Nothing quite like a good, old-fashioned americana record. Because really, that's all Poor David's Almanac is, with maybe a bit of Appalachian folk thrown in, and though it's a bit by-the-numbers in terms of structuring and production, the solid and occasionally excellent songwriting through the record make it very enjoyable. Dave Rawlings has a great voice and uses it to great effect on songs like "Lindsey Burton", "Guitar Man" and "Yup". His backing band also performs well, especially on the urgent lead single "Cumberland Gap". There's not anything very original on the record, but it's just so professionally done that it's a moot point. There's a nice mix of upbeat, downtrodden, contemplative, nostalgic, and urgent moods here that help give the compositions some flavor as well. The storytelling here is also pretty good, and although some narratives feel cut short, it still manages to be engaging. Highly enjoyable americana/country/Appalachian folk from ol' Dave.
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