Cabin on the Hill
Peter Stanley

By 'Master Brakedown'

What a delight this disc is -- real folk music with no artifice, but plenty of skill, played and sung from the heart.

The fascinating liner notes tell how Stanley, with wife, child and dog in tow, carved out a new life in the unspoiled wilds of rural Alaska. It was there in the early '70's that these songs were recorded. The environment plays a part in how the folk, with occasional bluegrass touches, goes down so smooth.

Like traditional folk performers, the players sound like they're playing for their own enjoyment. The singers never sound forced, phony, or as if they're doing a gig for money, which they're not.

Every song is a stand-out, but some merit mention. "Gonna Leave Old Texas', is a great cowpoke ballad with really fine 12-string picking. "Copper Kettle" is presented in a much simpler arrangement than Bob Dylan used on his "Self-Portrait" album. It's less overwrought, and I'd prefer this version if it weren't so brief.

"FDR's Back Again" is enjoyable nostalgic hillbilly that would force a smile out of a Republican if he sampled the whiskey celebrated in the lyrics.

"Times Are Getting Hard" demonstrates how at one time adversity was met with optimism, not whininess. Songs like these, about meeting goals and taking pride in oneself, are timeless.

"Six Nights Drunk" is a comic duet that treats alcoholism and infidelity more good naturedly than the present day. The Stanleys returned to Virginia from the cabin in Alaska in 1975. Considering the special feeling evident on this record, I wonder if they regret it.