The Infamous Stringdusters - The Infamous Stringdusters (2008)

On their new album, the band straddles the line between traditional bluegrass, new-grass jams, and even veers a little into country pop territory. I know what you are thinking and despite my somewhat questionable description and the diversity of the record, nothing sounds labored.

With the virtuosic playing of Travis Book (bass), Jesse Cobb (mandolin), Andy Falco (guitar), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Andy Hall (dobro), and Chris Pandolfi (banjo), plus three vocalists trading leads, The Infamous Stringdusters never gets stale. There are hella furious bluegrass jams but I personally think the band shines brightest on the slower love songs on the album. It is a move that demonstrates the band’s reverence for bluegrass traditions but also finds them pushing the genre forward and even adding some pop elements.

I’m not a bluegrass expert, but it doesn’t take one to realize just how good The Infamous Stringdusters are. They might not be for everyone, but if you like a little twang and a little sheen, this might just be for you.

Track List:

01 - Black Rock
02 - Bound For Tennessee
03 - Get It While You Can
04 - Glass Elevator
05 - Golden Ticket
06 - I Wonder
07 - Lovin' You
08 - The Way I See You Now
09 - Three Days In July
10 - Well, Well
11 - When Silence Is The Only Sound
12 - Won't Be Coming Back
13 - You Can't Handle The Truth

Download includes front cover