The first I read of Mr. Friedlander's new album was in the NY Times Arts section. I was aware of his previous work, and had some of it, but the sound samples of this had me intrigued. As a bonus, Mr. Friedlander played a show in our city shortly before the album was released. We attended, and were delighted. It might be the live music event of the year for us. As for the record, it is incredible. Mr. Friedlander evokes the best of Americana in a unique format. Some of it evokes traditional folk, at least one track is reminiscent of John Lurie's film soundtrack work, and all of it is terrific. Breakout cuts: "Block Ice & Propane" and "Yakima", but they're all great. If the description "solo cello" sounds stodgy to you, one listen to Block Ice & Propane will cure you of that notion. Buy it. Now. You will not regret it.

I play the cello myself, and I think Erik Friedlander's creativeness shows in this album. I love his use of pizzacato throughout the songs. This album is amazing.

Having grown up traveling all around the USA myself, I can identify with this artist. I heard this on NPR and had to get it- Friedlander can make his cello sing, hiss, growl and everything in between... I love how he uses pizzicato so much to make it ring and glow. You can feel the mood in each song- my faves are King Rig, Dream Song, Night White, Block Ice and Propane, Rushmore, Yakima and Valley of Fire- they're the most melodic.This is more of a "I crave to hear this song" CD than a background music CD, but I'm a big fan nonetheless. Great roadtrip tracks. Check it out!