Disco de Little Big Town: “Place to Land”

I discovered this band purely by accident. I was surfing AOL radio looking for something different and stumbled on "I'm With The Band" with it's intricate layered harmonies and perfectly plucked stringed ensemble. The lushness of this project combined with honest lyrics and nods to country, '70's rock and bluegrass make Little Big Town a refreshing spin. This could mark the return of melody, excellent musicianship and pure vocal harmonies. The comparisons abound, but the music is still original enough to make those comparisons just reference points. You may here a touch of Fleetwood Mac or the Eagles or some modern country. But Little Big Town is more. They are atmospheric pioneers of rock, pop and country. I have not heard harmonies this important since the Mamas and The Papas or dare I say the Beach Boys. But fused into the vocal parts are epic stories of love, faith and hope. A musically optimistic strain mixed with struggle and deep longing. I had to listen to "Fine Line" about 12 times to hear all the subtlety admist the angst of Karen Fairchild as she looks at love on the edge as a banjo, lead guitar and driving backbeat underscore her plea for love. "Fury", the albums bruising closer leans toward southern rock. "Evangeline" channels Rumours-era Stevie Nicks like crazy, but is far more stirring in it's description of a woman's bad relationship. You can feel the passion, the turmoil, and the instrumental harmonics of this mixed quartet. The boys mix it up with the girls on almost every song. And the battle of the sexes is never won. It's just a 10 round boxing match with neither side clearly having the edge. "Novacaine" is a call and answer romp that emphasizes the fun side of this band. And it shows the diversity of style within "A Place To Land". And then there's just pure Eagle-esque story telling like on "That's Where I'll Be" with it's slow gallop from place to place. Each song is an epic. The songs aren't just footnotes to a great album, they are albums in themselves. The stories within the intricate blend are so power laden, they instantly lodge in the cranium. There are no weak spots on this album. For some real tears and a true look at faith, check out "Vapor" with it's description of Jesus and how we should care about what counts. Just awesome. I am so fortunate I stumbled upon Little Big Town. This is the best collection of music I've heard this year.

What can I say they are absolutely awesome - the harmonies are perfect you can't get any better than these guys - too bad they didn't win an award last night they certainly deserve it - I would recommend this album highly

While some songs are good on this album are good, it does not surpass the road to here. if you have to choose between the two choose the road to here. best songs: 1, 2, 13, 16.

Really great album. The harmonies of this group are amazing.

They seem to always select great songs to accommodate their beautiful voices.

I am extremely pleased with this CD.

Little Big Town opened for Keith Urban recently in Tacoma WA. The only song I knew was Boondocks, but LOVED the tight harmonies. So I purchased this CD days before the concert. WOW !!! Now I am a fan !!! This is a great listen. As I mentioned before, great 4 part harmony and an album you will want to play again and again. I now have their 2nd album as well, and am gonna purchase their 1st. Reading other reviews, I can see and hear why fans enjoy Little Big Town and I am now with the band !!!