How do you review an album like Ian & Sylvia's The Lost Tapes? The Tysons are legends in the Canadian folk world, and their continued influence on the genre is undeniable, yet, one wonders if the release is even necessary. The duo already have such a rich catalogue to choose from — why this, and not a Northern Journey reissue?
The Lost Tapes is a time machine; listening to it in its entirety is the closest any of us will get to (re)living the American folk movement. The two-disc album flows like a series of sets, complete with applause and a little stage banter between songs.
The first disc is the Ian & Sylvia you expect, compete with a live rendition of "Four Strong Winds." The second is the Ian & Sylvia you want: it features inventive takes on classic honky-tonk tunes like "Heartaches by the Number," "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" and "Starting All Over Again."
The album is fun and genuine, if a little repetitive and predictable. The musicianship is of the highest calibre, and the audio quality is top notch. Is the album necessary? No — but it is welcome.
(Stony Plain)The Lost Tapes is a time machine; listening to it in its entirety is the closest any of us will get to (re)living the American folk movement. The two-disc album flows like a series of sets, complete with applause and a little stage banter between songs.
The first disc is the Ian & Sylvia you expect, compete with a live rendition of "Four Strong Winds." The second is the Ian & Sylvia you want: it features inventive takes on classic honky-tonk tunes like "Heartaches by the Number," "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" and "Starting All Over Again."
The album is fun and genuine, if a little repetitive and predictable. The musicianship is of the highest calibre, and the audio quality is top notch. Is the album necessary? No — but it is welcome.