Some Assembly Required (Bonus Track Version)

I didn't know this band and just bought it on a whim while seeing it in the listeners also bought section. This is my favorite album of the year. If you are a fan of bands like railroad earth and tea leaf green, this is for you.

I just recently became aware of AOD, but I'm quite familiar with the guests on this album. I can't quite categorize this band because they're so much more than a jam band. This is one album where each song is unique yet all are crafted by a common thread that's the genius of this uber talented band. I can't think of another album better than this one for a long drive or just chillin' with a good set of earphones and an adult beverage.

Get ready to experience a complete musical expression on several dimensions. This record captures AOD at a fulcrumatic point in their burgeoning musical careers. The music on SAR is fundamentally different from previous work, but nevertheless hangs well in the canon. One of the ways this is ensured is in the broad elliptical pathways of bringing forward Strangefolk material in new context along with brand new songs. Feather in a great list of guests and you get a modern masterpiece. Categorizing all of the guests in equal stature has left me unfulfilled because the countrified guitar contributions by Al Schnier on "High Brow" are an essential garnish. Essential, but not overwhleming to Adam Terrell's phenomenally muscular playing. Grace Potter is like a ghost haunting the "Light Blue Lover" composition. Again quiet in the overall expanse of the song, yet critical. On the flip side, Bela's banjo in "Edges" is one furious piece of banjo and the keystone in the song's arch. All in all, SAR is a fabulous listen end-to-end. Varied. Interesting. Dramatic. Rock!