The heartfelt Americana on Good and Green Again comes across as refreshingly no-nonsense in these times of loudness wars and the fading of genre boundaries. Jakes Xerxes Fussell updates the Ry Cooder work ethic with the indie sensibility of The Microphones and Fleet Foxes. His albums serve as archives of traditional American folk songs.
A gentle guitar and tender vocals bring a delicate touch to each interpretation and the occasional original. On opener “Love Farewell” that delivery results in an elegiac atmosphere with the subtle addition of melancholic horns and trumpets. Same for the closer “Washington”. The original “What Did the Hen Duck Say to the Drake?” feels indistinguishable from the traditional tracks, enhanced by typical country fiddling.
Those supplementary arrangements never steal the limelight from Fussells guitar, which frequently veers off into wistfulness. “Rolling Mills Are Burning Down” even evokes the spirit of Red House Painters with its dreamy piano accompaniment but it can’t reach the same heights of romantic longing.
This collection of ditties feels wholesome but stretched out to its limits as well with its languid pacing. Nonetheless, Good and Green Again cuts to the chase with peaceful and honest folk music.
Rating: Approach With Caution (+)