By 2006, more than two years after
Old Crow Medicine Show released its self-titled debut, the band's popularity had catapulted to one of most highly regarded neo-traditional folk acts of the 21st century. The group had toured with some of the finest names in bluegrass and folk music, and was well on its way to becoming a household name for fans of both genres. After the success of the group's first album,
OCMS teamed up with
David Rawlings (creative partner of
Gillian Welch) and began work on the group's second album, Down Home Girl. A three-song EP was released in July, a month before the scheduled arrival of the full-length album Big Iron World. The EP includes the title track, an upright bass and harmonica-heavy, moaning ballad called "Down Home Girl"; as well as the rousing and nostalgic "James River Blues" -- both to appear on the August LP. The final track on the EP is a raucous, rollicking bluegrass track, "Fall on My Knees," an exclusive bonus apart from the upcoming album. If the EP is any prediction to as to what will appear on Big Iron World,
OCMS hasn't even begun to see the extent of its esteem. Down Home Girl introduces a more well-rounded, confident and talented
OCMS, with a more dynamic and upbeat sound. The string band's original appeal and charm remains, however, it's just accelerated to a new level guaranteed to please even the most traditional or contemporary of listeners. ~ Megan Frye