Binding: LP Record
EAN: 0015707984416
Label: Vanguard Records
Manufacturer: Vanguard Records
Publisher: Vanguard Records
Release Date: 2008-06-10
Studio: Vanguard Records

Levon Helm's early solo albums, made in the 1970s after the Band initially broke up, were hit-and-miss affairs, but his first solo studio release in 25 years represents a rich return to his Southern roots. With co-production and musical support from daughter Amy (of Ollabelle) and multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell (long a mainstay of Bob Dylan's band), Helm gives organic unity and rough-hewn vitality to a selection of Cajun fiddle waltzes, country blues, hardscrabble folk, and some more contemporary material (from the likes of Steve Earle and Buddy and Julie Miller). Following his recovery from throat cancer, Helm's voice has a slightly different timbre, but his phrasing is unmistakable as the same vocalist who sang "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Rag Mama Rag." With Amy providing harmony and duet vocals and Levon's drumming evoking his signature work with the Band, Helm takes material from a variety of sources and makes it all his own. --Don McLeese

Customer Rating:
Summary: This Country Rocks
Comment: Dirt Farmer is the best album I have heard in years! If you like country, folk, gospel and the blues, you will love this album. From the first time I heard it, I liked it, but now I adore it. From beginning to end, this is a masterpiece. In my mind, the songs that stand out are as follows: False Hearted Lover Blues, The Mountain, Little Birds, Calvary, Got Me A Woman, Single Girl, Married Girl and Wide River To Cross. This album has great songs, superb musicianship and gorgeous harmonies. What else could you ask for? This country rocks!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: I can't sit through any of these songs
Comment: I like this kind of music but not this group of songs. There is not one that I will keep on my iPod, even for occasional listening. I love the Levon Helm story, love the Band, bought the album, tried to like it, but just cannot sit through the songs.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Levon Helms Dirt Farmer
Comment: I love this cd. If you like 'Oh brother where art thou' you'll like this. Very entertaining lyrics and I like to listen to it when I am cooking in the kitchen.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Easily one of the best albums I've bought
Comment: I purchased this album basically on a whim. Levon Helm sang one of my favorite songs ever with The Band ("The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"), so I thought I'd give this album a shot. I am really glad I did. Even with his voice not at 100% as he still recovers from throat cancer, his strength, wisdom, tenacity, earnestness, and just plain talent come through with every reedy note. Amazing. Anyone who is interested in keeping American traditional music alive should buy this album and listen to it again and again.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Awsome
Comment: Classic Americana Music, An Instant Classic A Down Home Felling Music
"Real Music" JG

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