I really enjoyed this CD. Just when you think you have heard it all, as far as traditional bluegrass music, Plastic Heart comes along and takes you by surprise. I am basically a traditional bluegrass fan, not because the newer bluegrass is not good, but sometimes I find it does not have the lasting effect on me that the traditional bluegrass music does. I did not know what to expect. I thought this CD would be a bunch of early bluegrass covers or standards, but this is not the case. What I did expect and found here was true professionalism and great musicians. I have listened to everybody on Plastic Heart, individually and collectively for a long time with great admiration. I had not heard most of these songs in with the exception of, “It’s You Baby You“, “In A Town This Size” and “Meet Me By My Old Kentucky Home“, written by Joe Val. . I heard Joe Val do “My Old Kentucky Home” as he called it in the 1970’s. It is the same song but with a slightly different title. I believe The Old Time Bluegrass Singers did ’em proud with this rendition of his song.
“I’m Only Human”
“I’m Only Human” is a great song with a real traditional country-bluegrass flavor. “Loose Talk” is a catchy melody where Herb and Lillian trade off lead vocals. “I Know My Lord’s Gonna Lead Me Out” is a great 3-4 part harmony piece of the old time traditional bluegrass style. “In A Town This Size” is a good song I sometimes hear folk-country singers doing here locally, but really never listened closely to the song until I heard this recording. Lillian swaps off the lead singing with this one, and Robert plays a tasteful guitar style. I really like what they do with this one. “It’s You Baby You” is a neat old bluegrass tune reminiscent of the 1950’s bluegrass. “Plastic Heart” has Herb singing the lead vocals of this, another catchy tune done very tastefully. Over all, I believe this CD will make it’s way into my favorite bluegrass CD pile, newer or old. Highly recommended!