Shovels and Rope // Busted Jukebox Vol. 1

Shovels and Rope

Busted Jukebox Vol. 1

Dualtone Music 

3/5 stars

It's easy to fault cover albums. Usually thrown together in haste, they conjure up images of a band riding out their record contracts. Collaborative albums can hint at the same kind of writer's-block stagnation. Busted Jukebox Vol. 1 is simultaneously both of these, while hinting at neither. With only three albums under their belt, Shovels and Rope certainly aren't in a career slump. The husband and wife team of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst is an instantly lovable one. This alt-country duo has no problem winning over fans of all genres. Their sweet harmonies and rootsy instrumentation blend into an authentic, hipster-friendly hoedown. The Charleston troubadours have invited all of their best friends over to curate a variety hour worthy of the Grand Ole Opry. Every track has a guest star. Standouts like Shakey Graves, the Milk Carton Kids, and Butch Walker highlight the bunch. Even the most over-played covers ("Perfect Day", "Peace, Love, and Understanding") get a satisfying arrangement. While no masterpiece, it's a respectable little modern-folk mixtape. – Nick Warren