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Album Details

• Artist: Various Artists
• Album: The Grass Is Always Bluer
• Label: Nettwerk
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-10-06

Theme's are the best way to get a good compilation. When labels that are all over the map put together a compilation they are usually hard to take in one sitting. Nettwerk has actually pulled together a fine example of how to do a compilation. On The Grass Is Always Bluer, they have taken a number of their own roots driven artists and mixed it with many outsiders as well. The thing that keeps this project all together is the roots orientation of the album. Some of todays top Americana artists as well as a few newcomers join together to do this compilation. The album kicks off with the grandaddies of No Depression, The Jayhawks ("Stumbling Through The Dark"). We move into Vancouver's Radiogram followed by a newcomer, Rhonda Vincent. Nettwerk's first appearance is the Be Good Tanya's with "Rain & Snow". Other Nettwerk artists include Oh Susanna, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Nathan. Some of the more old school include Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris (on pretty much any roots compilation in some form or another), and Iris Dement. Another interesting track is one from Jason Ringenberg (of Jason & the Scorchers fame) featuring the talents of Steve Earle. It is a nice track in a Steve Earle style with a bit of a different vocal. Iron & Wine is on this compilation with their track "The Rooster Moans". All in all, if you like No Depression/Americana music, you will definitely enjoy The Grass Is Always Bluer. It's a solid compilation and a portion of the proceeds go to Sweet Relief.

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