Good Things

The Farm Hands

 2018 - Pinecastle Music.  This is our first introduction to The Farm Hands, which is made up of four talented men including Tim Graves, Daryl Mosley, Keith Tew and Don Hill.  This project consists of eight original songs written and recorded by the boys and four cover songs with a fifth cover included as a bonus song.  The boys bring to light two unknown covers with Ted Graves’ “Southern Sunday Morning” and Don Reno’s instrumental “Dixie Breakdown.”  They also add their version of the popular song “What Am I Living For;” written by Fred Jay and Art Harris.  This song was originally recorded by Chuck Willis in 1958; nonetheless, it has been recorded by a who’s who in music including Conway Twitty, Kitty Wells, Wanda Jackson, The Everly Brothers, Sonny James, Ray Charles, Doc Watson, and many more.  The boys bring to our attention a lost song with “Daddy’s Shoes;” which was written and originally recorded by Tim Menzies.  Tim is among the list of lost and forgotten undeveloped entertainers of the 1980’s and ‘90’s.  “Daddy’s Shoes” is a song to adore as it tells the story of a child who grows up hoping to fill his father’s shoes.  The final cover is “IOU.”  Written and originally recorded by Jimmy Dean [1966], this song is a beautiful recitation that declares all of the scenarios that a child thanks his mother for tending to while growing up. Although this version is well executed, I would rather hear the original recording.  When I get to the heart of the album with the original songs, I find a band that is quite authentic with a Christian base.  Their authenticity comes within their unique vocals and the fact that the remaining songs were written by various members of the band.  These songs include “Thank You, God,” “Long Way To Virginia,” “I’d Write You” and “Still The Solid Rock.”  Three songs stand out amongst the others.  The first is the opening song with “Hillbilly Graham.”  This song contains a beautiful story about a simple man who spreads the word of God.  It contains a wonderful verse about how church-going folks often judge those who lead a simple Christian life.  The album continues with the title track.  This song compares the natural life of yesterday to today’s world.  It also reminds us of what truly matters.  This song may end up on our list of Top Songs of 2018, while earning a nomination for the 24th Annual Spirit Awards.  Throughout the album, we find songs that relay to more of the simple and honest way of life.  Although this is a Bluegrass band, this band includes a pure country song with “Please Don’t Tell Me Goodbye.”  Performed with bluegrass melody, this song can certainly cross over to country with its subject of breaking up.  The absolute thing I love about this album is its honesty and purity.  The Farm Hands bring us back to a time of innocence with their real music.  Nonetheless, the one thing I dislike about this album is that it has a tinge of contrast within the production.  It sounds as if these boys were nervous and or in a rush while recording.  Perhaps their live performances are much more accomplished than their recordings.  Nonetheless, I do look forward to hearing what this band will entertain us with in the future.  If you are starving for real and authentic country music, seek the Farm Hands. $$$ 1/2-$$$$

(This review was printed in the November / December 2018 issue of Strictly Country Magazine.)

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