Style: Gospel Americana; compare to Buddy and Julie Miller, Vigilantes of Love, Emmylou Harris
Spiritual Songs By The Wayside
March 10, 2010
Top tracks: “Why Me, Lord?,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “Psalm 51“
In two decades of making rootsy music, John and Michelle Thompson (better known as The Wayside) have always asked questions in their lyrics. Spiritual Songs, an album entirely consisting of covers, was born from old-time hymns and timeless truths. With gorgeous harmonies, bare-boned but beautiful instrumentation, and a newfound urgency, the duo especially shines on a breathtaking reading of “Psalm 51” and the Americana-styled “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” Yet the true gem lies in a country cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord?,” soaked in a country/blues sentiment and a surrender-filled sense of spiritual fulfillment.
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