Tom Russell - Modern Art

While Tom Russell's recent albums have been theme albums, Modern Art is a collection of short stories about a variety of subjects and personalities. It is Tom Russell at his literate best.Modern Art includes a brilliant performance of Charles Bukowski's poem Crucifix In A Death Hand combined with Warren Zevon's classic Carmelita. Tom combines the two pieces to paint an original portrait of the seedy side of Los Angeles. Other highlights are Tom's original The Kid From Spavinaw, about Mickey Mantle, title song Modern Art, Tom's take on the folk classic The Dutchman and a duet with Nanci Griffith on Dave Alvin's Bus Station. Tom Russell is coming to be recognized as one of the preeminent American folk songwriters. His songs have been covered by Johnny Cash, Nanci Griffith, Guy Clark, Doug Sahm, Joe Ely and others. Tom Russell is an original, brilliant songwriter with a restless curiosity and an almost violent imagination. - Annie Proulx,