THE FARM HANDS, BETTER THAN I DESERVE

THE FARM HANDS
BETTER THAN I DESERVE

Pinecastle Records
PRC1195

This is a fun recording with lots of good songs. Tim Graves’ hubcap guitar predominates, as does Bennie Boling’s banjo. The songs tend to have a patriotic and sacred point of view. They sing of old values and old times and intertwine the sacred with everyday life. They favor songs that paint idyllic pictures of the past and of the old-time values. Their trio is fine, and the picking is much more than adequate.

Strong material includes “The Way I Was Raised,” “Mama Prayed And Daddy Plowed,” “Just Over In The Gloryland,” and a gem of a gospel number “He’s Got An Answer For Everything.” This is a solid release with good material, good vocals, strong picking, and well-developed arrangements. This project is like a favorite old shirt. It won’t go over on Broadway, but it sure fits and feels good for everyday wear. (Pinecastle Records, 5000 Old Buncombe Rd., Ste. 27-242, Greenville, SC 29617, www.pinecastlemusic.com.)RCB