Here's that promised review of Levon Helm's new CD, "Dirt Farmer." For those who need a little background info, Helm was the drummer and one of the lead singers of The Band. If you don't think you know him, think of the voice you've heard in the songs "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Ophelia," and "Up on Cripple Creek." That's him. He's also had a bit of a side career as a bit-part movie actor. His most famous role was Loretta Lynn's father in "Coal Miner's Daughter," but he's also had smaller parts in many other movies, including the upcoming movie version of one of Andy's favorite James Lee Burke novels, In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead.
Anyhow, fast-forward to 1996, when Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to go through radiation and all the rest. For a long time he couldn't even speak, let alone sing. He had to communicate by writing notes. His daughter Amy Helm, who sings with Ollabelle, took care of him, and when he did indeed get his voice back, she persuaded him to release a CD of the kind of music he grew up with in rural Arkansas, and that's how "Dirt Farmer" came to be.
His voice sounds great—if I hadn't known about the throat cancer, I would have just thought it sounded slightly different because he was getting old (shades of John Prine, no?). I was stunned when I listened to his interview with Terry Gross last week, because his speaking voice is so raspy and weak, but he can still really belt it out when he sings. (By the way, I really encourage you to listen to the whole interview—it's excellent.) I was interested to learn that he has always thought of himself primarily as a drummer—I don't know nothin' 'bout drums, but I've always loved his unmistakable voice.
If you like his voice too, and if you also happen to like traditional roots music, you'll love this CD. His daughter Amy provides gorgeous harmonies; I've always loved the way family members can make such a beautiful sound together (think Loudon and Martha Wainwright, the Roches, and so on). Listen to the previews at Amazon and see what you think.
Oh wow, I didn't even know he had throat cancer. I'm a big fan of the band, and am planning on getting his new album. Thanks for the review.
Posted by: Kathy | December 17, 2007 at 05:58 PM
I just bought this album, after you e-mailed me about it, and my friend Kristie raved. It's just great! I already have plans to spread the joy. Thanks. I admire your taste in music v. much. And have you checked out my boy Sam Baker any further?
Posted by: Wendy | December 17, 2007 at 06:42 PM
I still have just that one free download from ND, "Broken Fingers," which I love, but I have both "Mercy" and "Pretty World" on my Wish List for the next time I need to bulk up an Amazon order. ;-)
Posted by: Karen | December 17, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Thanks for the review. I didn't know that was his daughter in Ollabelle. Cool. That's a decent album as well.
Posted by: Chris Cactus | December 19, 2007 at 10:37 AM
And Amy's mother, whose name I forget, is now married to Donald Fagen! She was with Dr. John for a while after she and Levon split up.
Posted by: Karen | December 19, 2007 at 10:48 AM