Long Time... Seldom Scene
The Seldom Scene · 2014
54 min · 16 tracks · bluegrass music
A rich tapestry of bluegrass harmonies woven with heartfelt storytelling and classic Americana instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hickory Wind — This track beautifully showcases the band's tight vocal harmonies and poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of longing and nostalgia that permeates the album.
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What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’round — The arrangement highlights the band's classic bluegrass instrumentation paired with introspective lyrics, illustrating their skill in blending tradition with personal reflection.
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California Cottonfields — This opener sets the tone for the album with its catchy melody and vivid imagery, inviting listeners into a landscape of memories and emotions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship within a traditional bluegrass framework but lacks standout uniqueness.
What we noticed
- Vocals are layered with harmonies throughout, often featuring multiple singers on the same track to enhance the storytelling aspect.
- The pacing varies significantly; the first half includes more upbeat songs while the latter half shifts towards slower, reflective pieces.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 pacing for relaxed listening
- heartfelt storytelling throughout tracks
- gentle peaks in emotional delivery
- for afternoon gatherings
- rich harmonies for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Long Time... Seldom Scene came nearly four decades after The Seldom Scene's debut album, marking their return to the studio as a band with an enduring legacy. This album represents a significant reunion for the group, revitalizing their sound while honoring their deep roots in bluegrass music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nickel Creek· Punch Brothers· Yonder Mountain String Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 California Cottonfields 3:04
- 2 Wait a Minute 5:13
- 3 What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’round 2:49
- 4 Hickory Wind 4:01
- 5 I’ll Be No Stranger There 2:19
- 6 Walk Through This World With Me 2:32
- 7 Big Train (From Memphis) 2:45
- 8 With Body and Soul 3:21
- 9 Paradise 2:56
- 10 It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue 3:20
- 11 Mean Mother Blues 3:07
- 12 My Better Years 3:42
- 13 Little Georgia Rose 2:54
- 14 Like I Used to Do 4:09
- 15 Through the Bottom of the Glass 2:42
- 16 Lorena 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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