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Before I was officially introduced to Coyote Grace, I had
yet to find an album that contained such beautifully simplistic music.
Luckily for me, Boxes And Bags was released for my ears to
enjoy. And luckily for you, they decided to continue the wonderful
music with their sophomore album Ear To The Ground.
Appropriately released right in the middle of spring, this album
proved to be the perfect companion to any lazy Sunday afternoon, spent
on the front porch swing. From the first song "Runaround"
you stereo isn't filled with fancy effects, overpowering drums, or
electronic guitar solos. Rather, in this one, it's merely two delicate
voices (coming from Joe Stevens and Ingrid Elizabeth)
and a banjo. If you really listen, you'll realize that this is their
title track. "Runaround, 'round, 'round, till we get dizzy and
we all fall down/Put your ear to the ground and you will find your
sound." They take the most basic parts of a nursery rhyme and
sing them so perfectly, that it's definitely choir-inspired.
"Little Tree" is a song that tells a story. And as you
can guess, it's about a little tree. But it's also about courage,
life and death. That delicate and caring nature is still there and
causes me to think about how easily this could be a lullaby for
children. We finally pick up the pace to a noticeable level with
"Seasons." With the addition of a violin to smooth on
top of the plucking guitar, the tempo could be conveniently set
for a bit of folk dancing. I do believe there is also another voice
creeping in there as well, adding another octave to the male vocals.
I love songs that make me want to research the song title or meaning
of a certain lyric. Well near the end of the album comes "Zuma"
and while I don't think that they're referring to the computer game
by the same name, I still believe this is one fun song. We're floating
along a gentle stream when entering the song, after awhile the current
and tempo picks up a little, but it's not until 2:30 that we're able
to really hear the waves. When they come in you're accompanied by
claps, a clacker, and an official lead guitar (complete with solo).
It's not quite dancing music, but it is absolutely booty shaking,
throw your hands up, not a care in the world music.
An album like this is one that somehow inexplicably gets put on repeat.
If you need help getting to sleep, or simply taking a moment to yourself
while walking around the block, then take this along. And if you have
any doubt on their stand in the music industry, I can only refer you
back to lyrics from Boxes And Bags, "Rock 'n Roll is music,
Rock 'n Roll is music, Rock 'n Roll is music now!"
-Rachel Fredrickson
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