Following 2013’s critically acclaimed/Buddy Miller produced LP I’m a Stranger Here, The Devil Makes Three new release features covers on the themes of Redemption and Ruin, hence the name. All the pieces on Redemption and Ruin are classic or obscure American songs rearranged in the band’s signature mix of blues, bluegrass and ragtime style. Additionally, the collection includes a number of distinguished guests: Emmylou Harris, Duane Eddy, Mickey Raphael (harmonica; Willie Nelson), Darrell Scott, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, and Kenny Malon. Album highlights include: a smoking bluegrass cover of Robert Johnson’s “Drunken Hearted Man”; an excellent ragtime version of Willie Nelson’s “I Gotta Get Drunk”; a gospel tinged version of Phil Moore’s “There’ll Be a Jubilee”; a simmering blues cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Waiting Around to Die”; Ralph Stanley’s “I Am the Man Thomas”; a beautiful country gospel version of Tom Waits’ “Come on Up to the House”; and a touching cover of Hank Williams’ “The Angel of Death.” While cover albums run the risk of being light-touch, The Devil Takes Three takes great care to craft these songs in creative and poignant ways, resulting in new twists on trusted classics. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Hackensaw Boys, Old Crow Medicine Show, Split Lip Rayfield, William Elliott Whitmore