Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

O BROTHER, WHERE OUT THOU? is not the only bluegrass CD out there. That selfsame CD, with hardly any radio airplay (WSM-AM, the rightfully styled "Air Castle of the South" being the notable exception) has of this writing sold over 5 million copies. Yet, despite this notable feat in a time when CDs are withering on the shelves, the industry as a whole continues to ignore this genre. There are some exceptions, however. It is interesting that Rounder Records, which is rapidly becoming musically indispensable, has been featuring this music for years (does the name Alison Kraus ring a bell?) And doing quite well with it. Which brings us to IIIrd Thyme Out.

IIIrd Thyme Out sounds more like a name for a rap group than for a group of bluegrass musicians. Yet, that's who they are. Each member is a double threat vocally and instrumentally; having won seven IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards for best vocal group, they are the bluegrass equivalent of Brooks and Dunn. BACK TO THE MAC is their fifth Rounder CD, and their second live recording. It is, quite simply, perfect in every way.

BACK TO THE MAC is loaded with bluegrass gems that both casual fans and aficionados of the genre might be unfamiliar with, running the gamut from gospel tunes ("When My Time Comes To Go," "Drifting Too Far From the Shore") to hillbilly weepers ("I Hung My Head and Cried," "Please Search Your Heart") to the breakneck instrumentals the genre is associated with ("Lost John"). There's a memorable Lefty Frizell tune, "A Little Unfair," which sums up, in three gentle verses and a couple of minutes, the eternal struggle between men and women in a relationship. There's also "Old, Old House," associated with Bill Monroe but written by George Jones, a quietly piercing tale of angst, loss, and longing. IIIrd Time Out nails everything perfectly, from the instrumentation to the vocals, demonstrating that perfection that comes when talented individuals with a common love unite for the purpose of making music.

One might question why IIIrd Time Out chose to release another concert CD only three years after releasing their first one. The easy answer, supplied in the excellent notes in the CD jacket, is demand. There is more to it than that, however, though the clamor of fans no doubt played a large part. It was the opportunity to once again do it correctly. BACK TO THE MAC may well be the quintessimal concert recording, somehow capturing the warmth, excitement, and  intimacy that this music brings in live performance. The stage patter, introductions, and audience reaction are wisely included, giving the listener the feel of actually being at the concert. The result is an excellent document of a musical genre that is unfortunately ignored but by no means forgotten, an introduction for those unfamiliar with it and a postcard from an old and cherished friend for those who follow it. Very highly recommended.