Dave Rawlings Machine  - A Friend Of A Friend (Acony Records) To like this album you have to like the Dave Rawlings’ voice; it’s as simple as that. Get past this gentle whine, on occasion somewhat reminiscent of Neil Young at his most keening, and you have it. Easy for the odd track maybe, but the with the whole album to listen to you might need a little bit of patience to get the full measure of it’s craft. The playing is matchless, and with great original songs (the choice lyric writing done with his long-time musical partner, Gillian Welch, and Ryan Adams) plus two superb covers. And the voice? Well, once I made it past just being tolerant I was pleasantly surprised. After repeat plays, I cannot now imagine these tales sung in any other way. The pick is definitely the welded-together cover of Conor Oberst’s ‘Method Acting’ to Neil’s ‘Cortez The Killer’, a cracking (but no crack showing) ten minute ballad of sheer beauty. So, add the great delivery (after a fashion, and, after a time) and I have to ask “What are you waiting for? Go get a copy of this great album!” www.myspace.com/daverawlingsmachine Kev A. Dave Rawlings Machine – Method Acting / Cortez The Killer   Next