REVIEW: Pam Linton — Songs of the Carter Family (LP)
Pam Linton’s Songs of the Carter Family is more than an album; it’s a love letter to the roots of country music. In this 15-track collection, Linton channels the spirit of the Carter Family, staying faithful to their timeless melodies while subtly modernizing the sound for a contemporary audience. Recorded in North Carolina with an all-star ensemble of seasoned musicians, the album seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation, making it both a nostalgic and refreshing listen.
From the opening notes of “Keep on the Sunny Side,” Linton’s commitment to authenticity is clear. Her voice, warm and unpretentious, carries a sincerity that feels almost anachronistic in today’s overproduced musical landscape. Yet, there’s a polish to the arrangements that gives the tracks a fresh vitality. The interplay between Linton’s vocals and the rich instrumentation — delicate fingerpicked guitar, lilting fiddle lines, and understated harmonies — evokes the era of the Carters while gently nudging the music forward.
The standout tracks, “Wildwood Flower” and “Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree,” capture the album’s essence. “Wildwood Flower,” a song steeped in melancholy and resilience, showcases Linton’s ability to breathe new life into old stories. Her phrasing is poignant, every word dripping with emotion. “Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree,” with its mournful yet uplifting tone, feels like a distilled shot of Americana — achingly beautiful and resolutely true to its roots.
The tracklist is a who’s who of Carter Family classics, from the jubilant “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” to the wistful “I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes.” Linton’s rendition of “Wabash Cannonball” is a toe-tapping romp, while “Farther On” ventures into Gospel territory, revealing the depth of her musical range. Even more playful numbers like “You Better Let That Liar Alone” fit seamlessly, adding levity to the otherwise reflective collection.
What elevates Songs of the Carter Family beyond a simple tribute is the palpable reverence Linton holds for the material. Each track is approached with care, as if she’s cradling a fragile heirloom. Yet, she resists the temptation to merely mimic the originals. Instead, she infuses them with her own personality, ensuring the album resonates with listeners unfamiliar with the Carters’ vast catalog.
This project feels like a labor of love, a culmination of Linton’s decades-long career dedicated to preserving and celebrating the essence of American music. Known for her versatility, from folk to Gospel to classic country, Linton’s artistry shines brightest when she digs into the soul of these enduring songs. Her background as a troubadour — marking miles on the road and performing at fairs and festivals — imbues the album with a lived-in quality that can’t be faked.
While some might argue the track list could have been pared down to highlight a tighter selection, it’s hard to fault Linton for wanting to offer such a generous helping of material. After all, when the music is this heartfelt, you just want it to keep going.
Songs of the Carter Family is a celebration of country, bluegrass, and Americana at its most authentic. It’s an album that will transport you to simpler times, reminding you why these songs — and the stories they tell — continue to endure.
Colin Jordan
