Rattle On The Stovepipe - Poor Ellen Smith

Review by Andreu J. Antonio

Poor Ellen Smith is the fifth studio album by the British folk band Rattle On The Stovepipe. Released in 2011, the album features 12 tracks of traditional American folk music.

The album opens with the title track, "Poor Ellen Smith," a haunting ballad about a woman who is murdered by her lover. The band's instrumentation is sparse but effective, with guitar, fiddle, and banjo providing a mournful backdrop to the tragic tale.

Other highlights on the album include "Liza Jane," a cheerful fiddle tune that showcases the band's skill as instrumentalists, and "The Cuckoo," a traditional song that has been covered by countless artists over the years.

Rattle On The Stovepipe's approach to traditional folk music is respectful and authentic. They don't try to modernize the songs or add unnecessary flourishes; instead, they let the simple beauty of the melodies and lyrics speak for themselves.

Summary by Andreu J. Antonio

Poor Ellen Smith is a solid album that will appeal to fans of traditional folk music. Rattle On The Stovepipe's musicianship is top-notch, and their love and reverence for the music shines through in every track.