Dont You Remember The Time: Traditional Fiddle Music Of Mississippi Vol 2 – A Whistle-Worthy Ride Through Folk History
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into Don’t You Remember The Time: Traditional Fiddle Music of Mississippi Vol 2, a dusty gem from 1975 that’s as authentic as it gets. This isn’t some slick, overproduced pop record—it’s raw, real, and straight outta the heartland. If you’re into folk music with roots so deep they might hit oil, this one's for you.
First off, let’s talk vibes. Released by County Records (props to them for keeping tradition alive), this album is like sitting on a creaky porch while someone tells stories about life before smartphones—or electricity. The liner notes by David Freeman are worth reading just for his quirky commentary, and Richard Nevins’ design keeps things simple but charming. No bells or whistles here—just good ol’ fiddle tunes that feel older than time itself.
Now, onto the tracks. With titles like “Captain George Has Your Money Come” and “Molly Put The Kettle On,” how could you not be curious? But if I had to pick two standouts, I’d go with “Don’t You Remember The Time” and “Sweet Milk And Peaches.”
“Don’t You Remember The Time” hits hard because it feels like nostalgia bottled up in three minutes flat. It’s got that slow-burn fiddle melody that makes your brain wander back to memories you didn’t even know you had. Maybe it’s the way the strings tug at your soul, or maybe it’s just the title nagging at me like an old friend saying, “Hey, remember when?” Spoiler alert: I don’t always remember, but dang, do I want to.
Then there’s “Sweet Milk And Peaches,” which sounds exactly how it should—smooth, sweet, and kinda sticky in all the right ways. There’s something oddly comforting about its rhythm; it’s the kind of tune that makes you wanna grab a partner and shuffle around the kitchen floor until both of y’all trip over the dog. Plus, can we take a moment to appreciate the name? Sweet milk AND peaches? That combo deserves a medal.
The rest of the album doesn’t disappoint either. From “Mississippi Square Dance” making your toes tap involuntarily to “Bankhead Blues” reminding you why blues will never die, every track has its own little charm. Even “Sullivan’s Hollow” sneaks up on you with its haunting vibe—it’s like walking through foggy woods where ghosts whisper secrets only fiddles can hear.
So what’s the takeaway here? Well, aside from realizing how much fun people used to have without TikTok, this album reminds us that music doesn’t need fireworks to leave an impression. Sometimes, it’s enough to sit back, listen, and let the melodies carry you somewhere else entirely.
And hey, isn’t that what great albums are supposed to do? Make you forget your Wi-Fi password for a bit? Or maybe make you wish you lived in a world where square dances were still the hottest Friday night activity?
Anyway, give Don’t You Remember The Time a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start craving peaches afterward.
