There is an unwritten rule at CCM HQ that whenever one stumbles across anything by Emmylou Harris which is not on the shelves it requires to be purchased. This even includes Oxfam where the prices are often double than everywhere else.
Such was the case in St Andrews when I stumbled across Spyboy a 1998 live album on the Grapevine label. Spyboy is also the name of her band at that time consisting of Buddy Miller (electric guitar/backing vocals), Daryl Johnson (bass) and Brady Blade (drums)
The band were formed to perform songs from her 1995 album Wrecking Ball.It was the one produced by Daniel Lanois and the one which saw her deviating from mainstream country into Americana. It was a bit controversial at the time and when I saw her at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall around then (probably with Spyboy although I think Daniel Lanois was also on stage) some of the audience actually walked out. More fool them.
It is a more stripped back approach with the album consisting of songs from Wrecking Ball and from her extensive back catologue. I've included one from each.
By my reckoning this is now the 13th Emmylou album (14 if you count Trio) on the shelves and the second live one after At the Ryman where she is accompanied by the Nash Ramblers.
Emmylou fans (and let's face it who isn't?) are advised to stay tuned.
Emmylou Harris - Boulder to Birmingham
Only two on the shelves here, Pieces of The Sky and Luxury Liner. That, by the way, is not a hint.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who used to work in an Oxfam shop, can I just say that their pricing policy pisses me off. And it's not just CDs. I regularly take Sam round all the charity shops in the village, but avoid Oxfam for just that reason. Last week he persuaded me to go in there and found a battered old Horrid Henry book that any other shop would have given away. They were charging £1.99. (I think it was only £4.99 new.) Needless to say, he didn't get it. And not just because Horrid Henry is shite.
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