Various - Lowe Country: The Songs of Nick Lowe

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 13 / 11 / 2012

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Review

Showcasing up-and-coming artists from such disparate locales as Glasgow, Toronto, Austin, Portland, Raleigh and Nashville, the new collection 'Lowe Country' presents 13 songs written by Nick Lowe. Spanning his career, these are warm, welcoming and witty country tinged folk songs - written in a style that is distinctly Nick Lowe. Country artists have covered his songs. He has likewise covered Nashville gems. The approach here is country, but Lowe’s music cannot be pigeon-holed into one genre. His lyrics range from clever to heartbreaking. The first time that I heard Nick Lowe was on the album 'Despite It All' (1970), with his band Brinsley Schwarz. The opening track, penned by Lowe, 'Country Girl' knocked me out. Part folk rock, part country rock, Lowe’s songwriting talent was undeniable. Today’s 'Lowe Country' is a fitting tribute. On 'Lately I’ve Let Things Slide', Caitlin Rose hits the tone right from the first notes with a fine down home vocal. These are thoughtful Lowe lyrics about dealing with lost love: “I tell myself again/I don’t really hurt.” The Parson Red Heads likewise capture a pleasing folk country blend on 'Don’t Lose Your Grip on Love'- an easy mix of styles with an earthy comfortable vocal. Robert Ellis hits the country honk twang on 'All Men Are Liars' and Amanda Shires does an easy soulful take on 'I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass' with her lovely vocal and her distinctive fiddle playing. JEFF the Brotherhood charge ahead on all cylinders on the story song 'Marie Provost'. On '(I’m Gonna Start) Living Again If It Kills Me', Hayes Carll’s treatment is authentic. Lowe’s lyrics are insightful as always: “I’m going to make a splash in that social world and purge myself of you.” 'Lover Don’t Go' showcases a heartfelt lyric as Erin Enderlin sings like a honky-tonk angel. Lowe once again writes about lost love with mastery. With fiddle, banjo and mandolin humming together, Chatham Country Line does a straight ahead chugging bluegrass meets country treatment of 'Heart of the City'. One of the collection’s absolute high points is Lori McKenna singing 'What’s Shakin’ on the Hill'- a soul stirring rendition that is genuinely moving: “It aint allowed in that carefree crowd to be seen with tears in your eyes.” 'Lowe Country: The Songs of Nick Lowe' is a fine, deserved tribute to the long time and legendary songwriter.

Track Listing:-

1 Lately I've Let Things Slide
2 Don't Lose Your Grip on Love
3 All Men Are Liar
4 I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass
5 Marie Provost
6 (I'm Gonna Start) Living Again If It Kills Me
7 Lover Don't Go
8 When I Write the Book
9 You Make Me
10 Heart of the City
11 What's Shakin' On The Hill
12 Cracking Up
13 Where's My Everything?

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