A folk-opera based on Greek mythology? Well gee, I'm automatically interested!My cousin burned this album on to a CD for me when I was visiting on Christmas day. I trust her taste in music firmly, and was more then willing to give Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchel a listen.
Hadestown is a concept album, the plot being a variation of the myth 'Orpheus and Eurydice'. In the album, the two title characters are newlyweds, young and in love. But times are hard and gettin' harder, and they can't afford wedding bands or even a bed. Orpheus promises that with his voice, he can convince the birds and river to help them out, but promises such as that aren't enough for Eurydice. She's hungry, and she ends up getting lured into Hadestown by the king Hades himself, under the impression that Hadestown is some sort of paradise. Now it's to Orpheus to save his woman from the dark depths of Hadestown!
The album features orchestral arrangements by Michael Chorney. Orpheus is played by Justin Vernon, Eurydice by Anaïs Mitchel, Persephone by Ani DiFranco, and Hades by Greg Brown. Besides the great idea and wonderful cast of artists, the music itself is brilliant. Flowing, enticing, and ear-pleasing, Hadestown overall is a brilliant album. Publications such as Drowned in Sound and The Gaurdian gave it the highest rating possible, and NME gave it a 9/10.I cannot recommend this album enough. GO BUY IT NOW, YOU FOOLS.
~Larz
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