Elko (Dig)

 (22 customer reviews)

Having seen Railroad Earth live, having worn out several CD players playing their first three discs, and having driven friends and neighbors to distraction by constantly touting RRE's praises, I greeted their new live CD with joy and fear.

Joy at the idea that their quarter-hour live raveups and spontaneous creativity onstage would now be available to hear over and over, and fear that the CD might somehow disappoint. What a waste of worry. "Elko" is a Masterpiece. It is so good tasks stay undone, the dog goes unwalked, the TV stays off, and the wife all but ignored while I sit in my earphone cocoon and listen to it again and again.

Is "Elko" the album of the Decade so far, as suggested by an earlier poster? Damn Skippy it is. The only trouble is what category does it belong in. For starters, it's the best live album I've heard in ages. Bluegrass? The best Bluegrass album I've heard in ages. Jam Grass? Well yeah, except how can you call RRE merely a Jam Grass band...Read more

A couple times each decade, I discover a musical artist that completely captivates me and takes over the music listening part of my life (and that is a huge part of my life). In the past it's been artists as different as The Band, The Grateful Dead, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, and Patty Griffin. Ten days ago I discovered Railroad Earth and I've listened to nothing else since then.

On first listen, Railroad Earth sounds like traditional bluegrass, but it soon becomes evident they are much more than bluegrass. Their music is quality folk-rock played on bluegrass instruments, with touches of awe-inspiring Grateful Dead style jamming and improvisation. Each of these guys is a master of his instrument(s), but I'm especially blown away by Tim Carbone and his magical violin playing. The songs, mostly written by lead singer Todd Sheaffer, are sometimes sad (Bird In A House), moving (Railroad Earth), or just plain fun (Head, Like a Buddha). And they all have interesting,...Read more

I preordered Railroad Earth's ELKO and rec'd it in the mail yesterday. I must say this is something truly special!!!

This band puts on great live shows and this collection really captures that special feeling that virtually everyone that sees this band perform walks away with.

The music is kind of a hybrid mix of Bluegrass, Celtic, Folk, Rock, Pop, Americana. I know that sounds like a lot but they have a very unique sound that anyone that loves really good music and musicians will truly apppreciate.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Railroad earth play, jump on it. Till then buy this CD and revel in the beautiful songs and playing that make this band so special.