Markus Rill - The Things That Count

A German singer-songwriter makes terrific Americana records. Although it may be a contradiction in terms, Markus Rill has realized the seemingly impossible on quite a few CDs already. After the excellent The Price or Sin from 2006, he has now released The Things That Count - a really, really great record. To record the album, Rill went to Nashville/Tennessee where he was not only supported by producer Richard McLaurin but also by a number of excellent musicians. The guitar, piano and organ parts are particularly great.

And yet, once again Markus Rill and his songs are the main attractions of this album. For "The Things That Count", Rill has written a number of songs that are among the very best the genre currently has to offer. The songs draw from folk, country and rock and Rill's deliciously raspy voice adds an extra dimension. Rill's voice reminds the listener of Steve Earle, Tom Waits and Townes van Zandt.

If a Texan made a record like The Things That Count, it would be praised the whole world over. Things are different when it comes from a German. That's a real shame but fortunately for those who do get to hear it, The Things That Count sounds just as great.