Alison Krauss + Union Station - Live

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MiTT

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Artist: Alison Krauss & Union Station
Title: Alison Krauss & Union Station LIVE
Year: 2003
Label: Rounder Records
Genre: Other

I'm not much of a country music fan, and by extension I'm also not a huge fan of bluegrass. I have over the last few years however become a fan of people like David Elias, Nickle Creek and the subject here, Alison Krauss. Let me just cut to the chase, if you even remotely like acoustic music and the human voice, shut your computer off now and go buy "Alison Krauss + Union Station Live".

Imagine sitting in your living room having a conversation with some dear members of the family that you haven't seen for a while. This experience is similar except that they are doing all of the talking and they just happen to be world class musicians. This music is warm, engaging, intimate, communicative and peppered with occasional leaps into fireworks of amazing virtuosity. Ms. Krauss has a voice that matches her appearance - that is to say very pretty, and she manages to play the "fiddle" in such a way that it doesn't sound like a vulgar word for "violin". While every person in the band is incredible, Jerry Douglas on Dobro is a true standout. Alison introduces him prior to one song as "the greatest dobro player in the world", and this recording should serve as ample evidence. Two of the songs that were on the "O Brother Whereart Thou" soundtrack appear here in rousing form - both "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" and "Down to the River to Pray", the latter in stunning acapella. I'd also recommend this album on the strength of "New Favorite" alone with muted guitar strums counting out the heartbeat of the woman who finds she's been replaced by another and the aching cry of Jerry Douglas's dobro replicating her weeping. This is simple, powerful music.

This was recorded live to DSD, and I've had the SACD for a while, where it's very well served. I believe it's also available as a DVD. So why am I so excited about it now? Well, because Mobile Fidelity has done such an extraordinary job of turning out a 3 disc gem of vinyl glory on this one that it stopped me dead in my tracks that's why. Don't get me wrong, this is great music no matter what format you're going to hear it on, but this is one of those incredible issues on vinyl that collectors will want to go snatch up in multiples - one to listen to, and one to keep as an investment. This is classic audiophile PORN!!! Dead quiet surfaces (as silent as the SACD I $hit you not!), HUGE soundtage with incredible location and palpability of each person as a fleshy body in real space, and tonal shadings galore, the kind that make you shiver. Rosin of bow on string, with glorious decay, the slap of a pick against guitar strings, the metalic buzz of the dobro and an occasional percussive WHACK of the kick drum that startles you and at once makes you laugh in that giddy way that tells you THIS IS WHAT MUSIC SOUNDS LIKE! I defy you to keep your toes from tapping, to keep from smiling or on occasion from holding back a tear. This is GREAT music making available in a GREAT format. I would use this album to demonstrate why anyone would want to go get a turntable - it's that good.
 

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Tim, Guess what DIDN'T show up in Elusive Disc order??? ........B/O so the slip says,even though it wa in stock when orderd !!! Oh well patience is a virtue !! I did receive "The Peter Malick Group" featuring Norah Jones, it's a good one that I'll write up soon.
 
Good job, Tim!

I was about to recommend the DVD, but now you've got me pining for the vinyl. This music demands fast speaker, to keep up with multiple plucked acoustic guitars and banjos and double bass, as well as present the plaintive songs of the slide guitar and fiddle. Alison’s ethereal voice is the perfect complement to the instruments around her. And she's funny too.
 
Good job, Tim!

I was about to recommend the DVD, but now you've got me pining for the vinyl. This music demands fast speaker, to keep up with multiple plucked acoustic guitars and banjos and double bass, as well as present the plaintive songs of the slide guitar and fiddle. Alison’s ethereal voice is the perfect complement to the instruments around her. And she's funny too.

Yes indeed, I picked up the DVD because I was enjoying the album so much. My wife wasn't a fan until she watched the DVD with me and she said the same thing - she's very funny! At the beginning where Alison is talking about the theater, and being so close to the audience, and then the whole "huntin'" story. This is just simple, fun, glorious entertainment by people who are all about the MUSIC. Great stuff.
 
I bought this DVD and totally concur!
I think it is a really good DVD; I have always enjoyed Alison's voice. I recommend it.

Lee
 
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