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Family Band "Grace & Lies"

Highly recommended.

Ok, so this is not one to go to when your looking for some sunshine to lift your spirits, it pins the melancholy meter pretty much throughout. It is, however, beautifully written and played with gentle, soulful passion. I was not familiar with Family Band until I came across this review on Pitchfork a few weeks back. This album has been a favorite since. If your a fan of dark, folky, emotional stuff...it's one to give a spin.

Ironically, I was sending this recommendation to a friend this morning and noticed that Scott Hirsch played lap steel and bass on it. He's also multi-instrumentalist on Hiss Golden Messenger's "Poor Moon" album which remains my favorite release of the year.

BTW, I think we need a new music recommendation thread. I know there are a couple of "Best Rock..." etc but nothing just to throw out stuff we come across we'd like to recommend.

Anyway, hope some of you enjoy this one too. I'm going to do a little digging and see what else they have out there.
richard_stacy
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
Thanks for the thoughtful words, John.

Yes, definitely some of that Hope Sandoval thing going on. I hear a lot of Cowboy Junkies, even a little Red House Painters in the music, not so much lyrically as this band is much stronger there. Although I love the groove of the Cowboy Junkies they were never the most brilliant songwriters:)

Glad you enjoyed too.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,934 posts
 
"Although I love the groove of the Cowboy Junkies they were never the most brilliant songwriters:)"

Really? Sorry Richard, I usually always agree with you, but not this time.

I did listen to samples of the Family Band. While I really didn't like "Grace & Lies", I did find "Miller Path" to be excellent and bought it. Thanks for the recommendation. I also agree that Hiss Golden Messenger is excellent and one of my new favorites.
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
Mofi....Of course that is just my opinion. After I wrote that I kinda thought it may not be a popular statement here. Oh well, guess that's why there is chocolate and vanilla !

"I usually always agree with you..." Oh my. Mofi, this should greatly concern you and your loved ones.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,934 posts
 
Okay, how about "almost" always agree with you.
maxnewid
449 posts
 
Thanks for the heads up. They definately have a Mazzy Star vibe to them. I have been enjoying Tim"Too Slim" Langford's latest release "Broken Halo". Langford is the front man for Too slim and the Taildraggers which is a pretty racous Seattle based blues band. Broken Halo is an acoustic solo effort. If you like acoustic blues with dobro, steel guitar, and gravely voices, you will enjoy this. Check out the song "Three Chords".
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