Artist: Patty Griffin
Album: Impossible Dream
Year: 2004
I'm not going to pretend I came from a music scene I didn't: it was Bright Eyes' stellar I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning that got me into Emmylou Harris, and Harris that got me into this contemporary folk scene or alt-country scene or whatever you guys call it. I wasn't all that aware of Griffin until my dad gave me this album to listen to, but Harris is the first thing that popped into my mind and the album became immediately familiar and accessible. It doesn't hurt that she does some background vocals on the album, either. Speaking of familiarities, Dixie Chicks hit "Top Of The World" appears on this album, as Griffin wrote the song originally and gave it to them. The album itself, however, easily stands on it's own: Griffin is earnest and her ability to write songs is unarguable: from the opener "Love Throw A Line" to the ballad "Kite Song", the album doesn't have a boring moment. Other highlights include the soulful "Standing" and the rounds tune "Rowing Song" which is driven by a well-paced brass section. Highly recommended.
Hear it for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeO63Trs5wk
Patty Griffin is very talented and consistent. If interested, try listening to either 1000 Kisses or Children Walking Through.
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