Search - Micah Blue Smaldone :: Hither & Thither

Amazing, nostalgic, folkiness reminiscent of Alan Lomax reco

Z. Komara | 01/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine yourself in a tavern located in a rural mining town in 1910. Now, imagine a man playing guitar to the crowds in a faded three-piece suit, singing about everyday life into a period microphone to a crowd of life-worn working men. That guy on stage would be Micah. His style is very nostalgic, a type of blues/bluegrass/folk/disaster-ballad mix not heard since the Depression. That said, the album is very accessible to youngsters. Micah himself is a youngster, and actually used to sing for a punk band, something you'd never guess by these albums. They are not for fans of instrument-crowded, overproduced music, and instead appeal to those who enjoy simple sound. As a huge Alan Lomax fan (and a fan of 1930's to 1960's rural field recordings in general), I appreciate his simplicity. He has a distinctive vocal style and is an incredibly good musician. The guitar work is intricate and progressive, while managing to retain a nostalgic tone. I give this album at least five stars. If you like music created by poor, rural, long-dead Appalachian-American folks, you'll love this album. If you like music made by indie singer/songwriters with a flair for period performance, you'll love this album. Also, if you like Cerberus Shoal's album Land We All Believe In, you'll probably like this album. (Colleen Kinsella of that band did the album artwork.) I also recommend Michah's lady-friend's solo projects, which are under the name Dilly Dilly, and are very period and folksy as well."