Home: a musically rich and accomplished piece of work., 14 Nov 2003
One of the characteristics of the Dixie Chick's "Home" which makes it a great album is how musically rich it sounds. Gone are the electric guitars and drums which featured in their two previous albums. The sounds of the banjo (naturally, as this is Emily Robison's instrument), the mandolin, the acoustic guitar and the papoose pepper this album giving it a more folky and rootsy feel. The instumental break in "More Love" where Martie Maguire's fiddle solo plays is sublime and beautiful. In addition there are more bluegrass tracks than their other albums; I counted five including an intrumental ("Lil' Jack Slade") which will please those who prefer their country music less pop-orientated.
The songs themselves add depth to "Home." The use of quality song writers such as Patty Griffin, Bruce Robison and the Chicks themselves show. As well songs about subjects usually tackled in country songs (eg the fickleness of young love in "Tortured, Tangled Hearts"), there is a soothing lullaby in "Godspeed" and an old fashioned telling of a story done in song. This particular song, "Travellin' Soldier", one of my favourite tracks is about a young man who goes off to fight in the Vietnam War and never returns. It manages to be poignant and memorable through its delivery: listen the harmony vocals conveying the sadness of the story teller and the deliberate slowing down of the song when the young man's fate is realised. The song slowly fades with the an accordion playing and the beating of a military drum - very reflective.
The highlight of "Home" is "Top of the World" which in my view is an extraordinary song. It's about a man who has died recently (the album is not all doom and gloom!) and looks back at his life ruefully. It is sung, interestingly enough, from his own perspective by the lead vocalist Natalie Maines. This melancholic song climaxes with a stirring outro with a string arrangement and Natalie's amazing vocals, pleading sorrow and regret. I am always moved when I listen to it.
To elaborate on an earlier point, Natalie Maines has an incredible voice. It is both distinguishable and excellent whether she chooses to be soft and subtle for something like the lullaby "Godspeed" or loud and raucous for the energetic bluegrass number "White Trash Wedding." Emily and Martie provide great harmonies to back up Natalie too.
It is safe to assume that every Dixie Chicks fan owns a copy of this album. To those who may want to open their ears to country music or even want to seek an alternative to the pop music that is saturating the charts, I would strongly recommend "Home" as this is an accomplished piece of work that contains great songs, excellent vocals and one that is musically rich.
SEE ALSO:
2007-04-25
Home - Dixie Chicks
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