Roots Music: An American Journey

Rounder Records has always done an incredible job of putting together compilations and making the music sound alive. This collection celebrates 30 years of Rounder, and is a great overview of the label, as well as a taster for anyone looking to check out some truly alternative music. The mixture is very eclectic; much like American culture, blending and weaving through musical styles. The set features Blues, Folk, Cajun, Bluegrass, Celtic and much more.

A highly recommended listening experience.

Think of this as an update on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music. Showing up on the heels of the wide success of the "O Brother..." soundtrack and just before the PBS American Roots Music series, this is a worthy collection of samples of the work of contemporary artists working in the earthy music forms from whence it all sprang. From acapella gospel to zydeco with old-time, bluegrass, blues, New Orleans brass and Hawaiian tunes sandwiched in between. What can you say? It's Rounder, for Pete's sake!

This album, which I spotted in a record store (remember those?), I bought on a whim, based on the minimal information on the shrink wrap. I did not even pay attention to the record label. This turns out to be an endlessly satisfying compilation of contemporary American folk music. It is very broad: country, Hawaiian, regular folk, zydeco, bluegrass. Just play it (4 CDs) and close your eyes and listen.