« new releases 09.06 | Main | the new pornographers :: twin cinema »
September 06, 2005
jimmie dale gilmore :: come on back
 |
| (buy) |
I've always felt like Jimmie Dale Gilmore has a voice of country classic proportions. Some find it too much of a nasal whine, but go back to your Hank Williams records: it's not that far off. If anything, the clarity of modern recording technology paints voices like Gilmore's in a light that may be less fitting than the old, dynamically compressed equipment.
Come On Back, a collection of canonical country covers ranging from namesake Jimmie Rodgers up to Lefty Frizzell and Ernest Tubb, finds Gilmore resting his case as one of the few modern artists who can comfortably inhabit the great tunes of the masters. It's also a eulogy for his father, who worshipped country musicians and songwriters, and who passed the love of his life on to his son Jimmie Dale. The liner notes are heartbreaking to read.
The band is economical, the arrangements are simple, and everything is beautifully played. Robbie Gjersoe's guitar is perfectly stated, in particular.
It's sad, in a way, that Jimmie's personal muse is elusive; he has only a couple of hands full of original tunes to his credit, but they are almost all sparkling. This is the man, after all, who wrote "Dallas is a rich man with a death wish on his mind." After a couple of middling Flatlanders discs without much of his presence, it's nice to hear him back alone with his trademark gentle command; the songs might belong to others, but he cares for them well.
(If you've never heard Jimmie Dale Gilmore before, and are intrigued, check out his wonderful early 90s disc After Awhile, a great country record for any time.)
Walking the Floor Over You (mp3)
Four Walls (mp3)
Posted by borrowed_tunes at September 6, 2005 08:29 PM
Comments
JD is one of the greatest. I've seen him live over 4 times and he only gets better. He is a treasure.
Posted by: Brian at September 7, 2005 06:59 PM
I'm excited to hear this album. I feel like his version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" off _Spinning Around the Sun_ is completely worthy of that great song. Sounds like this is more of the same.
Posted by: Neil at September 12, 2005 11:49 AM