Emmylou Harris

Item: Spyboy
Author: James Stewart

Spyboy

(1998)

Reviewed by James Stewart

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Spotify

Label Eminent RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1998

americana country folk rock

During the extensive tour to support her last studio album, Wrecking Ball, Emmylou Harris and her guitarist Buddy Miller took the opportunity to produce this live album. With a sound that mixes traditional country with some pop influences and a fair pinch of the 'No Depression' sound, this album is an interesting synthesis sure to delight the fans.

The guitar sounds are shimmering and accompanied by a range of other instruments, from the predictable bass and drums to djembe and mandoguitar. Although these instruments are all well performed, the vocals take center stage. Harris's voice is adaptable and moves from the beautifully emotive feel of the opener, "My Songbird," which opens the record in appropriate style, to the almost Victoria Williams-esque "All My Tears." The entire band contribute backing vocals, with Buddy Miller's voice being the most distinctive.

Musically, things vary quite a bit. The country feel is omnipresent yet moves through rockers and ballads with a good deal of cohesiveness. Without wanting to keep returning to him, Buddy Miller certainly proves he is the consummate modern country guitarist and plays his parts with great finesse.

Only one of the songs is written by Harris alone: she performs "Prayer in Open D" solo which provides a nice contrast to the rocker that precedes it. The gentle acoustic guitar sound suits the vocals well, and continues the shimmering, jangly guitar tradition of the album.

The reference to "Jesus our Saviour" in the traditional "Green Pastures" is just one hint at spirituality. More are to be found both in the Julie Miller-penned "All My Tears" and scattered throughout the album. The final track, Daniel Lanois's "The Maker," also refers to the focus of its title, with the lines:

I'm not a stranger
In the hands of the Maker

Those looking for an album full of immediate statements of faith may be a little disappointed, but you'll enjoy this album if you don't mind seeing beliefs portrayed in music more subtly. Though it is an acquired taste, Spyboy is an album full of gems and a very well put together live album, offering useful insight into the difference between her own contributions to her last album versus Daniel Lanois's. She's the leading lady of modern country, and here's the proof.

4.5 tocks