Folk Alley (( Natalie Looks Back ))

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Natalie Looks Back

December 11, 2003

"Going back to your roots" is an expression which veteran followers of folk music often preach. Don't copy off a copy - go to the source. Roger McGuinn is so adamant about saving old songs that he seldom writes new ones anymore. Now it's Natalie Merchant's turn. The House Carpenter's Daughter is a testament to tradition. Some of the songs are well known - The Wayfaring Stranger and The House Carpenter, for example. Some aren't. Weeping Pilgrim is an 18th century Protestant hymn. Natalie found it in a tattered old hymnal; otherwise it might never have been heard again. Owensboro describes how poorly transient mine workers were treated in rural Kentucky. Fiddler Judy Hyman and old time banjoist Richie Stearns (both of The Horse Flies) help paint the scenes. Outside of Merchant's poor diction (it's hard to understand the words unless you're following along) this is a refreshing collection of traditional song in a classy package - the song descriptions and the old photographs provide a thoughtful touch.

Posted by Jim Blum at December 11, 2003 3:22 PM

Comments

Poor diction is allowed in folk music. It is actually allowed in all kinds of music even opera. In folk music they should sing like they feel - diction and all.

Bill F.

Posted by: Bill Farone at December 16, 2003 4:39 PM

Agreed, Bill. In fact, with a voice as hauntingly beautiful as Natalie's, who cares if you can understand the words?

Posted by: Garp at December 23, 2003 2:27 PM

What wonderful heartfelt music you find here. I could listen for hours...and I do!

Posted by: Tom Vaughn at December 27, 2003 10:13 PM

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