Tag: classic country

Album cover for Boone Creek’s 1977 self-titled debut, featuring Ricky Skaggs, Wes Golding, Jerry Douglas, and Terry Baucom

Album Review: Boone Creek (Remastered 2026) – Craft Recordings

Reviewed By Harry Kaplan

I will get into the music in a bit, but first I want to focus on the album cover. Holy smokes! This is pure Olan Mills studio work in the back of Sears Roebuck. It takes me straight back to my childhood. It looks like a photograph of the community church board of directors posted in the church business office. A true classic. There is not a natural fiber within 25 miles of this picture. All the food groups are represented: nylon, polyester, Naugahyde, and acrylic. I would buy this album for the cover alone.

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Uncle Lucius: Live In ’25 At Gruene Hall (Boo Clap Records) – Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

There are a handful of storied concert halls that when performers play there, they know they’ve made it. You’ve got The Ryman, of course, Red Rocks, The Garden, and Gruene Hall. Yes, Gruene Hall in country music circles is the fulcrum of playing music. It’s been around since 1878 and has hosted Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Loretta Lynn, Asleep At The Wheel, and too many others to mention them all.1 So to play there and release an album from this storied location is a big deal and Uncle Lucius has played there numerous times. The album cover echoes the importance of this institution because the center of the cover – in a 72 bold font is “Gruene Hall” with a white background. Uncle Lucius and Live in 25 appear bottom center in a smaller font. Nothing else has to be said and no pictures are necessary. A true motion of the utmost respect for this historic musical landmark.

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Emily Love – Heart of a Fool album cover

Emily Love: Heart Of A Fool Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

I just experienced the most incredible honky tonk tonight, and I must say it was a mesmerizing journey. The atmosphere was alive with twangy music that echoed through the air, inviting everyone to lose themselves in the rhythm. Alongside the captivating melodies, the venue offered an array of cheap American beer, enhancing the rustic charm. The smoky dance floor became a sanctum of joyous energy, where people moved in unison, swept away by the music.

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It may have started from a whisper but this release is so damn good I want to shout about it from the rooftop! It has been a long while since my last review so I wanted to start off with something special and something great. Check, check. This is both of those things. I don’t know a lot about Shippee but what I do know is that he is an artist from Northern Minnesota and music is only a part time endeavor. Other than that, I know very little so that is a good opportunity to just focus on the music.

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