Turn Off The Fear

He’s been described as having a “Buck Owens-style twang.” Here’s a classic collection of American folk – gospel classics, railroad tunes, and even a few coal mining disaster songs. Rutherford (1929-2006) was something of a grandfather of hillbilly blues and mountain gospel, with just a hint of California honky-tonk. This could be filed in country or in blues. One star every track. Really. Such a stripped-down, real-life, no bullshit sound.

1. Upbeat train song w/a totally catchy toe-tapping sound. Oh yeah!
2. Old time laidback folk w/restrained use of chorus, cool strings.
3. Lowdown coal mining ode.
4. Stripped down hill country version of the folk classic. Slow.
5. Downtempo honky tonk blues. The real deal.
6. Slow coal country ballad.
7. Slow gospel classic, long instrumental intro. Authentic.
8. Appalachian hymn to home. Downtempo twang.
9. Relaxed folk nostalgia – made famous by Elvis.
10. Midtempo folk love gone wrong song.
11. A 1940 mine disaster, Annie’s waiting for her man. Downtempo.
12. Coal country lament. Downtempo.