$15

Produced by Carolyn Arends

“Make Yourself Known” is probably my favorite Clumsy Lovers album (although 2005’s Smart Kid is also quite good). The uniqueness of the sound alone is worth looking into this band. And while it sounds like too many genres rolled into one, the mix of bluegrass, celtic, rock, and a dab of country is seamless. Most of these songs include the usual rock three-piece (bass, drums, guitar) as well as a fiddle, and banjo or mandolin.

Melodies are catchy, and harmonies are common and appropriately applied. This album strikes a really good balance of having tight production, and having the feel of a romping upbeat live show. “Way Down the Old Plank Road” is my favorite song on the album, and a good example of this. The musicianship is also very apparent, especially the banjo runs, which tastefully blend into the songs.

This is one of the best albums I’ve bought in the last year, and really something unique. It’s one of those albums that with every play a few more songs stand out. After a few listens I was enamored with the whole album.

-          Neil Wiggermann, Amazon.com

Carolyn Notes:

OK, I admit I have reasons to like this project.  After all, my little brother Chris is the bassist and one of the main songwriters.  He even takes the lead vocals on a tune here (the wonderful “Simple”, which makes me cry and want to hug Chris’ wife (my sister-in-law Rachel.)  Furthermore, this project is the first non-Carolyn Arends CD that I produced in its entirety.

So maybe I can’t be objective, but seriously, this is a great, super fun, deceptively-deep project.  I dare you to listen and not grin.

(Advisory: lyrics contain bluegrass references to drinking and the like …)