Dan Tyminski's sophomore album, Wheels is just as good as you would expect from any member of Union Station. It's catchy and pure, and let's face it, bluegrass don't get any better than this. You can hear every instrument that's associated with the genre, but each one is played by master musicians. If you only buy one album this year, get this one!
Most people think that all bluegrass consists of is "nasaly" vocals and a banjo, but that's not the case here. Hearing him sing each of these tunes, you will understand every word comes from the heart. The cover resembles the type of art work that you would have seen on an old Bill Monroe record. It's black and white with Dan standing by an old wall or building with some sort of debris on the ground.
There are twelve songs that make up this awesome record. Each of them were selected with great care. Some are old and some are new, but all of them sound great. Dan wrote one of the tunes you'll hear, but his Union Station buddy, Ron Block, had a hand in two of the tracks. There is also a song that the legendary, Country Music Hall of Fame member, Kitty Wells co-wrote. This displays that Dan Tyminski can sing just about anything and do it with class. Overall, there are over thirty-seven minutes worth of incredible bluegrass music that will have you jamming from start to finish. So grab yourself a glass of sweet tea and prepare for something great.
Kitty Wells and Billy Wallace wrote "Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On." It's so great to see that people are still recording her songs. It starts off just like any old bluegrass tune, but once Dan Tyminski starts singing, it's obvious there is much more to it. When you are tired of dealing with certain issues, especially in your personal life, sometimes you get to a point where you are done. Well that's exactly the case in this tune. Once you're there, there's no turning back, and Dan makes sure his other half knows it.
"I Ain't Taking You Back No More" is another perfect tune. It even has some humor in it. Being a fan of breakup songs, this is a favorite, but if you take the time to listen to it, I'm sure you will love it too.
It wouldn't be a bluegrass album without some sort of instrumental. Well don't worry, "Knock Knock" is just that. Your toes will be tapping from the moment it takes off to its sudden ending. Every instrument is showcased and it's amazing one of the musicians didn't have a heart attack when they were recording it.
If you love bluegrass and what it stands for, run out and pick this album up. You won't regret it!
Release Date: June 17, 2008 - Rounder Records
Track List:
- Wheels
- Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On
- Making Hay
- Who Showed Who
- It All Comes Down To You
- How Long Is This Train
- I Ain't Taking You Back No More
- Heads You Win, Tails I Lose
- How Many Times
- The One You Lean On
- Knock Knock!
- Some Early Morning
