Bob's Bacon Barn

The debut album from the Bloomington, Indiana-based collective of artists who specialize in, but aren't limited to, bluegrass. There are certainly other influences playing their part here, including some Middle Eastern spice and Irish jigs. With a wide array of instruments being used — violin, guitar, banjo, flute, accordion, upright bass, glockenspiel, tons of percussion — and the Elephants unique sense of humor, this album certainly runs the entire gamut of modern, eclectic bluegrass. Unfortunately, like some similar genres (reggae, for example), all the songs can begin to sound the same to the untrained ear, thus making 15 songs a bit much for many casual fans to listen to. Nonetheless, if the music on this album doesn't make the listener want to get up and dance, or at least get a toe tapping, there's a good chance they might be deaf.