What makes Old Ties by Norman Blake notable?

Old Ties received critical acclaim for its authentic representation of American folk traditions, earning praise from multiple publications for its craftsmanship and emotional depth. The album's release further solidified Blake's status as an influential artist in the roots music community, following a period when traditional sounds were gaining renewed popularity. By the time Norman Blake released Old Ties in 2002, he was well-established in the Americana and roots music scene, known for his fingerstyle guitar work and contributions to various projects. This album followed his acclaimed work on the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), which helped revitalize interest in Americana music, positioning him as a prominent figure within this resurgence.

Old Ties works well if you're into intimate storytelling through instrumentation, warm afternoon gatherings with friends and reflective moments in quiet spaces.

How many songs are on Old Ties?

Old Ties has 19 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Old Ties

Norman Blake · 2002

70 min · 19 tracks · country music

A tapestry of traditional folk and country intertwines, showcasing intimate storytelling through masterful acoustic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Church St. Blues — This track encapsulates the essence of storytelling in folk music, with poignant reflections on loss and nostalgia conveyed through vivid imagery and emotive melodies.
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Fifty Miles of Elbow Room — An energetic rendition that combines lively instrumentation with intricate harmonies, showcasing Blake's ability to breathe new life into traditional songs.
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Ginseng Sullivan — Blake’s interpretation brings out the song’s playful yet melancholic tone, illustrating his skill in blending humor with heartfelt sentiment through lyrical storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate storytelling through instrumentation
warm afternoon gatherings with friends
reflective moments in quiet spaces
nostalgic melodies for slow evenings
danceable rhythms for lighthearted fun

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy, fast-paced tracks
prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Norman Blake released Old Ties in 2002, he was well-established in the Americana and roots music scene, known for his fingerstyle guitar work and contributions to various projects. This album followed his acclaimed work on the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), which helped revitalize interest in Americana music, positioning him as a prominent figure within this resurgence.
Stylistic neighbors: John Prine· Townes Van Zandt· Guy Clark

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Spanish Fandango 3:49
2 Church St. Blues 2:54
3 Sleepy Eyed Joe / Indian Creek 3:38
4 O’Malley’s Tune 2:30
5 Fifty Miles of Elbow Room 3:49
6 Down Home Summertime Blues 3:42
7 Blind Dog 2:55
8 Fiddler’s Dram / Whiskey Before Breakfast 3:35
9 Old Ties 4:26
10 Lost Indian 3:08
11 Ginseng Sullivan 3:31
12 OBC #3 5:48
13 Prettiest Little Girl in the Country 2:17
14 Uncle 4:34
15 Bristol in the Bottle 2:05
16 Billy Gray 4:07
17 The Fields of November 4:06
18 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar 3:34
19 Randall Collins / Done Gone 6:07

What to play next

Listen next

The Morning Glory Ramblers

2004

Go back to

Meeting on Southern Soil

2002

Full Norman Blake discography Artists like Norman Blake

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata