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Alison Krauss has tried some different things musically over the last few years. Her last several albums with Union Station have established their music as what SPIN magazine described as "taking bluegrass back to the future," she tried a more contemporary folk sound on her last solo album, and this past year she performed a few old time bluegrass numbers on the O BROTHER CD. NEW FAVORITE sports the best of all three musical experiments. Songs like "Daylight," "Crazy Faith," and the instrumental "Choctaw Hayride" showcase the sound that has made Union Station famous in the bluegrass circuit, while "The Lucky One," "Stars," and "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" protray Alison's talent vocals. The old-timey sounds of the O BROTHER CD are shown in songs like "Momma Cried" and "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn," and feature the outstanding lead vocals of Union Station guitarist Dan Tyminski (a.k.a "Ulysses Everett McGill"). Another highlight of the album is the title song, co-written by fellow O BROTHER artist Gillian Welch and featuring more stunning vocals and music by Alison and the band.

Although it may not be a good choice for a first time Alison Krauss buyer, NEW FAVORITE is definitely a must for longtime fans of the band. Fans of the O BROTHER soundtrack and its companion, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN also may enjoy the variety of songs on the album. This album has already dominated my CD playlist for the last two days, and is sure to be my "new favorite" for a long time!


"bluegrass shining beacon, is the remarkable...Alison"   September 15, 2001
 36 out of 37 found this review helpful

How can you keep getting better and better, well whatever the formula...Alison Krauss and Union Station have found it...the result is pure entertainment through good ole bluegrass.

This 30 year old artist, who signed with the Rounder label when she was 14, is without a doubt, the shining beacon on the bluegrass scene...plus the Union Station gang ~ Barry Bales (acoustic bass), Ron Block (banjo/guitar), Jerry Douglas (dobro/lap steel guitar) and Dan Tyminski (guitar/mandolin) with lead and backup make for a "CHOCTAW HAYRIDE", just pickin' and a grinnin' with the Illinois State Fiddle Champion, Alison Krauss, won at a very early age...gotta love it!

Friends, as you play this CD over and over again, your favorite song changes or one more is added, can't say enough about the talent on this particular album, a must have...want to leave Rounder Records a tip, keep up the good work, need more of the same...when you say "O Brother Where Art Thou", it's here...now that I've found you, you're my NEW FAVORITE!

You might try other Rounder releases with Alison Krauss, all worthy of a good listen ~ "Forget About It" (116-610-465)..."So Long So Wrong" (116-610-365)..."Now That I've found You:A Collection" (116-610-325)..."Every Time You Say Goodbye" (116-610-285)...please check my reviews on amazon.com/music.

Total Time: 45:07 on 13 Tracks ~ Rounder Records 11661-0495-2 ~ (2001)


The Best Just Got Better   December 19, 2001
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Alison Krauss & Union Station continues its remarkable run with the release of "New Favorite." As if Ms. Krauss, singer/guitarist Dan ("The Voice of George Clooney") Tyninski, banjo/guitar whiz Ron Block, and rock-solid bassist Barry Bailes did not already present a formidable team, AKUS adds resophonic guitar genius Jerry Douglas to the lineup as (at least for the time being) a full-time member. In addition to contributing a teriffic instumental ("Choctaw Hayride"), Douglas's presence gives the band a darker, blusier sound, which carries into Alison's less "grassy" efforts and makes the transition to those songs less jarring than on previous AKUS recordings.

Alison delivery of the title song is as haunting a vocal as you'll ever hear, and Dan Tyninski continues to show himself to be one of the greatest current bluegrass singers - his duet with Douglas' dobro on "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn" is soul-grabbing.

This CD reaffirms my faith in Alison's commitment to bluegrass - now my biggest fear is how she'll be able to keep this talented troup together. With his appeal broadening as Clooney's singing voice in "O Brother, Where Art Thou" (as well as winning several CMA awards), Dan Tyninski could be ready for stardom of his own.
But for now, it's good to have this incarnation of AKUS operating at full bore.


No expectations   June 16, 2003
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

It seems that most of the negative or lukewarm reviews here are written by those who approached this record with expectations of what bluegrass should be, or what Krauss & Union Station should be, or what country should be.

I came in with none of those. I know almost nothing about bluegrass or AKUS...I'm not even sure what a dobro is.

I heard "Lucky One" on an "adult alternative" radio station, of all places, and had heard about Krauss' talent, so I took a chance on this CD. I'm not a country fan nor a bluegrass fan by any means, I just thought it was a pretty song.

It turns out that the whole CD is very strong, filled with beautifully written and performed songs. There's definitely a pop feel to a few of the tunes, such as Fogelberg's "Stars", but every one is played and sung with feeling and musicianship. The production values are excellent too -- no studio gimmicks, just pure sounds crystal clear.

It's hard to imagine anyone who appreciates music being let down by this set.


Bluegrass Heaven   August 19, 2001
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

The new album by Alison Krauss and Union Station is a treat, it is simply wonderful to listen to. The album lends its influences from the OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU soundtrack, in songs like "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn", "Choctaw Hayride", "Momma Cried", "Bright Sunny South", "It All Comes Down To You", and "Take Me For Longing" to name a few. Not only Alison on lead vocals, but fellow band mate Dan takes his turns on many tracks, adding his beautiful bluegrass style to the mix. Plus there are the classic songs fans have grown to love, reminiscent of her FORGET ABOUT IT album such as "New Favorite", "Let Me Touch You For Awhile", "The Lucky One", to name a few. This is the perfect album for fans of Krauss and Union Station, as well as fans of bluegrass. If you haven't listened to it, see what the fuss is about, this is some great music.