Crooked Still’s “Some Strange Country”

Crooked Still is a band that both traditionalists and contemporary bluegrass fans can listen to, holding hands. Crooked’s new album, Some Strange Country, was released a few weeks back and is, hands down, my favorite album from the band thus far. Strange features guests like Ricky Skaggs, Tim O’Brien, Sarah Jarosz, and Annalisa Tornfelt, to accompany Aoife O’Donovan’s matchless voice.

I’ve honestly never dug down deep on this band. Like the Washington Post’s Nancy Dunham, I was really impressed (and purchased) the rendition of “Ain’t No Grave” on the band’s last album, but never fell in love with the rest of it. But this album is totally different.  On tracks like “You Got The Silver” and “The Golden Vanity,” Aoife stretches her voice much more than she seems to do on the last album. And the band (with a little help mind you, but very talented regardless) sounds amazing (they were great on the previous albums too).

I really hope to see these guys live soon. I bought the full album this time, only $6.99 on Amazon. Check out this live clip of the band singing “The Golden Vanity” in Charlottesville at WNRN.

 The Washington Post on Some Strange Country

Some Strange Country on AmazonMP3 – $6.99