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Dirt Farmer
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Dirt Farmer Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: Former The Band drummer/singer returns with a solo album.

Top Track

A Train Robbery
The foreman touched the cold steel lines The rail bed was frozen with ice In the distance an engine was keeping good time The steam whistle moaned... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. NOW Magazine
    100
    Comeback of the year.
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    90
    As wonderful as it is unexpected, Dirt Farmer is a strong candidate for comeback of the year.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The Band's Levon Helm turns in a modestly charming album of 13 cover songs. [30 Nov 2007, p.131]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Mojo
    80
    Earthy, reassuringly calloused country and bluegrass is its currency. [Dec 2007, p.110]
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  5. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Dirt Farmer thus proves a revelation, not only through Helm's amazingly rich vocals but also in the return to his Arkansas roots with a perspective and emotion that testifies to perseverance and faith.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    Dirt Farmer is a hard-edged but compassionate and full-hearted set of roots music from a master of the form, and it's a welcome, inspiring return to form for Levon Helm after a long stretch of professional and personal setbacks.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Whether reworking Steve Earle's 'The Mountain' or the traditional heart-tugger 'The Blind Child,' it represents a small yet very real personal triumph. [Dec 2007, p.121]
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See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. BobM.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    I can't stop playing Dirt Farmer. Levon moves me in a way that its hard to describe. I'm so glad he decided to do this cd. Levon I can't stop playing Dirt Farmer. Levon moves me in a way that its hard to describe. I'm so glad he decided to do this cd. Levon Helm IS a national Treasure.… Expand
  2. PhilipD'Amour
    Dec 6, 2007
    10
    This is a wonderful album! "Little Birds" is one of the best tracks of the year!
  4. PaulF
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    Best Album in the last few years. Great to hear him again. This album needs to be un your music collection.
  5. ChrisK
    Nov 25, 2007
    9
    As the host of an Americana based radio program, I get nearly every release that comes out. By far, one of the most compelling and authentic As the host of an Americana based radio program, I get nearly every release that comes out. By far, one of the most compelling and authentic albums of the genre for 2007, Levon's friend Larry Campbell, and Levon's daughter have crafted Levon's aged voice into a career masterpiece. This is NOT "Americanapolitan," but more truly a rural, farmland, dry red dirt "no depression" style album,, complete with covers of the Carter Family and Steve Earle. Very Highly Recommended.… Expand
  6. ByronLJ
    Jul 5, 2009
    8
    I am not a fan of country music, cause it mostly all sounds the same (especially modern country). Would I call this country? Lots of people I am not a fan of country music, cause it mostly all sounds the same (especially modern country). Would I call this country? Lots of people would, I wouldn't. I'd just call it a good record.… Expand
  7. THorton
    Nov 22, 2007
    8
    One of the best albums of the year!!!!!!
  8. MickeyMental
    Nov 19, 2007
    2
    Um. Boring music from a guy who can't sing.

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Album of 2007