Hmmm-- I didn't read the liner notes; don't have the album, just have a video of "Down From the Mountain" that DharmaBum so kindly sent me. Robert K. Ooermann is (or was) the top critic of the Tennessean for years and years, and before that, worked at the Country Music Foundation. Knowledgeable guy -- met him on a few occasions. Just so you know -- he does know a lot about country, folk and blues, so whatever he slipped up on -- pretty incredible.

I don't know what is it with me -- I just don't care for Alison Kraus. Her voice lacks grit to me (I realize that's the style). I like a little more color and character in my voices. Much the same way some people take issue with Joan Baez's singing, I guess, and say they prefer something a little less bland.