bluegrass/folk/acoustic rock album."

Americana UK ~ Phil Edwards ~ UK

Okie Dokie Folkie

Opening with the strongest track on the album, ‘All The Pretty America’, Dillon releases her second album after a six year hiatus. Whilst the PR that accompanies this release enthuses madly about the album (as is their job), it doesn’t list the opener as a “recommended track”. Strange that, as it’s the one of the best here.

There are many descriptions to cover the gamut that makes up Americana these days, but here’s a couple used to described Dillon’s work that may be new to you; avant-garde folk (WTF?), okie-roots (WTF2?) and even mythopoeia (WTF3?.. it’s the process for creating myths apparently). Not only does Americana-UK inform but, we educate you. Bit like the BBC.

Dillon provides some useful song notes that explain where these songs come from and the thoughts behind them. I always find these useful, as they rarely correspond with what I think they’re about. But that’s the beauty of well written tunes, they can be whatever you want them to be.

‘Roses Guide To Time Travel’ covers memories of childhood, trains, murder mystery ghost ballad, cowboys getting dressed up in their white shirts for a night out, Paul Kelly and Townes, affection for Portland plus driving through Texas storms.

Dillon has a quiet laid back approach, but she doesn’t have to hoot and holler loudly to get her message across. ‘Sweet Honey’ has echoes of Vika and Linda, ‘Last Down The Line’ chugs along to emphasise the train theme, ‘Desert Song’ revisits Gram and Emmylou territory and ‘No Goodbyes’ references not only Paul Kelly but also Townes van Zandt.

A well written and beautifully paced contemporary bluegrass/folk/acoustic rock album. Please don’t leave it another six years next time Nancy!

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