Cimarron Manifesto
Jimmy LaFave · 2007
56 min · 12 tracks · country music
A heartfelt blend of folk and country, infused with poignant storytelling and soulful melodies that resonate deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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Not Dark Yet — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and introspective lyrics that explore themes of mortality and reflection. LaFave's vocal delivery transforms Dylan's original into a deeply personal meditation.
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Catch the Wind — LaFave’s rendition of this Donovan classic brings fresh emotional weight through its stripped-down instrumentation, showcasing his unique ability to reinterpret songs with sincerity.
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Home Once Again — This song encapsulates the theme of longing for belonging, featuring rich imagery and a poignant melody that resonates with listeners' experiences of homecoming.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and country elements with strong storytelling but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gentle acoustic guitar and vocal harmony, establishing a reflective mood that persists through most tracks.
- Several songs feature layered instrumentation, including strings and harmonica, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The cover of 'Not Dark Yet' is arranged to highlight LaFave's vocal delivery, contrasting with the original's more subdued feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- poignant storytelling and reflection
- heartfelt melodies for quiet moments
- late-night solitude with warmth
- cathartic themes of longing
- engaging narratives that unfold slowly
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer high-energy listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Cimarron Manifesto is Jimmy LaFave's fifth studio album, released in 2007, following the acclaimed Blue Nightfall in 2003. At this point in his career, LaFave had established himself as a prominent figure in the Americana and roots music scene, known for his emotive vocal style and narrative-driven songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robert Earl Keen· Guy Clark· Townes Van Zandt
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Car Outside 4:29
- 2 Catch the Wind 5:23
- 3 This Land 4:47
- 4 Truth 3:00
- 5 Lucky Man 5:51
- 6 Hideaway Girl 4:22
- 7 That's the Way It Goes 3:17
- 8 Not Dark Yet 6:51
- 9 Walk a Mile in My Shoes 4:55
- 10 Don't Ask Me 3:11
- 11 Home Once Again 6:18
- 12 These Blues 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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