Come On Come On, Let's Dig Through Old CDs
I'm still pulling out CDs from my collection at home, listening to music I haven't heard in a while and reminiscing about what was happening in my life when the album was new. For example, I was in high school when I found Mary Chapin Carpenter, and through her music, I was naturally drawn to discover more songwriters like her, which led me to Nashville. When I announced that I wanted to transfer to Belmont University, my dad said, "You just want to live closer to Mary Chapin Carpenter." (True story -- even though she lived in Washington, D.C., at the time.)
So I suppose it's only fitting that I start this list of CDs with one of my early favorites:
Mary Chapin Carpenter, Come On Come On (1992)
For her landmark album, she connected with deep thinkers, without alienating the folks who just liked to sing along with "I Feel Lucky." And she sold 4 million copies!
Robert Lee Castleman, Crazy as Me (2000)
With tender lyrics and rugged vocals, this quiet album has aged gracefully. As a longtime fan, Alison Krauss cut the title track and brought "Like Red on a Rose" to Alan Jackson.
Kasey Chambers, The Captain (1999)
Growing up in rural Australia, she clearly had plenty of time to think because her debut album is incredibly articulate and vulnerable. It still speaks to me, even 10 years later.
Tom Petty, Wildflowers (1994)
My fellow camp counselors and I listened to this all the time. I still reach for it whenever I go to the lake. The album's laid-back, acoustic approach really suits his distinctive voice.
Pinmonkey (2002)
Musically speaking, this album moves fast, stirring together rock, country and bluegrass. And when they slow things down for a Dolly Parton song, they can still hit that groove.
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Matt says:
The MCC album is amazing. I love “I am a Town”
And I always felt Pinmonkey was too traditional for their own good when they first came out. I’m a big fan of their “Fly” cover. I think it’s a great album and wished they would find success, unfortunately that did not happen. Their other album “Big Shiny Cars” (I think that is the name) is also very good.
CJ says:
I loved Mary Chapen Carpenter when she was popular. I guess that tells our age some what. It is nice to look back and each song or artist reminds you of something in the past. Great blog Craig!
RedMaZ says:
So…you don’t like MCC anymore? Why would that be?
solongsowrong says:
Didn’t really become a fan of MCC until a few years ago. Have since been buying up everything I can find of hers. Music that never grows old.
Also a fan of Kasey Chambers, and the songwriting of Castleman.
Lee says:
I still love MCC!! Come On Come On is one of my favorite cds ever.I discovered her in the late 80’s and wow I wanted to move to DC to be in the same city.lol
Some early songs - “This Shirt” and “The Moon and St. Christopher” are equally amazing.
Michael says:
Yay! I adore Come On Come On! Although I loved a few of Chapin’s singles before that release (”Quittin’ Time”, “Never Had It So Good” and especially “You Win Again”), I could listen to this disc from start to finish. A great one to fall asleep to or put on when you’re taking a bath. Standout tracks include the title cut and “Only a Dream”. I enjoyed “I Feel Lucky” and her cover of Dire Straits’ “The Bug” the least. I wore out this disc along with Reba’s Rumor Has It and the Various Artist compilation Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles. They made me a country fan in my early teens. I’m not as familiar with the other recommendations. I vaguely remember Pinmonkey, I loved “You Don’t Know How It Feels” and “You Wreck Me” from Tom Petty’s Wildflowers and I’m interested in hearing Robert Lee Castleman’s version of “Like Red On a Rose” since I enjoyed Alan Jackson’s so much. Thanks for a great list!
Kevin Coyne says:
My favorite Chapin album is Stones in the Road. It’s actually my favorite country album ever.
Some other good ones worth polishing off:
- Dixie Chicks, Home
- Pam Tillis, Homeward Looking Angel
- Dwight Yoakam, Gone
- Rosanne Cash, Rhythm & Romance
- Trisha Yearwood, Hearts in Armor
- Gary Allan, Smoke Rings in the Dark
- Bobbie Cryner, Girl of Your Dreams
Michael says:
Kevin, your taste in music is very similar to mine.
If you’re up for some recommendations, check out the Dixie Chicks’ Taking the Long Way (my favorite album of the last ten years)
Also,
any Trisha Yearwood disc from her debut through Everybody Knows
Tanya Tucker’s What Do I Do With Me
Emmylou Harris’ Cowgirl’s Prayer
Patty Loveless’ When Fallen Angels Fly
any Lorrie Morgan album from the early 90s
Wynonna’s debut