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Strangefolk

	Lore
	Released 1995
	Track listing: 1) Sometimes; 2)...As; 3) Lines and Circles; 4) Shift My Step; 5) Alaska; 6) Speculator; 7) Far From Yourself ; 8) Rather Go Fishin’; 9) Woman Child; 10) Poland; 11) So Well
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating:14 Record Rating: 10 Band Rating: 4
"It’s time for you to follow what you seek Nothing is forgotten of the secrets that you keep So well" Anyone who knows me the least bit, knows that I am a pretty big Strangefolk fan. After going through my hair-metal phase (don’t ask), I kind of wandered around from genre to genre. A little Tom Petty, a little Alice In Chains, but I hadn’t found my new "favorite" band. After listening to some Phish, somebody slipped this into my CD player in our college apartment, and I was hooked. I had to have this CD, and every other one that the band had released at the time. Based out of Burlington, Vermont, like Phish, Strangefolk surfaced around the mid-90s boom of jambands (thanks in-part to Blues Traveler and that now-annoying "Runaround" song), in the wake of Jerry Garcia’s death. "Jambands" are generally known for noodling endlessly on never ending, spaced-out jams, and singing songs about a dog with a purple bark. Strangefolk are not one of those bands. Their songs are narratives about life and love, while the song structure is sound and very enjoyable. Lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Reid Genauer, is dubbed a "Singer, Songwriter, Poet", and for good reason. One listen of this album is like saying hello to an old friend. Switch to the track "Speculator", and I’m instantly brought back to my childhood home, sitting on the porch on a warm, summer night, drinking and chatting with friends, while looking out over the horizon. The opener, "Sometimes", is one of those songs that get shouted out at every Strangefolk or Assembly of Dust (Reid Genauer’s new band) show. "Sometimes, I lay awake at night and wonder/ Will I be alone again tomorrow?/ Will I be alone again today?" The song’s chorus has that catchy-as-hell hook, with the band’s trademark 3-part harmony. From beginning to end, this album will have you bobbing your head and, after multiple listens, it will have you singing it’s songs before you know it. Give this a try and you may be hooked as well.

Strangefolk (Demo)

Released 1996

Track listing: 1) Reuben's Place; 2) Like You Anyway; 3) Two Boys; 4) So Well; 5) Things That Fly; 6) Come On Down; 7) Rachel; 8) So Far Gone; 9) Things That Fly->Like You Anyway (Live)

reviewer: Jarrett

Overall Rating: 9

Record Rating: 5

Band Rating: 4

After experiencing Lore, I was anxious to give this album a try and see how it all began. This is the band's demo album which was originally recorded in 1994, and was re-released in 1996 with the live track (actually two) clocking in at around 20 minutes. The songs are there, but this album only gives the listener a glimmer what's to come from this band. Included is an inferior version of "So Well", which is the same song lyrically, but the song itself is lacking. This song is just not the same without that dramatic buildup of an opening, or the climax jam as it closes. However, songs here are performed today by the band, as well as Reid Genauer's Assembly Of Dust. Song's like "Reuben's Place" and "Come On Down" have been live staples for years and you get a taste of what this band has to offer. Every time I hear the majority of these songs live, it's a treat, but the minimal studio versions offered here are just not the same. I know that the band was new at the time that this was recorded, but I still had high hopes for this album. This album, though, left me wanting more.

	Weightless In Water
	Released 1997
	Track listing: 1) Roads; 2) Whatever; 3) All The Same; 4) Valhalla; 5) Furnace; 6) Who I Am; 7) Westerly; 8) Elixir; 9) Sad; 10) Otis; 11) Oxbow
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 13 Record Rating: 9 Band Rating: 4
Now, this was what I was waiting for. The actual second album from Strangefolk. This had had high expectations to live up to. I didn't, for the most part, disappoint. The main difference here, though, is while Lore is a rock record from start to finish, here we see the band dabbling in bluegrass (see "Otis") and a little country (see "Sad"). There are some great songs here. Songs like "Roads" and "Who I Am" kept this album in my truck's CD player for quite a while. Genauer's songwriting is taken to the next level on this album. "Valhalla" and "Westerly" show just how much of a hidden gem this guy is in the world of songwriters. With the closing track, "Oxbow", the band advertently or inadvertently starts a tradition of closing their albums with classic tracks containing epic jams. Artists who continue to turn out quality material like this is what keeps the fans coming back, in addition to regular touring. Listen to Lore to get hooked, then listen to this album to stay hooked and become a big fan.

	A Great Long While
	Released 2000
	Track listing: 1) Stout Hearted; 2) Mama; 3) Chasing Away; 4) Sinner; 5) Pawn; 6) Walnut 7) Blue & Grey; 8) Utterly Addled; 9) What Say You; 10) I Tell Myself; 11) Invisible; 12) Cabin John
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 13 Record Rating: 9 Band Rating: 4
Ok, I don't know where to start with this album. There's so much of a backstory here, I don't know how much to put here, so I'll try to summarize as best I can. The story goes like this: the band gets signed by a major label, Mammoth Records. They start to record this album, bringing in Nile Rodgers from disco-era funksters Chic to produce it. Mammoth Records gets bought by Disney. Eventually, Disney figures that they're not making enough money from the label, so they decide to drop the big axe on the record company. Also going with the record company are most of the bands signed to it, Strangefolk included. The status of all pending albums are held in limbo, including this album. Eventually the band gets the rights to independently release the album, which is lucky for us. However, the process was so stressful for the band, that lead singer and main songwriter, Reid Genauer, has decided to leave the band and go back to grad school. The future of the band was in doubt. Don't ask for dates with this, it was a multiple-year process and it's not really important. Ok, that's enough of that crap... Now, for the purpose of this rant, review this album. A lot of the band's hardcore fans didn't really like this album much, because it was a lot more produced and polished than their previous albums. A saxophone solo in "Mama" and a backing horn section in "Pawn" are new elements to the band's songs. I wasn't one of those fans. I think these songs are enhanced a great deal by the extra attention. Also added here was Rodgers' brand of 70's style funky, wah-wah guitar to a number of songs. A song like "Pawn", while great when enjoyed in a live setting, is a wonderful piece of music here. It also shows off bassist Erik Glockler's underrated songwriting and singing talents. He does have a good number of songs on the previous albums, but this one is the crown-jewel thus far. "Utterly Addled" has a Beatles-like feel to it and it's just fun to say the title. Alright, now I'm sounding like a dork. Anyway, "Cabin John" is just a monster of a song, changing tempos, singers, and ending with a wonderful jam that leaves you waiting for the next album. I still love this album. The only problem is that with all of the behind-the-scenes crap that went on with this album, who knows if that next album would ever come...

	Open Road
	Released 2001
	Track listing: 1) House Of Pearl; 2)In Deep; 3) Leave A Message 4) First Time; 5) Escalator; 6) Paint; 7) Bait; 8) Open Road 9) Criminal; 10)Rubber Band; 11) Go To A Show
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 11 Record Rating: 7 Band Rating: 4
Ok, when we last left our Strange heroes, Reid Genauer had become disillusioned with the music business and left Strangefolk. The future of the band was up in the air. Come New Year's Eve 2000, Strangefolk had decided to play a couple of shows at their hometown venue of Higher Ground in Winooski, VT. For this, they recruited Luke Patchen Montgomery to replace Genauer on guitar and vocals and Scott Shdeed on keyboards. Patchen is a singer, songwriter known for playing in New York City subways and also in a band called Patch of Eden, with his wife Jen. Though the storytelling style of songwriting left with Genauer for the most part, Patchen is a more than capable songwriter, a very accomplished guitarist who plays both acoustic and electric (Genauer predominantly played acoustic), and the guy can sing like a banshee on steroids!. Shdeed was a solid keyboard player from Louisiana, which was a new element for the band, since Strangefolk had never had a regular keyboardist as a member of the band. Needless to say the shows sold out, and the band decided to continue in their current incarnation. Which brings us to Open Road. This was recorded during the summer of 2001, while the band was on break from touring. While a grooving and very listenable album, this shows a band who that still in the "feeling out" stage with new members. There are some songs here that have become concert staples (see "In Deep" and "Escalator") and some new contributions from Patchen, who shows just a glimmer of his talent here. If you've seen this incarnation of the band live, you know what they are capable of. This is just a teaser of what this version of the band could be in a studio setting. However, since the band has yet to release another studio album, we may never (hopefully not) know. Funky songs like "Bait" and the smoothness of "Paint" make this a very listenable album, in the same vein as Lore. This album gets points for "Open Road", which pays tribute to the lifestyle that a band like Strangefolk lives and the fans that follow them. If you left the Strangefolk bandwagon when Genauer left, give this a try, you won't be disappointed.

Coast To Coast

Released 2002

Track listing: 1) First Time; 2) Leave A Message; 3) In Deep 4) Anchor; 5) Get You Movin'; 6) Come On Down; 7) Water

reviewer: Jarrett

Overall Rating: 11

Record Rating: 7

Band Rating: 4

One last little tidbit of a backstory before getting to this album, their first live release. As the band toured through the early part of 2001, it could be seen onstage and from the stories from the back that the rest of the band really didn't gel with Shdeed on keys. So, in the Fall of 2001, the band decided to part ways with Shdeed. Once this happened the band brought Don Scott on board, from the great state of California. This guy is just a monster on the keys, and if you've ever seen him, he does bear a bit of a resemblance to Reid Genauer. If you've seen them with Scott, you know that the right decision was made to bring this guy aboard. The Shdeed years will always have a place in my memory, though, since when I first saw that version of the group, there was a house cleaning at the company I used to work for the next day. Nothing like going from the high of seeing a great band live, to the low of seeing many of your close friends losing their jobs (2 of whom came to the show with me).

Anyway, this is a good first effort at a live album. There is some noodling here in the jams and I thought the song selection could be better. Getting big points from me, though, is the inclusion of the song "Anchor". This is one of bassist Erik Glockler's shining moments in songwriting. From the strumming guitar line throughout the song, to the highly danceable disco-like back beat, this song has classic written all over it. It remains to this day one of my favorite songs by any band. The song "Water" loses this album some points. It seems to be a song created just for jamming in a live setting. I mean, I didn't think this band would be capable of creating a cheesy chorus like "Water, Water, I'll never waste another drop". Come on guys, you can do better than that. The grooviness of the song saves it a bit, though. It is quite a rocking song. The song "Get You Movin'" does just that, you want to start dancing the first time you hear it. Not bad for a first try at the live album.

Coast To Coast Volume 2

Released 2003

Track listing:
Disc 1: 1) Lucy Down; 2)New Glock II; 3) Float; 4) Window Seat; 5) Round; 6) Family Tradition; 7) To The Moon Or Bust; 8)Fallin'; 8b)Lucy Down - Electric (Hidden Track)
Disc 2: 1) Hello Omaha; 2)Devil's Road; 3) Take It Easy On Me; 4) Wind Won't Blow; 5) Happy; 6) Gustav; 7) Escalator

reviewer: Jarrett

Overall Rating: 14

Record Rating: 10

Band Rating: 4

Ok, no backstory or lineup changes here. What we saw a glimpse of with Open Road and Coast to Coast, Volume 1, we see in full effect here. One of the best things about this double live release, is that every song with the exception of one ("Escalator") is not included on any live or studio album to date. We get classics that the band has played since the Genauer days ("New Glock II"), to some of the band's newest songs. I'm ecstatic to have 2 versions of the song "Lucy Down" on this release. The second version being a hidden track after "Fallin" at the end of disc 1. Although I wish it would have been a separate track, since I like the electric version a lot better than the acoustic version that opens disc 1. Every time I hear that song, I'm instantly in a good mood, no matter how I felt before. There are some other interesting and enjoyable songs on here. Songs like "Float" and "Devil's Road" shows the songwriting talent of Patchen and also showcases his powerful voice. The building of the bassline in "Devil's Road" gives you an anticipation of the climax of the song, which doesn't disappoint. "Round" simply makes you want to grab your significant other and shake your asses on the dance floor! The uplifting spirit of this album is a little bittersweet, though. When announcing the release of this album, the band also announced that they would be taking an "indefinite hiatus" after their annual Garden Of Eden festival on Labor Day weekend, 2003. When Phish did this, they didn't play together for 2 years before they reunited. The future for Strangefolk is up in the air at the moment. If this is the last we see of this band, let me be one of the many to say Thanks for the memories and great music!! If this isn't, please hurry back, there will be a huge void in the scene until you return!

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	Strangefolk (Demo)
	Released 1996
	Track listing: 1) Reuben's Place; 2) Like You Anyway; 3) Two Boys; 4) So Well; 5) Things That Fly; 6) Come On Down; 7) Rachel; 8) So Far Gone; 9) Things That Fly->Like You Anyway (Live)
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 9 Record Rating: 5 Band Rating: 4
After experiencing Lore, I was anxious to give this album a try and see how it all began. This is the band's demo album which was originally recorded in 1994, and was re-released in 1996 with the live track (actually two) clocking in at around 20 minutes. The songs are there, but this album only gives the listener a glimmer what's to come from this band. Included is an inferior version of "So Well", which is the same song lyrically, but the song itself is lacking. This song is just not the same without that dramatic buildup of an opening, or the climax jam as it closes. However, songs here are performed today by the band, as well as Reid Genauer's Assembly Of Dust. Song's like "Reuben's Place" and "Come On Down" have been live staples for years and you get a taste of what this band has to offer. Every time I hear the majority of these songs live, it's a treat, but the minimal studio versions offered here are just not the same. I know that the band was new at the time that this was recorded, but I still had high hopes for this album. This album, though, left me wanting more.

	Coast To Coast
	Released 2002
	Track listing: 1) First Time; 2) Leave A Message; 3) In Deep 4) Anchor; 5) Get You Movin'; 6) Come On Down; 7) Water
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 11 Record Rating: 7 Band Rating: 4
One last little tidbit of a backstory before getting to this album, their first live release. As the band toured through the early part of 2001, it could be seen onstage and from the stories from the back that the rest of the band really didn't gel with Shdeed on keys. So, in the Fall of 2001, the band decided to part ways with Shdeed. Once this happened the band brought Don Scott on board, from the great state of California. This guy is just a monster on the keys, and if you've ever seen him, he does bear a bit of a resemblance to Reid Genauer. If you've seen them with Scott, you know that the right decision was made to bring this guy aboard. The Shdeed years will always have a place in my memory, though, since when I first saw that version of the group, there was a house cleaning at the company I used to work for the next day. Nothing like going from the high of seeing a great band live, to the low of seeing many of your close friends losing their jobs (2 of whom came to the show with me). Anyway, this is a good first effort at a live album. There is some noodling here in the jams and I thought the song selection could be better. Getting big points from me, though, is the inclusion of the song "Anchor". This is one of bassist Erik Glockler's shining moments in songwriting. From the strumming guitar line throughout the song, to the highly danceable disco-like back beat, this song has classic written all over it. It remains to this day one of my favorite songs by any band. The song "Water" loses this album some points. It seems to be a song created just for jamming in a live setting. I mean, I didn't think this band would be capable of creating a cheesy chorus like "Water, Water, I'll never waste another drop". Come on guys, you can do better than that. The grooviness of the song saves it a bit, though. It is quite a rocking song. The song "Get You Movin'" does just that, you want to start dancing the first time you hear it. Not bad for a first try at the live album.

	Coast To Coast Volume 2
	Released 2003
	Track listing: Disc 1: 1) Lucy Down; 2)New Glock II; 3) Float; 4) Window Seat; 5) Round; 6) Family Tradition; 7) To The Moon Or Bust; 8)Fallin'; 8b)Lucy Down - Electric (Hidden Track) Disc 2: 1) Hello Omaha; 2)Devil's Road; 3) Take It Easy On Me; 4) Wind Won't Blow; 5) Happy; 6) Gustav; 7) Escalator
reviewer: Jarrett Overall Rating: 14 Record Rating: 10 Band Rating: 4
Ok, no backstory or lineup changes here. What we saw a glimpse of with Open Road and Coast to Coast, Volume 1, we see in full effect here. One of the best things about this double live release, is that every song with the exception of one ("Escalator") is not included on any live or studio album to date. We get classics that the band has played since the Genauer days ("New Glock II"), to some of the band's newest songs. I'm ecstatic to have 2 versions of the song "Lucy Down" on this release. The second version being a hidden track after "Fallin" at the end of disc 1. Although I wish it would have been a separate track, since I like the electric version a lot better than the acoustic version that opens disc 1. Every time I hear that song, I'm instantly in a good mood, no matter how I felt before. There are some other interesting and enjoyable songs on here. Songs like "Float" and "Devil's Road" shows the songwriting talent of Patchen and also showcases his powerful voice. The building of the bassline in "Devil's Road" gives you an anticipation of the climax of the song, which doesn't disappoint. "Round" simply makes you want to grab your significant other and shake your asses on the dance floor! The uplifting spirit of this album is a little bittersweet, though. When announcing the release of this album, the band also announced that they would be taking an "indefinite hiatus" after their annual Garden Of Eden festival on Labor Day weekend, 2003. When Phish did this, they didn't play together for 2 years before they reunited. The future for Strangefolk is up in the air at the moment. If this is the last we see of this band, let me be one of the many to say Thanks for the memories and great music!! If this isn't, please hurry back, there will be a huge void in the scene until you return!