I’ve heard a number of “tribute” and “theme” albums dedicated to people or places, but this one dedicated to the American Railroad hits it just right in both its genius of simplicity and its romantic imagery. Songs related to the railroad or trains are reworked by a slew of singers and musicians, taking you on a chugalugging musical journey.
For instance, Sam C. Phillips and Rocky Burnette ride along the delta for a folksy read of “Mystery Train” , while John Fogerty and his family bring a mint julep to “City of New Orleans”. With a banjo on her knee, Deborah Poppink gives a rich gospel’d “People Get Ready” , while Carla Olson takes on Robin Trower’s “Whiskey Train” with the power of Aerosmith. There’s a punkish “The Conductor Wore Black” by Robert Rex Waller Jr while Peter Case taps into his inner Sister Rosetta Tharpe for a thundering “This Train”. The fun thing about this album is that as soon as it’s over, you start thinking “Why didn’t they also include…” which is always the sign that the album got under your skin.