Some Strange Country
Crooked Still · 2010
43 min · 12 tracks · bluegrass music
A haunting blend of traditional bluegrass and contemporary folk, steeped in storytelling and emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sometimes in This Country — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and rich instrumentation, encapsulating the overarching themes of longing and dislocation.
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Henry Lee — A reimagining of a classic folk tale, this track showcases the band's vocal harmonies and deep emotional expression, making it a standout moment on the album.
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I'm Troubled — The raw vulnerability in this song highlights the band’s ability to convey personal strife through poignant lyrics and an expressive arrangement, resonating deeply with listeners.
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 storytelling, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The lyrics across the album often tell stories, with a focus on themes of loss and longing, creating an emotional resonance throughout.
- 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
- haunting narratives of longing
- short reflective listening moments
- emotional storytelling through song
- intimate sessions of quiet contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- want purely instrumental pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Crooked Still released Some Strange Country in 2010, they were already established within the progressive bluegrass scene, following their critically acclaimed album, Still Crooked. This record marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a deeper exploration of lyrical themes and musical arrangements, as the band's lineup had recently solidified with new members bringing fresh influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Punch Brothers· Nickel Creek· The Wood Brothers
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sometimes in This Country 4:00
- 2 The Golden Vanity 4:16
- 3 Distress 3:05
- 4 Henry Lee 4:05
- 5 Half of What We Know 4:02
- 6 I'm Troubled 2:45
- 7 Locust in the Willow 3:49
- 8 Turning Away 1:40
- 9 Calvary 4:03
- 10 Cold Mountains 3:13
- 11 You Were Gone 4:23
- 12 You Got the Silver 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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