I am sitting in my room listening to a great album I would highly recommend to anyone who loves folk/traditional country music with simple, yet beautiful melodies and lush harmonies. I am talking about the latest album by The Wailin Jennys, a Canadian Trio, which recently released a new album entitled Firecracker. I won’t give you a full review of the album, but I will point you to one that seems to sum up my feelings very well. Written by Ed Huyck, it is found on the Pop Matters website. Huyck begins his review be saying:
Firecracker indeed. This Canadian trio’s second album couldn’t have come out at a better time for me. After months of hearing artists trying to be rootsy without understanding what it takes (and even worse, artists with the pedigree who have lost their way), here is a group that finds the right mix of understanding and reverence, but who know-seemingly by instinct-when to add in the right outside touches.
He goes on to add later:
Despite its sometimes dark nature, Firecracker affirms that there are few things as beautiful as the bare human voice, except for a chorus of voices singing in harmony. Add in quality tunes and compelling lyrics, and you have an album perfect for nearly any mood.
I would add that several tracks stand out for me. These include: The Devil’s Paintbrush Song, Glorybound, and Prairie Town (the lyrics of which are below). Even the only song that this talented trio did not write showcases their beautiful harmonies in a cappella fashion. It is the traditional tune Long Time Traveller. To listen to some of the songs, read the lyrics and buy an album direct, go to the Wailin Jenny’s website here. I can’t recommend this CD too highly (9 out 10 dancing fish). BTW, if you didn’t know, the Jennys are often featured performers on A Prairie Home Companion, which is where I was first exposed to their music.
Prairie Town (Ruth Moody)
When it rains it snows in this prairie town
There’s a good three inches on the ground
It seems I’ll be losing any peace I’ve found
I see your face all over this town
But I know you’re nowhere to be found
You’re far away, you’re safe and sound
Far from this prairie town
Far from this prairie town
So leaving seems the thing to do
When I’m here I’m lost in thoughts of you
And in my dreams I’m city bound
But if you ask me to come to you
To leave these fields and these skies of blue
You know I’d be leaving my sacred ground
Leaving this prairie town
Leaving this prairie town
No one’s love comes close to yours
Nothing’s what it was before
My eyes are heavy and my heart is sore
Leaving this prairie town
Leaving this prairie town
When it rains it snows in this prairie town
And we just watch it fall to the ground
And wait for love to come around
So ask me in that way you do
And I’ll leave these fields and I’ll come to you
And watch my heart as it breaks in two
I’m leaving this prairie town
I’m leaving this prairie town
A Far Country 