Crooked Tree
Molly Tuttle · 2022
42 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of bluegrass and folk, woven with heartfelt storytelling and virtuosic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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She’ll Change — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its rich harmonies and poignant lyrics about transformation and resilience, encapsulating Tuttle's lyrical prowess.
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Big Backyard — This song combines catchy melodies with vivid storytelling, reflecting a nostalgic yearning for simpler times while showcasing Tuttle’s exceptional guitar work.
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Crooked Tree — The title track blends intricate instrumentation with a deeper exploration of identity and belonging, making it a standout moment on the album that resonates emotionally.
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Nashville Mess Around — This lively tune captures the playful spirit of Nashville's music scene, featuring infectious rhythms and clever lyrics that highlight Tuttle's versatility as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional bluegrass with modern themes, showcasing strong musicianship and varied tempos.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate guitar work that showcases Tuttle's virtuosity, particularly in the opening track which sets a high technical standard.
- Several tracks incorporate harmonies from multiple vocalists, creating a rich texture that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to allow for more reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
- heartfelt narratives for introspection
- for afternoon relaxation
- intricate guitar work appreciation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy experiences
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 1, 2022, 'Crooked Tree' is Molly Tuttle's first album since winning the International Bluegrass Music Association's Guitar Player of the Year award in 2021. This project marks a significant step in her career as she transitions from emerging artist to established voice in contemporary bluegrass while showcasing her growth as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Thile· Sara Watkins· Billy Strings
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 She’ll Change 2:41
- 2 Flatland Girl 2:35
- 3 Dooley’s Farm 3:41
- 4 Big Backyard 3:17
- 5 Crooked Tree 3:52
- 6 Castilleja 3:16
- 7 The River Knows 3:33
- 8 Over the Line 3:01
- 9 Nashville Mess Around 2:32
- 10 San Francisco Blues 4:04
- 11 Goodbye Girl 3:21
- 12 Side Saddle 2:44
- 13 Grass Valley 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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