Disco de Little Big Town: “A 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.

As others have said, there is not a bad/weak song on LBT's latest release. All songs except one were also written by the members of LBT. For me, the song, "To Know Love" is worth the price of this CD alone. It's one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard -- the words and harmonies truly give me goosebumps. IMO they should consider this for their next cut off the CD. At times their tight, melodious harmonies sound similar to The Eagles. Dare I say that...but it's true and what a compliment to give to them. Congrats to LBT on a stellar release...and if you already have discovered this gem of a CD, be sure to tell your friends!

I don't think there's enough 4-part harmony in the world, let's start with that.

I'm a huge fan of LBT, I even bought the first cd which is really, really not very good. But this album is fantastic, especially if you're a fan of 70s southern rock because this has that feel. Good guitar, good tight harmonies, some good rock moments, some soft but not overdone ballads. They don't sound overproduced and slick, they sound really classic. There a guitar riff in one song that sounded really familiar and it took me several listenings to finally i.d. the sound: The Eagles. There are certainly worse bands to be compared to.

All the tracks are pretty good but the ones that I like best so far are "I'm With the Band" and "That's Where I'll Be". I was disappointed to see they were nominated twice at the CMAs, won nothing and had to perform an old song -- not the new stuff like everyone else. Not only did they get ripped off but the fans got ripped off as well. All the other acts sang new material and the powers that be had them rehashing "Boondocks". Shame on them.

Bottom line, I love, love love this album! Their best yet! Hopefully they'll get the credit they deserve on next year's CMAs. Long Live LBT.

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.

and leave it there for quite awhile.

A fan since their last cd. That one flowed so well from song to song with excellent lead and backing vocals. With "A Place to Land" Little Big Town aims for and reaches new heights with an even further focused effort on this...didnt think it was possible. I'm just glad that i'm able to take part in and listen to what they bring to the table not just in country music.

But in general, their 3rd release is something that's best listened to when your chilling/relaxing at home or someplace without distractions so you can get the full effect of what LBT is bringing this time around. With an slew of possible follow up singles...these are a few that i hope become singles for the band:

"Fury"

"To Know Love"

"Vapor"

"Fine Line"

"Firebird Fly"

Whatever the case maybe or whatever type of music you like. At the very least give it a listen here at amazon and then decide. If you do that you'll end doing the same thing others have done and that's purchase "A Place to Land".