Alison Krauss + Union Station - New Favorite
This is an acoustic Bluegrass album released off the Rounder label. It features some great instrumentals by some very talented artists. Alison has an incredibly pure voice and is one of the best fiddle players I have heard. Union Station (Barry Bales, Ron Block, Jerry Douglas, and Dan Tyminski) lend their talents to this album as well. This is a good album to pop in while you are relaxing - it has a very soothing feel to it. I really wish Alison would get more airplay on mainstream radio. She would be a pleasant addition to the workday blahs.
The title track, "New Favorite," has a haunting sound to it. I could see this song doing very well on the radio if given a chance. It has something in it that reaches out and grabs you. She is telling him she knows that he has a new "favorite." She isn't blaming him, just accepts it for what it is.
I really enjoyed this album. At first it was a little slow for me, but I tend to move at a fast pace most of the time. It forced me to take a deep breath, relax and go with the flow. Once I was relaxed and listening to it, I thought it was great. It is a wonderful album for the Bluegrass fan to add to their collection. I think it is close enough to the main flow of country that anyone loving the ballads would like it as well.
Reviewed by Jolene Downs.
