Nice compilation.

You’re right, but I don’t think anyone was suggesting otherwise.

But that does not make MS II mostly a “market driven excersize” or any less a labor of love endeavor. It seems to have been on their back burner for years, but still on their minds and in their heart to do an album like MS II. I think it was only a matter of the timing that was in question.

And I think you would agree that there’s nothing wrong being responsive to one’s fanbase, especially when such fan demand is in tune with the artist’s own inclinations and creative vision.
An important distinction beteen that and commecially compromisized catering, and this distinction cannot be emphasized enough.

JULI THANKI: It’s been eight years since Mountain Soul came out. How long after that release did you start thinking about a sequel?

PATTY LOVELESS: Actually, we only thought about it last year. I was out touring in support of Sleepless Nights for Saguaro Road, which was my first record with them. They approached us about possibly doing another record, but prior to their approach I had noticed a lot of people [I met on the road] had collections of various CDs I had done over the years, and the main one that continued to be in their collection was Mountain Soul.

http://www.the9513.com/patty-loveless-talks-about-mountain-soul-ii/

http://www.countryuniverse.net/2009/09/30/patty-loveless-mountain-soul-ii/

Just trying to help, folks.

But no matter what the logistics of who decided when to make the original MS, it is undeniable that the project was near and dear to Patty’s heart, and that she was not a newcomer to Mountain/ Bluegrass. (Pretty Polly, Some Morning Soon, I’ll Never Grow Tired of You) And in the EPK for Mountain Soul, Emory says that this project has probably been in the back of their mind since the early sixties or so..(he kind of laughed when he said it ;) )

Likewise, since MS II is a continuation of the original, it stands to reason that a lot of the same heartfelt motivations were there in making this record as well. I’ve provided evidence to that effect, and believe me I could go into a LOT more detail to support this assertion. But I’ll spare you for now, ;).

I can understand the perception that MS II is kind of a “thrown together” effort with the recut songs and the four days in the studio process. But remember, inspiration often comes quickly and easily to gifted musicians and musical geniuses (Loveless/Gordy are the Mozarts of Country music in my book) and there was undoubtedly a lot of thought and hard work put into the preparation, as well as long days in the studio. A lot of the songs were cut live without extra track dubbing, and Patty basically just stepped up to that ole timey mic and hit ‘em out of the park with each first pitch. I think she and Emory succeeded in getting that spontaneous, “jam session with friends” feeling that they were aiming for.

And the re-cut songs, don’t forget that Mountain Soul II has 15 tracks, for some context and perspective. And reworking Country songs, giving them a “Mountain- makeover” is something that Patty loves to do, and excels at. She’s been uncovering the hidden Mountain Soul in Country songs since probably before ’01, and she did it a Merlefest and continues to perform her Appalachian alchemy to this day. Not everyone’s cup of tea perhaps, but this is not laziness, far from it. It is creative transmutation, and the result is pure music magic.

Oh, and “Big Chance” is a perfect fit for MS II, it is a continuation of the Pretty Little Miss story, and is just an excellent song all around.
We could actually do a song by song matchup with the two Mountain Souls and match them strength for strength, and I think I can make an even better case that the two albums are more of an artistic match than people realize. And arguably Loveless’s vocals are even better on Sleepless Nights and MS II than on the original Mountain Soul.

I certainly don’t have a problem with some folk’s preference for the first Mountain Soul. But I consider it a challenge that I need to address when folks assert that the follow up pales in comparison to the original, or that MS II was created without heartfelt inspiration from Patty and Emory. The premise of my review was that the two albums are artistic equals. I was warned ;) that I might be challenged for that assertion, and for the five star rating I gave the album. But honestly, I didn’t expect the challenge to come so late and in such an “off topic” manner…really you guys, see what you started? JK, I certainly don’t absolve myself of responsibility here.

I realy enjoy Mountain Soul II but wouldn’t have included it in my top 20 of the year. While it’s really fantastic, I miss the days of mostly brand new material from Patty Loveless. It’s been a long time since we’ve had that. I loved the cover of “Busted” and “Diamond in my Crown”, but re-cutting her own stuff just was over kill for me a little bit. Just personal preference.

“Handful of Dust” is really wonderful, both versions, however I don’t care for the vocals on the MS II version- not Pattys vocals, but Sydni Perry’s vocals. Another thing that just isn’t appealing to my ears, so unfortunately, I end up skipping the song :(

On another note, “Live on the Inside” is INCREDIBLE and Im so happy to see it on this list! Their live show is simply superb!!!!!