Big Iron World

After the profound impact of the David Rawlings produced "O.C.M.S.," to my music collection, my pre-order of "Big Iron World" came with pretty high expectations. I've listened to it three times since receiving it in the mail last night and though it doesn't sport tracks with the immediate staying power of "Wagon Wheel," "Big Iron World" does pull some wonderfully surprising punches. Though he doesn't capture OCMS's live act at it's fullest (and who really could), Rawlings' production once again manages to maintain OCMS's authenticity and pushes their "old-time" music into the modern area, without a hint of the tacky, over-produced, artificial, gimmicks, heard on other neo-bluegrass records.

"Big Iron World" is not an album stuck in history, or looking to bite of the accomplishments of the past. With "Big Iron World," OCMS once again displays its own sound, pushing the limits of bluegrass/county/rock/punk/folk forward, while paying its respect and harkening back to the...Read more

Having only really listened to the most recent previous album, I didn't know what to think of Big Iron World at first; it seemed quite a bit more bluesy than O.C.M.S., and I wasn't sure the change was for the better. After a dozen or so times through, though, I've got to say, they've got an uncanny ability to bring even a reluctant audience around.

There are a few songs on the album that I still don't love: Down Home Girl has a pretty monotone, repetitive sound; Union Maid is too obviously a throw-back; and Bobcat Tracks is just hokey.

Now that I got my complaints out, though, what a great album. My Good Gal is reminiscent of my favorite Louvin Brothers song (Knoxville Girl); New Virginia Creeper demands dancing; and I Hear Them All is up there with the best of American folk political protest songs. Just a great time, great musicians, and I wish they'd come play live in New England.

Having already bough and loved the last OCMS record I was expecting to love this and was not disappointed. While this is bluegrass, old timey music it is also inexplicably modern. Loving bluegrass will no doubt help you love this album, but I also think it is good for anyone who like good lyrics and strong, different instrumental. If you usually like rock or even punk you'd probably like this album. A great album to add to your music collection.