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Album Details

• Artist: Sarah Lee / Johnny Guthrie / Irion
• Album: Exploration
• Label: New West
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2005-03-18

So the prospect of having Sarah Lee Guthrie (daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody), folky Johnny Irion from South Carolina, and a crew of Jayhawks and Son Volt veterans would have created one hell of an album. Exploration failed miserably though. It just doesn't seem to have soul in the delivery. The songs are fine and do have potential. I even do like Sara Lee's voice a lot. But it just feels like there is something missing. Gary Louris and Marc Perlman from The Jayhawks are all over the album as are Dave Boquist and Eric Heywood from Son Volt. The infamous Tom Rothrock took care of the mixing portion of the album, which I might add he did a great job. I think this is the case of a youthful group (with the help of music veterans) need to gain some experience and learn to put their heart in their music. Johnny Irion has a good voice and so does Sarah Lee Guthrie. The musicianship is there, of course. It's just soul that's missing in the mix. It's eerie how close "Mornin's Over" sounds like "Lime In The Coconut". It's a nice song and probably showcases Sara Lee's voice the best. Some people may really dig Exploration but after 4 listens I have given up on it. Sarah and Johnny just need to find their own sound.

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