Snakefarm's debut album,
Songs from My Funeral, features new versions of oft-recorded folk standards, many of which deal with violence, death, despair and loneliness. The arrangements and production are updated for the '90s, with an almost Beck-like sensibility reflected in the grooving, funky rhythms to which many of the songs are set. Purists will cringe, but
Snakefarm at least deserves credit for trying something new -- "Frankie and Johnny," "Tom Dooley," "St. James Infirmary," "John Henry," "Rising Sun" and others have been recorded countless times, but never quite like this. ~ Steve Huey