Various Artists / Treasure Of The Broken Land: The Songs Of Mark Heard
Album:Treasure Of The Broken Land: The Songs Of Mark Heard Collection:Country
Artist:Various Artists Added:Jul 2017
Label:Storm Weathered Records 

A-File Activity
Add Date:2017-08-26 Pull Date:2017-10-28 Charts:Country/Bluegrass
Week Ending:Oct 29Oct 22Oct 15Oct 8Oct 1Sep 24Sep 10Sep 3
Airplays:14111111

Recent Airplay
1.Jun 10, 2022:Traditions
Strong Hand Of Love
4.Oct 20, 2017:Traditions
Worry Too Much
2.Jul 10, 2018:That's Not Bluegrass
Rise From The Ruins
5.Oct 20, 2017:Magic Mix
Treasure Of The Broken Land
3.Oct 26, 2017:Totally A
Nobody's Looking
6.Oct 19, 2017:Totally A
Nobody's Looking

Album Review
DJ Kimberlicious
Reviewed 2017-07-26 
Treasure of the Broken Land: The Songs of Mark Heard
Label: Storm Weathered Records
Reviewed by: Kim Walter, July 2017

Every now and then as a music reviewer, I am faced with various compilations and tribute albums done in honor of musicians I know almost nothing about or have even never heard. Sometimes they can be tedious, especially when it’s a lifetime greatest hits album of 25 songs, but I always enjoy the albums where each song is done by a different band with its own style. This album really blew my mind. I didn’t know Mark Heard or his music, and honestly, at the first song’s unimaginative sound, my thought was an overwhelming “ugh” when I saw there were 17 songs. However, after the first song, which wasn’t at all bad, just a little generic, it got better and better. The different artists do more than justice to Mark Heard, and his songs are given new life 25 years after his death. It’s interesting to hear how the lyrics and issues that are bound in the songs are still relevant today, and despite the realities they convey, many have uplifting messages.

Mark grew up in Georgia in the 50’s and 60’s, graduating from college in 1974. He had a large theological streak and was actually living and studying in a seminary in Europe when he was discovered playing his guitar and singing one day. He went on to have a good career in music, putting out 14 albums and 3 compilations during his life, before becoming disillusioned with the music scene and its conformity. He dedicated his life to the art of music, finding himself and putting out three successful albums in the early 90’s. He then unexpectedly suffered a heart attack while on stage in 1992. He ended up dying 2 weeks later, which was especially tragic as the world tour and new album he was negotiating just could have been what propelled him to super stardom. Since his death, 8 albums of unreleased and private music have been produced, as well as three tribute albums in the 90’s. This album is an attempt to both honor him 25 years after his passing and to bring his music back to the world. All the songs are good (even the generic country tunes, 1, 6, 7, are okay), but my favorites were 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17.

1. med- generic country tune, almost honky tonk-ish
2. med – original sounding, still in country genre, but more creative and varied
3. slow/med- striking female voice, elements of blues and a larger band
4. slow/med – nice vocal harmonies
5. slow- comforting, homey sound to voice/music/message
6. slow/med – unassuming country/progressive rock sound
7. slow – progressive/country rock sound with great message
8. slow/med – original sounding tune, female lead, good message
9. med – bluesy, nice electric guitar
10. slow/med – unique blues/bluegrass hybrid sound
11. slow/med - gentle drum dominates, nice vocal harmonies
12. slow – beautiful guitar followed by angelic voice in gentle tune
13. slow/med – choral beginning, then the song funks out a little
14. med – upbeat Americana feel, electric guitar
15. slow – acoustic, prominent fiddle, familiar female voice
16. slow – cowboy ballad, Title track, *repeat tribute artist from 90’s
17. slow/med – soul vibe, completely unique to album
18. slow – female with piano, also totally unique to album, nice end

Track Listing
 ArtistTrack Name
1.Matt HaeckThe Dry Bones Dance
2.Levi ParhamI Just Wanna Get Warm
3.Birds Of ChicagoRise From The Ruins
4.Lily & MadelineWhat Kind Of Friend
5.Sean RoweEverything Is Alright
6.Rodney CrowellNod Over Coffee
7.Cruz ContrerasMercy Of The Flame
8.Amy SpeaceHouse Of Broken Dreams
9.Drew HolcombTip Of My Tongue
10.Willie SugarcappeWorry Too Much
11.Amy Helm, Cindy Morgan, And Levi ParhamOrphans Of God
12.Sierra HullStrong Hand Of Love
13.Red Dirt BoysSatellite Sky
14.Humming PeopleNobody's Looking
15.North Mississippi AllstarsFreight Train To Nowhere
16.Buddy MillerTreasure Of The Broken Land
17.Sarah PotenzaLonely Road
18.Over The RhineLook Over Your Shoulder