VARIOUS ARTISTS
Pickin' On Jack Johnson (CMH)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The CMH Pickin' On series is real hit and miss for me. While the bands that are assembled for the projects are always first rate, sometimes the subjects selected are less than inspiring. Mileage varies, I'm sure, but the latest bluegrass version of country hits rarely rings my bell.

Sometimes they get it just right, though, and this collection, featuring the tunes of surf film maker turned songwriter Jack Johnson, is one of those times. To call these arrangements 'bluegrass' is sometimes a stretch - the tradition doesn't really accommodate pedal steel and trap drums - but they're awful nice to listen to, no matter what you call them. The emphasis is on ballads, and these sweet, laid back instrumentals are perfect backgrounds for daydreams or the daily grind.

Track List:

Times Like These * The Horizon Has Been Defeated * Traffic In The Sky * Taylor * Flake * Fortunate Fool * Mudfootball * Rodeo Clowns * Gone * Sexy Plexi

© 2003 - Shaun Dale