Review 1 of 10

esullivan writes:

5of 5 Stars

In my clicking around on Amazon.com looking at various jam bands, Railroad Earth kept coming up as a recommendation. So I read some reviews, and I didn't know what to think. Then I bought Elko, but before I really had a chance to listen to it, I found myself at a Railroad Earth show. I figured it would be okay, and boy was I wrong.
It was amazing! I didn't know any of the words, but it didn't matter! I was still dancing like crazy in the front row! The simple fact of the matter is, these guys have it going on, and you owe it to yourself to check them out. They take all the best parts of bluegrass, rock, country and create a unique sound that will have you tapping your toe, if not up and dancing.
Elko is a great introduction to the band, since they are best experienced live. This album has a nice cross-section of their material - the upbeat "Long Way To Go," "Mighty River," and "Colorado," the dark "Hunting Song," and the jammed-out "Head" and "Warhead Boogie". Not to mention the lyrical, beautiful "Railroad Earth" and "Seven Story Mountain".
Check out railroadearth.com for sample tracks, and I'll see you in the front row.

Dec 6, 2006 17:37:44

Review 2 of 10

gbenn52 writes:

5of 5 Stars

This cd definitely would be on my top-10 list of albums to be marooned with on a desert isle. My wife & I have seen RRE about a dozen times in the last 2 years in all parts of the country, & they just keep getting better. Elko is a great RRE sampler in a live setting. Anyone who doesn't buy this cd is missing out on something special!

Mar 26, 2006 08:51:34

Review 3 of 10

shadycat writes:

Not Rated

Railroad earth, quite simply, are americana worth clinging to. Its my opinion that the best music channels through positivity and creativity- if you're just discovering the band, you've hit the jackpot.

brilliant stuff, *****

Mar 21, 2006 00:28:44

Review 4 of 10

majrdomo writes:

5of 5 Stars

Amidst so much over produced, looped and commercialized music, this band and their music is in a class by itself. Unmatched songwriting and equal musicianship (demonstrated live!)is all too rare in today's music. This CD is one of the best things to hit my CD player OR turntable in a 40 year listening career.

Mar 15, 2006 15:12:54

Review 5 of 10

mikepa19742000 writes:

5of 5 Stars

This is one of the best cd's I have heard in years.

Mar 13, 2006 08:27:30

Review 6 of 10

SoccerBob writes:

5of 5 Stars

The fact that this album is great was of no surprise to anyone who has followed this band over the years. I actually think that there are a lot of RRE fans who have been a bit blase over Elko, simply because they have become so very used to musical excellence. There have been some fantastic performances available in the past, albeit with the audio imperfections of "pirate" shows. RRE's live musicianship and vocals of this great material has always been impeccable. So we all knew that an official live CD with a proper mixdown would be a can't miss proposition.

The truth is that this could have been a three or four CD live set and the quality would not have diminished one bit. Their material is vast, and consistent in quality. Elko serves up as a slice of an entire RRE show. And a great slice, it is!

The music sound is great, no it's better than great it's damn near perfect. The only things missing are the audience in the "audience participation" songs, and the love in the air (and that's not recordable). But that's okay, buy this brilliant set, enjoy it and then come on out for the full effect at a RRE live show!

Mar 12, 2006 15:27:14

Review 7 of 10

cmasse writes:

5of 5 Stars

This cd captures the pure joy of hearing this band live. Not only do I suggest this CD but I strongly urge you to seek out a show in your area and treat yourself to a night of amazing music, lyrics and friendly fans.

Mar 11, 2006 22:20:28

Review 8 of 10

No Screen Name writes:

5of 5 Stars

When Jerry Garcia passed, my soul was left with a tremendous void. I searched the world over for the stuff that filled my soul like Garcia used to. There were a couple of stops along the way, but none that would allow me to rest fulfilled.

Unitl I found Railroad Earth. Elko conveys some of the best that Railroad Earth has to offer. On display is the incredibly strong and meaningful songwriting skill of Todd Sheaffer, the wonderful mastery of their instruments by all the players, and the band's incredible instrumental interplay as they wind their way through meaningful and powerful musical conversations between the verses of the songs.

Elko is the best live album to be produced in a very long time!

Mar 10, 2006 19:07:34