Single Review – Coal Minin’ Man – The Roys
Ahead of the release of new album Lonesome Whistle, sibling duo The Roys release lead-off single ‘Coal Minin’ Man.’
As the title suggests, this Lee Roy and Matt Rogers penned song is a traditional tribute to the men who brave the subterranean black. While trying not to make it sound unrealistically romantic (‘breaks his back, his lungs are black’), the lyrics paint a picture of a hard, yet satisfying life. And there is room for a smile in the gloom – ‘Well that boss man, he’s always screaming/and it echoes through the mine/so that coal man takes out his frustrations/with a stick of good old dynamite’
Lee’s strong, confident vocals with near-ethereal harmonies by Elaine really sell this story but the very best thing about this song is the amazing music. The already very talented brother and sister know how to put a band together and are joined here by top-notch players Mark Fain on bass, Justin Moses on banjo, Randy Kohrs on dobro, Cody Kilby on acoustic guitar, and Andy Leftwich on fiddle and mandolin.
The Roys make bluegrass for the 21st century and with ‘Coal Minin’ Man’ as a calling card, Lonesome Whistle is one of my top anticipated 2011 albums.
You can listen to this song and more on The Roys’ website.
Liv Carter believes no good song should be left unsupported. She reports on music especially favoring independent artists and songwriters. Her main influences are James Taylor, coffee and sarcasm. She is allergic to clichés. Find her on facebook or reach her via e-mail
