Aliens and Strangers: A Compilation from Silent Planet Records

Description

Aliens and Strangers, sub-titled A Compilation from Silent Planet Records, is a multi-artist compilation featuring various American singer-songwriters, independently released on Silent Planet Records in 1999. Silent Planet’s stated goal is albums that are “acoustically grounded, lyrically intelligent, and spiritually provocative.” File under: Folk/Rock.

This compilation was followed-up by Beat: Silent Planet Records Compilation 2.0, as well as the live recording Silent Planet Records Presents: Live from the Acoustic Stage, which both were released by Silent Planet Records in 2001.

Silent Planet had the best venue going at Cornerstone 2000 with its “Acoustic Stage,” concluding with a showcase of their terrific stable of artists on the fest’s final day. The sets turned in by Jan Krist, Phil Madeira, and Terry Taylor were among the highlights of the festival for this reviewer.

Taylor was inked too recently to have made this label sampler, but it still accomplishes its task well, whetting one’s appetite for more of the 13 artists represented. Acoustic singer-songwriters are the order of the day here, but varying from this are Krist’s «God Have Mercy», colored with warmly distorted electric guitar and an accordion break, Madeira’s jaunty fiddle and B-3-driven «Mysterious Ways», Skatman Meredith channeling Matthew Sweet on «Euphoria», John Fischer‘s folk-rocking «Some Folks’ World», and a tasty piano/hammered dulcimer instrumental from Jerry & Lisa Smith.

The latest recordings by noted folkies Pierce Pettis and Brooks Williams are being distributed by Silent Planet and fine tracks from each appear here. A compilation of songs from Williams’ out-of-print indie and Green Linnet albums is out now on the label, as well.

Among the others, Steve Black, whose warm, rich voice recalls Gordon Lightfoot, stands out, as does Claire Holley’s Appalachian folk gospel tune, which is reminscent of Gillian Welch. Allen Levi checks in with an upbeat Jim Croce-like tune and Matt Jones brings a brooding track that sounds like Toad the Wet Sprocket re-formed and added a slide guitarist and nimble mandolin player. Matt Auten sounds like a far less dynamic version of Brooks Williams or James Taylor. Rick Unruh turns in a nice song, but his voice isn’t terribly distinctive. In addition, there are unreleased tracks from Krist, Black, Auten, and Meredith.

This label is definitely worth keeping an eye on.The new records by Krist, Black, and Madeira have found their way to this reviewer’s “short list” of future purchases. [Dave Draeger, The Phantom Tollbooth, 07/27/2000]

CD tracklist:

01. Jan Krist – God Have Mercy
02. Phil Madeira – Mysterious Ways
03. Matt Auten – Bring A Rose To Sharon
04. John Fischer – Some Folks’ World
05. Steve Black – In My Heart
06. Skatman Meredith – Euphoria
07. Rick Unruh – Hungry Ghost
08. Jerry and Lisa Smith – One Wintry Night
09. Brooks Williams – House Of Truth
10. Claire Holley – In The Bounty Of The Lord
11. Pierce Pettis – Kingdom Come
12. Allen Levi – Top Down Holiday
13. Matt Jones – The Narrow
14. Jan Krist – That’s The Day I Fall
15. Matt Auten – Susan The Gentle
16. Steve Black – Sister Sarah
17. Skatman Meredith – Sadly Mistaken