 Alison Krauss Falling somewhere between traditional bluegrass and the sort of contemporary country approach of Mary Chapin Carpenter (not nearly as pop, though), Alison Krauss is an almost frustratingly great performer, seemingly capable of no missteps. Now That I've Found You collects the "best of" her career through 1994, including several tracks found only on compilations or other artists' albums. It's a virtually impossible album not to like, whether you think country sucks your ass or rocks your ovaries. The purity of her voice is a marvel, consistently beautiful and passionate without being over-emotive. It's mesmerizing. Backing her up is Union Station, her longtime band, all great players. This is bluegrass without all the damn toe-tapping and kookily fast soloing. Tasteful, but not subdued, with lots of immaculate three-part harmonies that would make the Doobie Brothers cry. Krauss's fiddle playing is amazing, too. What's not to like? What are you, anyway, a bastard or something? Every track is excellent, highlights being the title track (a cover of the 70s pop hit), "Broadway," a stunningly gorgeous song that leaves me stunned with its gorgeousness, "Every Time We Say Goodbye," featuring some awesome harmonies, "When God Dips His Pen Of Love in My Heart," featuring the Cox Family (and keep your "pen of love" jokes to yourself, please), a pristine cover of the Beatles' "I Will" that maybe bests the original, and the closer, Keith Whitley's "When You Say Nothing at All." Other highlights include "Sleep On," "Teardrops Will Kiss the Morning Dew," "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby," "In The Palm of Your Hand," "Oh Atlanta," and "Tonight I'll Be Lonely Too." Well, that's the whole track listing – I told you every track is excellent. I'd feel foolish finishing the review without mentioning the time I was working in a record store and Alison herself came in to buy some CDs. I got to ring her up for, among others, CDs by Def Leppard and Leo Sayer. At the time I was pretty confused, but I think it's utterly cool that this bluegrass superstar gets her kicks with the likes of "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Now, can you picture Bill Monroe sitting around listening to AC/DC? I can't – although now that I think about it, I can picture Waylon Jennings listening to Coolio. Hm. Well, anyway, get this disc, it's essential. Don't fear the banjo!
Review by Bryna Besti |