They just keep getting better!
583881
The Tin Hat Trio's sound has been getting more refined and more sophisticated from each album to the next - their debut was mostly just the trio, live and raw in the studio; 'Helium' added some overdubs, some guests, guitarist Mark Orton played some dobro, Rob Burger played some piano, the sound was fuller and bassier.
For 'The Rodeo Eroded', they've just gone all-out. There are guests wherever needed, overdubs wherever needed, the members of the trio play a wide variety of wonderful instruments, and the result is this, one of the most sublime albums I've heard in a long while.
The album opens with 'Bill', a beautiful dobro-driven waltz, no doubt a tribute to the great Bill Frisell (who has worked with and obviously inspired all three members). 'Holiday Joel' is a more frenetic discordant latin number, a strange feature for guest percussionist Billy Martin. 'Nickel Mountain' is one of the most haunting, beautiful pieces on the album, surprisingly one of the only times the Tin Hat Trio have coupled dobro with piano.
All of the three pieces mentioned above are by Mark Orton, who wrote and arranged most of the material on the album. There seems to be just that little bit more attention to detail than in his previous work - for example check out the final phrase of 'Bill' where he reharmonises each note to perfection; or his amazing orchestration of 'Willow Weep For Me' (featuring none other than Willie Nelson on vocals), adding clarinets, harp, cello, bass and drums to the Tin Hat Trio palette.
The other members' compositional skills should not go without mention. Rob Burger's 'Happy Hour' is an incredibly funky latin tune; and Carla Kihlstedt's 'Sweep' is one of the most beautiful and different pieces on the album.
If there's one criticism I have of 'The Rodeo Eroded', it's that there are a handful of tunes that don't go very far. The band's great sound tends to pull them through though. 'Fear Of The South' is nice enough but perhaps a bit pedestrian. Similar comment for 'Rubies, Pearls and Emeralds' and one or two others.
But that aside, basically the Tin Hat Trio is a brilliant ensemble and this is a brilliant album!
2367181
This band just keeps getting better and better. With the Five they've gone over the top good,maybe even great. Every song's a gem. The singing brings chills,the musicianship is awe inspiring. All I can say is buy this album,sit back and love it.
3364156
The series just keeps getting better. If you look at the sexual stuff objectively and the meanings behind it, the story is better. The complexities of the story just keep drawling you in!
1076165
I have read all nine books in this series, and they just seem to get better and better. The main characters are growing and evolving, as are their relationships--with each other and with their significant others. Catching up with Mad and Fab is like catching up with a couple of good friends you haven't seen in a while, except with a little more adventure than most of my real life friends ever have in their lives!

As usual, there are murders to be solved, issues to be dealt with at The Cottages, cases that Brick wants the girls to take off his hands, friends to clear of murder charges, and lots of romance for the girls with Didier and Creole. There is plenty of humor throughout, as well.

These books are always quick, easy reads, mostly because you just don't want to stop until you find out what's going on. Each one is capable of being a stand-alone novel, but if you haven't read the rest of the series, I suggest you start from the beginning and read them all so that you can have a true understanding of the great relationship between Mad and Fab over time.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
3130475
I have been a fan of this series since book one, and I've got to say, it keeps getting better and better.  The characters are genuine, flawed, heroic, and amazingly real.  This is a series that I can't put down.  I end up pacing while reading because I am nervous about what is going to happen to them.  I am earnestly invested in the characters, the world, and the perils that they all face.  With this book, though, the new characters add a level of complexity that had me riveted, angry, mortified, hopeful, proud, and even downright furious.  I got so mad at one point, which I won't spoil, that I jumped up and shouted in the middle of the living room.  That is excellent writing in my book.  This series is so good, and it also feels like it is going somewhere, unlike a lot of series that seem to stall.  This series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next book!
4621581
I just can't get enough of these characters and the incredible world they inhabit!  Just when you think you've figured out what absolutely must happen next, something unexpected and totally fitting spins everyone around, catapulting you even deeper into this world of creatures, skill discovery and development, and character self-discovery.  This, book 3, is even better than the preceding books which only made me clear a lovely block of time for Book 4...I suggest you do the same without delay!
3591729
They keep getting better.  Maybe because we're learning more about all the characters and how they all tie together in one way or another..... but whatever!  They're a great read!
4474381
This is a series that just keeps getting better!  The third book of this serious had me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat! This was the first book that I truly loved all the main characters throughout out the book.  I loved seeing how more in love they became and I have to say I also love the secondary "good guys".  This books is so well written, with twist and turns along with laughs and tears.  I know I always say it, but I truly can't wait for the next one in the series.  These ladies have written this so well!
1024905
This series just keeps getting better! Unlike some other long term series, the Haunted books keep getting better.  The characters grow, get deeper, and after eleven books, seem like old friends.  It's nice to see characters who are sympathetic and who actually think about their actions and who try to change for the better.  Ms. Aaron tells an entertaining  and absorbing story and as always, I'm sad when it's over.
2705059
This series just gets better and better - I hope there will be many more installments, 'cuz I just can't get enough!
2749411
Love Love LOVE the music on this cd! They have progressed musically in a way most bands cannot: they got BETTER!
3534054
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series!  Keeps getting better & better!
3149154
this series has continued to get better and better with each book, building on the three societies, and adding layers of complexity to the characters. Just a really entertaining read!
3842203
These guys blow my mind... and they just keep getting better and better.  Love their new Christmas album.  A must-have Christmas album.  Bought it digitally and have already used it as background music for a family Christmas party.
4398878
I hope there are many more books to come in this series as each story has been fantastic! This one was no exception. They just steadily get better and better and that, in itself, is a feat!
2891177
They just get better and better.  I love the whole album.  You rule Al!  Please come here and do a concert again.
1314047
Can't wait for the next book in this series! Each one is better than the last!