Search - Slaid Cleaves :: Broke Down

One of The Best CD's You've Never Heard.

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 09/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was lured to a Slaid Cleaves show by a friend here in Philly and walked away with three CD's. He was that impressive. In the best folk tradition, he weaves tales of the down trodden with tales of hope in a rich voice that never comes across as preachy or weak-kneed. Like John Prine or maybe Steve Earle, Slaid knows how to sing about real people and places ("Horse Shoe Lounge" and "Lydia") and of the larger than life tales that make such myths worth hearing again and again ("Breakfast In Hell"). I saw him again this summer at the Newport Folk Festival and he was darn near the best player on the side stage. His reworking of Woody Guthrie's "This Morning I was Born Again" puts most of the "alt-country" crowd to shame. He also understands musical economics. Ten selections, and not one of them a filler. (Are you listening Ryan Adams?) I have played "One Good Year" several times when I feel down, and it never fails to give me a surge of willpower. I can't recommend Slaid Cleaves and "Broke Down" enough, and especially if he's playing near enough to your town to get into a show."

1:32 AM and Broke Down

John Malloy | South Berwick, ME USA | 01/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time follower of Slaid's I have to say this is just an INCREDIBLE record. It certainly may prove to be his best. Although 2000 may have just begun, this one's gonna be tough to beat. Slaid's voice resonates so deeply on this record it is simply stunning. The writing is among his best and the songs are immediately timeless. Slaid is much more than an excellent singer/songwriter, he is an IMPORTANT artist that needs to be supported. Just amazing."

Cleaving to Slaid

Susan McC | Oakland, CA | 05/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album sneaks up on you. You're taken in by the melodies of "Broke Down," "One Good Year," and "Horseshoe Lounge," but you soon find yourself (after repeated playings) longing to hear "Lydia," "Bring It On," and the witty, humorous "Key Chain" (a necessary addition to the CD given the dark atmosphere of the other songs). Then, when you've enjoyed those tunes repeatedly, you get hooked on "Breakfast in Hell," a great epic verse, and "This Morning I Was Born Again," a superb Woody Guthrie lyric that Cleaves writes great music for. Add to the mix a Del McCoury remake (excellent harmonies), and all of a sudden it hits you that you're listening to ONE GREAT CD! I haven't tired of playing it yet. The only cut I could do without is "Cold and Lonely," which is so utterly without hope that I wonder why Cleaves was intent on placing the song on a CD full of characters who still retain some hope. I do find the melody appealing (in a dark sort of way), but "Cold and Lonely" is the one cut (the ONLY cut!) I don't mind skipping over. All in all, this is a first-rate CD. I'd highly recommend it to any country, folk or bluegrass fans!"