In our never ending quest to keep you up to date on all the festival announcements that bombard our in-boxes each day comes artist line up for the sixth annual
Since the release of the great Amen Corner in June, Railroad Earth has been touring consistently, and the fall schedule proves no less ambitious. Though their 9/6 show at Irving Plaza—despite the lame marquee and barely renovated interior, I’ll never call it “The Fillmore”—didn’t jump out of the gate, the strong second set was a potent reminder of the band’s wholly satisfying live sound.
Following the release of their newest album Amen Corner, Railroad Earth took their west coast tour through Portland’s Crystal Ballroom on June 20th to ring in the summer solstice in style. In teaming up with Portland’s own prankster production team of Peak Experience, RRE decided to bring more than just their own special sound to the mix; they brought a horn section, a rocking guest guitarist in the form of Scott Law, a top notch opening act of Greensky Bluegrass, and more eye candy and costumes than most shows this side of Ringling Brothers.
Railroad Earth’s fourth studio album, Amen Corner, blends their recipe of Americana with sprinkles of bluegrass and hints of country all over. After listening to the album, it is hard to believe that Railroad Earth has only been together since 2001, despite the fact that the band is comprised of seasoned touring musicians.
With a good set of headphones and closed eyes, Elko can almost entirely deliver the Railroad Earth experience.
Two bands that appear to be in their musical prime got together for a few west coast dates recently and I had the opportunity to catch their show at the McDonald Theatre in downtown Eugene, a beautiful 77-year old building owned and operated by the late Ken Kesey
Just when you thought 2004 was a year full of so-so releases with a few random bright spots…Boom! Our ears were flooded with so much good stuff that all of sudden a Top 20 list became a serious challenge. But here we have it – our picks for the year’s best – The Glide 20 of 2004.
After playing at the Eclipse numerous times in the venue
With The Good Life, its third CD release, Railroad Earth may have revealed itself as the best acoustic jam band of its generation.
Recorded in 1999 after the dissolution of Todd Sheaffer’s old band, From Good Homes, this performance predates Railroad Earth but stands as a document of Sheaffer’s nascent talents and burgeoning skills that play such a pivotal role in the RRE sound today.
