October '98
Pick of the Month
Spyboy
Artist: Emmylou Harris
Label: Grapevine Records (UK)/ Eminent Records (US)
Time: 14 tracks / 61.57
During the extensive tour to support her last studio album, Wrecking
Ball, Emmylou Harris and her guitarist Buddy Miller took the opportunity
to produce this live album. With a sound that mixes traditional country
with some pop influences and a fair pinch of the 'No Depression' sound,
this album is an interesting synthesis sure to delight the fans.
The guitar sounds are shimmering and accompanied by a range of other
instruments, from the predictable bass and drums to djembe and mandoguitar.
Although these instruments are all well performed, the vocals take center
stage. Harris's voice is adaptable and moves from the beautifully emotive
feel of the opener, "My Songbird," which opens the record in appropriate
style, to the almost Victoria Williams-esque "All My Tears." The entire
band contribute backing vocals, with Buddy Miller's voice being the most
distinctive.
Musically, things vary quite a bit. The country feel is omnipresent
yet moves through rockers and ballads with a good deal of cohesiveness.
Without wanting to keep returning to him, Buddy Miller certainly proves
he is the consummate modern country guitarist and plays his parts with
great finesse.
Only one of the songs is written by Harris alone: she performs
"Prayer in Open D" solo which provides a nice contrast to the rocker that
precedes it. The gentle acoustic guitar sound suits the vocals well, and
continues the shimmering, jangly guitar tradition of the album.
The reference to "Jesus our Saviour" in the traditional "Green Pastures"
is just one hint at spirituality. More are to be found both in the Julie
Miller-penned "All My Tears" and scattered throughout the album. The final
track, Daniel Lanois's "The Maker," also refers to the focus of its title,
with the lines:
I'm not a stranger
In the hands of the Maker
Those looking for an album full of immediate statements of faith may
be a little disappointed, but you'll enjoy this album if you don't mind
seeing beliefs portrayed in music more subtly. Though it is
an acquired taste, Spyboy is an album full of gems and a very well
put together live album, offering useful insight into the difference between
her own contributions to her last album versus Daniel Lanois's. She's the
leading lady of modern country, and here's the proof.
Track Listing: "My Songbird," "Where Will I Be, I Ain't Living Long
Like This," "Love Hurts," "Green Pastures," "Deeper Well, Prayer in Open
D," "Calling My Children Home," "Tulsa Queen," "Wheels," " Born to Run,"
"Boulder to Birmingham," "All My Tears," and "The Maker."
By James Stewart (9/16/98)
