning lyrics, 
matched by great instrumentation and the vocal performances of the year 
from Lee Ann, and Kevin Montgomery providing the finest harmony this side 
of CSN.

Allison Moorer-"The Hardest Part". An album of songs portaying love won, 
love lost and love gone bad. The eerie 'bonus cut' about the way her 
father killed her mother is something else. Her sister Shelby Lynne 
produced one of last years best with "I Am Shelby Lynne", now little 
sister has upped the ante with this great effort.

Kevin Gordon-"Down To The Well". This guy writes some of the best songs 
I've heard in ages, then wraps them with great instrumentation, and even 
a guest vocal from Lucinda Williams. End result? One of the cd's of the 
year and a must buy!!!! Simple as that!!!!!

Gretchen Peters-"Gretchen Peters". A wonderful follow up to the "Secret 
Of Life" and in many ways better. A stunning writer, and here are some of 
her finest songs. Enough said. Buy it when it reaches the USA in February.

Matthew Ryan-"East Autumn Grin". Came to my attention through Nanci, when 
he co-wrote and sang on "Blue Roses". His debut was stunning, this is 
equally as good, but in a very different way. It's moodier, grittier and 
more textured. Give it a listen, you will not be disappointed, but it 
will take time to sneak into your conscience.

Tim Krekel-"Underground". A noted writer around Nashville and something 
of a local hero in hometown Louisville. He produces marvellous pop music, 
well played songs, well crafted lyrics. Just a joy to listen to.

Will Kimbrough-"This". Will is well known for his playing with Todd 
Snider, Kim Richey and latterly he backed Allison Moorer on her live UK 
dates. His guitar playing is not in question and here he produces a good 
blend of pithy songs, built around his observations of life.

John Cowan-"John Cowan". One of THE voices of bluegrass a few years back, 
here he rolls out one hell of a cd. It transcends all musical genres, but 
above it all is that voice. There's something for everyone here, give it 
a try.

Pat Haney-"The Wrong Rites Of Passage". A marvellous debut, from an 
artist who may prove to be as good, and successful, as Guy Clark. His 
work bears comparison with that master and it will be interesting to see 
how Pat progresses through the coming years.

Walt Wilkins Band-"Fire, Honey & Angels". Walt's rather languid singing 
is brought to life by his lyrics and the stoical playing of his band. 
This has throwbacks to how country music used to sound, but has enough 
new music, to keep the youngsters interested.

Sonny Landreth-"Levee Town". Sonny's been around a while, but as this is 
only his thrid release of the past ten years he's hardly established. 
This is a great take on the old South. The mythology, the steamy swamps, 
the spanish moss shrouding the trees, somewhere down on a sleepy bayou, 
on a sun drenched levee, there are real people living real lives, 
portrayed here. His slide playing is worth the asking price alone.

Todd Thibaud-"Squash". Todd is becoming rather prolific, but it hasn't 
affected the quality of his output. Great songs like "New World Coming", 
"Wonderful Again", "St. Cecelia" and "No Surprise", deserve an audience.

Slaid Cleaves-"Broke Down". As good as any singer-songwriter in the 
current crop, this has a feel of small town America, still one of my 
great fascinations, the lives of people and the adventures of life.

WATCH THIS SPACE:

Three artsists who have been around, in various guises, for a while have 
captured my imagination and all released magical albums this year.

Kevin Montgomery & Pettibone-"Another Long Story". A website release of 
last year, Kevin got his cd out, through a major distributor in the UK, 
this year. Two UK tours down the line and a loyal and voiciferous 
following is growing. This cd featured Kevin's aching tenor, his songs 
full of vision, the guitar playing of Doug Pettibone, up there with the 
best, inventive, empathetic, driving. Some will have seen him live with 
Jewel or Tracy Chapman, but with Kevin he becomes a king. This is a cd 
that demands attention.

Jeff Finlin-"Original Fin". Another American about to make his mark on 
the UK. This guy sings like a mix of Tom Waits meets Bob Dylan meets John 
Hiatt. His songs do not suffer the comparison and if anyone has taste 
this guy should be a star. "She's A Mama Now" is the finest song about a 
woman becoming a mother and the changes it brings to a relationship ever 
written, bar none!! "18 Tons" is simply one of the finest lyrics written, 
its portrayal and vision of American life made vivid. If you want to 
listen to real songs, brought to life by the voice and music of Jeff 
Finlin, buy this.

The Idle Jets-"Atomic Fireball". Four Nashville session superstars get 
together to produce a magical mix of pop songs. Surely this cannot be. It 
is, listen to Pat Buchanan's songs, they range from '60's like Brit pop, 
to the recent sensibilities of bands like Crowded House. His guitar 
playing blows the cobwebs away, Greg Morrow's drums and Alison 
Prestwood's bass anchor the whole thing and Tony Harrell's keybaord fills 
cement the sound, to say nothing of Pat's wonderful singing. "Genius Of 
The Obvious" probably says it all, why make it complicated, when simple 
is best.

THE LIVE ONES:

Joe Ely-"Live At Antones". Where does this guy get the energy? The guitar 
attack of Jesse Taylor and Lloyd Maines, on pedal steel, is mind blowing. 
The songs, live takes of some of the best of Joe's career, demand 
attention. Simply irresistable.

Ellis Paul-"Live". The guy who introduced me to the voice of Patty 
Griffin, for that alone he is worthy of a listen. He has produced a 
consistent stream of glorious albums over the past seven years, ever 
since Patty's voice shot through the speakers on "Conversation With A 
Ghost", the opening cut on his debut. Well Patty returns here to play the 
same role on the same song, with equally devastating results. One of the 
finest songwriters around, and an interesting guitar player.

Finally I'll go along with everything that has been said about Kasey 
Chambers and her marvellous record, "The Captain". There is simply 
nothing I can add. 

So there you have it, 27 cd's and all worthy of a place in some people's 
collections. Of course it will all depend upon your tatse, but give at 
least some of them a listen, open your ears and enjoy. The world is your 
oyster.

All the best to all my friends out there and a Happy and prosperous New 
Year to one and all.

John Graveling

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Subject: NN: top ten
   Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 06:34:46 -0500
   From: Toni Hoepf (hoepf.1@osu.edu>

My top ten in no particular order:

  Hard Times in Babylon-Eliza Gilkyson
  The Hardest Part-Allison Moorer
  I Hope You Dance-Lee Ann Womack
  Tanglewood Tree-Dave Carter and Tracey Grammer
  Red Dirt Girl-Emmylou Harris
  Sign of Truth-Tish Hinojosa
  Speaking With the Angel-Mary Black
  Positive Friction-Donna the Buffalo
  Too Long From the Sea-Kate Wallace
  Dancin' With Them That Brung Me-Stacey Earle

  Happy New Year!

  Toni 

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Subject: Re: NN: top ten
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 11:24:10 EST
   From: Janf1914@aol.com

I'll chime in with my top 10 of the year.

1. Red Dirt Girl - Emmylou Harris
2. Transcendental Blues - Steve Earle
3. Broke Down - Slaid Cleeves
4. Silars Bald - self-titled release by a young acoustic band out of S. 
Carolina.  Great instrumentation and wonderful harmonies!
5. All That You Can't Leave Beind - U2
6. The Captain - Kasey Chambers
7. Offerings - Third Day (a live album of worship songs from one of the best 
roots rock bands to come out of Georgia)
8. One Endless Night - Jimmie Dale Gilmore
9. I Hope You Dance - Leanne Womack (Bought it not only because I like the 
title cut, but was extremely curious to hear her take on Buddy and Julie's 
"Does My Ring Burn Your Finger."  I've not been dissappointed.)
10. Audible Sigh - Bill Malonnee & The Vigilantes Of Love (I'm pretty sure 
this came out this year.  There have been several releases, but the Compass 
release came out earlier this year.  These guys put out some of the most 
thoughful and thought provoking roots/rock, alt. rock out there.  The song 
"Resplendant," a dustbowl era tune with Emmylou providing backing vocals, is 
worth the price of the disc alone!)

And best discovery of the year:
Step Into This House - Lyle Lovett  (I don't know where I've been!  Just 
discovered this the other day - thank goodness for libraries! - and haven't 
been able to get it out of my cd player!  I finish listening to both cd's and 
just have to put it on again!  This is Lyle at his best!)

A happy new year to all and may your year be filled with good friends, 
happiness, and good music!

Be God's,
Janet

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Subject: Re: NN: top ten
   Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 19:59:13 -0000
   From: "Paul" (paul@preeve.clara.co.uk>

Hi all,

I havent really got 10 cds to include but
in no particular order come

Red Dirt Girl - ELH

The Captain - Kasey Chambers#

saw both of them this year and wow. Almost everything's been said

I hope you dance - Lee Ann Womak. Wish I'd been able to see her somewhere!

A day without rain - Enya. Just love her dreamy style, perfect for late
night listening.

To get to you - Lorrie Morgan. Bought mainly for a couple of tracks but
enjoyable for the rest too.

The hardest part - Alison Moorer - still to appear in my collection but it
will as soon as I can get it!

Happy new year/millenium to one and all

Paul

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