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Electric Dirt (Dirt Farmer Music/Vanguard Records) is the second album in the last two years from American musical treasure Levon Helm. Its predecessor, the GRAMMY-winning Dirt Farmer, his first solo LP in a quarter century, followed Levon's near miraculous recovery from throat cancer, and as such represented a new lease on life for the legendary artist, who rose to prominence as the drummer and vocalist for Levon and the Hawks, which later became The Band. Electric Dirt again finds Levon steeped in tradition in his connection to the land and those who live by it, but this record goes deeper and wider, incorporating gospel, blues and soul elements in a bracing collection of originals and carefully chosen outside songs. As with Dirt Farmer, multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell took the reigns as producer and the album was recorded at "The Barn"- Levon Helm Studios. "Our objective here was to take the honesty, innocence and purity of the Dirt Farmer record which represents a true element of what Levon is all about, but also expand on that and explore deeper the goldmine of Levon's musical artistry" states Campbell.
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Reviews:
vintage levon
Have to admit, was pleasantly surprised by this album. So many years since The Band days, and Levon has still got it. His voice seems more "raspy", but if anything it improves the quality of the songs. Good material, kind of a gospel feel on some of the songs. Especially liked "Golden Bird"; what a haunting song.
If its been awhile since you've heard anything from Levon and if you like good music would definitely recommend giving this a tumble; good music is still being made.
Brilliant, inspired music
Quite simply, this is the best new CD I have heard in a long, long time. The song selection is varied and inpsired. Only one was familiar to me before, but after a few listenings they all felt like old friends. The arrangements, while all recognizably by Levon Helm, are each sensitively geared to bring out the essence of that song. This is American popular music at its best.
Outstanding
This album and Dirt Farmer are as good or maybe better than anything The Band ever did.
It's rare that any famous performer comes back and turns out something in old age that is better than what they did when they were young and popular, Clapton, and Ralph Stanley are the only ones I can think of offhand. But both Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt are mega home runs.
Speaking of Ralph Stanley although this is not really bluegrass Helms voice has actually gotten more character to it just like Ralph's has. The songs are great americana stuff sung with total gusto and the background vocals just give them awesome punch.
Who would have thought he could have OWNED the Dead's TN Jed? What a great rendition! Hardly not a clinker on either album. True classics!
best of Levon Helm
This CD would have to be one of the best I have heard - I have been listening to Levon Helm for many years (The Band) and this tops them all. Well done Levon and crew
classic-get it while you can appreciate a living legend !!!
Levon Helm is blessed by GOD to spread the word of the common man,
we are lucky to get a second chance with his live music, EMBRACE it now !!!
