Sing the Delta

Like Leadbelly, Iris brings an inimitable sense of the genuine to these songs. They are felt, not necessarily crafted. Listen again! Note: you might have to print out the lyrics. She's so 'Arkansas dirt farmer' here you may not understand the words.

So much music today is processed, like in a blender, and given to the people to stomach. I can’t stomach that stuff. Iris serves up all courses of music in a way that you just want to go back for more. You can’t be satisfied till she comes out with another album. She is a great treat to listen to. Thanks.

I love her voice and her music, no flash or commercialism to it, just plain o'l down home real..

I am new to this artist. My exposure to her was from A Prairie Home Companion. Upon hearing her voice, I immediately had to know who was singing. I just could not believe the depth of her haunting, melodic voice. I immediately realized that I had been missing a true gem. Just listen once, and you are likely to replicate my experience!

Listen when the day is quiet. Listen again intently. The songs will saturate your soul and settle your mind.

I love Iris Dement and her soft country voice always brings on strong emotions for me. I have missed her glad she is back

I would also agree that this recording establishes Ms. Dement as one of the very best all-time country singers. Her vocals are very difficult to pull off, and yet she is incredibly consistent and pure in her tone and intonation. Her songs speak of the wisdom that one only gains from a rich and complex life.

I never thought Iris could write anything as good as "Our Town" or "Easy's Getting' Harder Everyday" and when she stopped writing new music for a long time I figured it was maybe like J.D. Salinger… you have a very creative period in your life and then it ends. But when I heard her voice again on the True Grit soundtrack, it reminded me of how much I missed that voice. So when I then heard the NPR interview about this album I got it and… was underwhelmed at first. Voice was great, but songs were undistinctive, heavy piano-based, repetitious. But like peeling off layers on an onion, I kept listening and it kept growing on me. I would have still liked more guitar-based or more uptempo songs, but I realize she's created a collection of beautiful vocal and lyrical gems. "The Day I learned how not to pray" is one of the saddest songs I've heard, but it's so good. "Sing the Delta" is an ear-worm that just keeps digging in. In a good way!

I love to listen to Iris DeMent. She has one of those voices that just captures you. I am a Southerner. I sit and listen to her sing and it just takes me back to the good times. Even with those sad stories makes me smile when I hear her sing those soulful songs. This album is a wonderful collection of beautiful stories sung in a wonderful way. One day I hope that she teams up with Jimmy Dale Gilmore and does a few tunes together. I think they have a sound that will speak volumes to those who love her type of music. I have to say, I have spent some very special nights sitting in small venues listening to singers/songwriters perform music like these songs. It takes you home. You feel like you could close your eyes and find yourself sitting in the front parlor with the windows open and the breezes blowing the curtains listening to something special and personal being sung. I just love those memories and this music. You can't go wrong purchasing this album and then go find all her other music and buy it too. Having grown up with the Austin Texas music scene, Iris fits the mold. My 60 years of listening to good music now has one more I love to hear….Iris.

This is the most enthralling album of 2012! I keep playing it over and over and I enjoy it more each time. I've always liked Iris' music but became a big fan after hearing her haunting version of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" in the movie "True Grit." I'm about to check out and download some of her earlier recordings - looks like I may be blowing my entire October music budget tonight!