For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records
(Bloodshot)
First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2005, Volume 12, #12
Written by T.J. Simon
The Chicago-based home of insurgent country is celebrating its 11th
anniversary with For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records, a
42-track, two-CD compilation of new material. The musicians in question come
from a line-up of Bloodshot’s usual suspects (Kelly Hogan, Waco Brothers, Devil
in a Woodpile), its alumni (Old 97’s, The Bottle Rockets), and its fans (My
Morning Jacket, Mary Lou Lord). No matter where one’s taste falls within the
alternative country spectrum, there’s something for everyone to be found within
this overstuffed compilation. Fans of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?’s
roots-oriented musings will be pleased with Little Glass of Wine, a
collaboration between Paul Burch and Ralph Stanley. Elsewhere, the Bottle
Rockets deliver a dirty little blues number on A Living Hell, and John
Doe joins Jim and Jennie & The Pinetops on a bluegrass-infused romp through
Call of the Wrecking Ball. Familiar covers are represented on the disc with
Andre Williams & The Sadies recording Shake a Tail Feather, and Jon
Langford’s Waco Brothers closing the outing with I Fought the Law. An
improbable, but effective version of Love Train performed by The Yahoos
also graces the album. Missing from the endeavor are some notable voices —
Where’s Neko Case? Where’s Ryan Adams? — who have had considerable history on
the label, but with 42 previously-unrecorded songs retailing for under $20, this
Americana package is an embarrassment of riches. Happy Birthday, Bloodshot. 
½
Of Further Interest...
Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher
The Pine Valley Cosmonauts Salute the Majesty of Bob Wills
The Sadies - Tremendous Efforts
For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records is
available from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005 The Music Box