Last of Their Kind

Janette and Joe Carter make music the old-fashioned way, not unlike the way their famous relatives — the Carter Family — made music back in the '20s, '30s and '40s. But while the Carter Family is now recognized as country music's founding family, their folk-country style seems to have little in common with Shania Twain and Travis Tritt. Last of Their Kind, then, isn't trying to set a new trend (alternative old-timey), but capture the rustic musings of a generation of performers who are passing from the scene. Joe and Janette Carter rely on little more than their voices and simple arrangements to deliver a handful of classic and self-penned songs. As a mere document capturing the older style, Last of Their Kind works very well; as a musical statement, however, the album is a mixed bag. The best songs feature Joe Carter's gruff vocals, and slightly larger arrangements with fiddle and dobro. "Right at Home," "Pole It Reba," and "Stern Old Bachelor" are lots of fun and include some nice background vocal work on the choruses. Other pieces sung by Janette Carter are much more rustic, and while the accompanying autoharp will recall the Carter Family, songs like "Living With Memories" seem to recall the memory of a style more than the spirit. Despite flaws, fans of old-time country music will be glad that Joe and Janette Carter have not abandoned the classic sounds of yesteryear. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi