Gob Iron - Death Songs for the Living

Gob Iron is the pairing of Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt founder Jay Farrar with Anders Parker of Varnaline. They have updated a range of American folk songs, adapting lyrics, slowing tempos, combining parts of two different numbers, and in general fully celebrating one of the defining characteristics of folk music: that it is kept alive in the guise of whoever is its current vessel, reflecting their character as well as those of their predecessors. A number of tracks on Death Songs for the Living illustrate this concept of "the folk process." "Silicosis Blues" combines the titular lyric with the melody from another song, "Paul and Silas in Jail." Elsewhere, there are numbers by the Reverend J.M. Gates, Stephen Foster, and the Stanley Brothers. Nine brief instrumentals separate each of the ten songs, the final one a new Farrar original, "Buzz and Grind," which ups the wattage for their ride off into the sunset. --David Greenberger Amazon.com

Farrar dips back a little

I thoroughly enjoyed Death Songs for the Living. Jay has done it again. This is a great album to just sit and listen to. Truely entertaining and meaningful. I've read on here that some one thought the lyrics were immature. All but one song are reworked traditional folk songs. You have to look at everything in context. The simplicity is the point. This album represents what Americana is all about and that there is still hope for the genre. February 22, 2008

AWFUL

I listened to this CD once and threw it in the trash. I gathered from reading the reviews that the songs would have meaning, so I spent the money. They were pointless and sounded like they were written by a 3rd grader. To say this is a terrible CD and a waste of money would be a ridiculous understatement. January 10, 2008

Reminds me of Uncle Tupelo

I am a big fan of Jay Farrar, and really enjoy this work. It is grounded in folk music, but with the sinister undertones of the songs about death. This reminded me a lot of the Uncle Tupelo "March 16-20" release. January 12, 2007

The Great Jay Farrar Does it Again

Excellent CD, reminds me quite a bit of Springsteen's recent folk tribute, but more reserved and acoustic. I never stop being impressed by Jay Farrar, the man has so many songs in him, be it with Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, solo or now, Gob Iron. If you are a fan of Farrar and want to hear some really incredible acoustic arraingments, I strongly recommend. December 31, 2006

One of the very best releases of 2006

I am in the process of choosing from about 20 cds for my ten best of the year list. This cd will easily make the cut. December 10, 2006

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