Buddy & Julie Miller

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Buddy & Julie Miller

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Still buzzing from seeing Buddy and Julie Miller's pre-Grammys show at the Roxy in L.A. A pack of alt-country stars made their way onstage to pay tribute to this great couple, the highlight being Emmylou Harris, who showed up to re-create her "Forever Has Come to an End" duet with Julie. The Millers got a big laugh out of their Grammy nomination (for this rocking album) in the folk category, and then went on to demonstrate how richly they deserved the award in the right category (rock, country?). Whatever. This is an addictive album, with great originals and covers that don't wear out their welcome. The opening version of Richard Thompson's "Keep Your Distance" is a high-energy blast of country honk that begins a breathtaking five-song run. Julie's "You Make My Heart Beat Too Fast" pilfers the big chords from "Wild Thing" and tops them with the love call of an alpha-female on the make. Even the cover of Dylan's pokey "Wildflower" shines. There's something to say about all of this songs, because this is one of those rare all-killer-no-filler albums. If you appreciate Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, mid-period Stones, Lucinda Williams and co. this must not be missed.

In fact everyone was praising this album and my expectations were high indeed. Well, first I can say that I would never call this release a masterpiece or even a great album, even if there are some good moments. In my opinion, Julie Miller isn't that great as a singer since her voice becomes rather boring and even whining in the long run - in small doses she's so much better. And as for the songs, there are a couple of high standard, like "That's just how she cries", but the overall material doesn't touch me the way I was hoping for. I guess the musical direction on this album can be described as alternative country but it's far from cutting edge. It's a decent effort - nothing more and nothing less.