Levon Helm: Electric Dirt

American Songwriter participates in affiliate programs with various companies. Links originating on American Songwriter’s website that lead to purchases or reservations on affiliate sites generate revenue for American Songwriter . This means that American Songwriter may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links.

The latest solo album by the Band’s drummer and singer is a lot like his last one, 2007’s Grammy-winning Dirt Farmer. Like its predecessor, Electric Dirt is filled with such Americana-approved subjects as trains, family and working the land with your bare hands.

Videos by American Songwriter









LEVON HELM
Electric Dirt
(DIRT FARMER/VANGUARD)
[Rating: 3 STARS]

The latest solo album by the Band’s drummer and singer is a lot like his last one, 2007’s Grammy-winning Dirt Farmer. Like its predecessor, Electric Dirt is filled with such Americana-approved subjects as trains, family and working the land with your bare hands. The music is rustic and dusty and sounds like it was made by a bunch of friends hanging out on the porch after supper. The album starts with a rollicking cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Tennessee Jed,” which kicks up a bluesy swing and twang, but it soon settles into a sort of musical complacency, tapping age-old themes and Helm’s still sturdy voice for inspiration.

Log In