Railroad Earth Albums Ranked

Railroad Earth is a bluegrass-influenced Americana band formed in Stillwater, New Jersey in 2001. The band’s music combines elements of progressive bluegrass, folk, rock, country, jazz, Celtic and other Americana influences. Recognized as “carrying on the tradition of improvisational, genre-spanning music laid forth by the Grateful Dead,” Railroad Earth is known for lyrical songwriting and extensive live improvisation. The band takes its name from the Jack Kerouacprose poem “October in the Railroad Earth”. The band also has a song of the same name. The band was originally formed in 2001, and was composed of vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Todd Sheaffer, violinist/vocalist Tim Carbone, mandolinist John Skehan, multi-instrumentalist Andy Goessling, drummer/vocalist Carey Harmon, and bassist Dave Von Dollen. Though each member was aware of one another, it was only Todd, Tim, and Andy who had played together. Tim, had joined Todd’s band From Good Homes on stage, in addition Tim and Andy having a 20-year friendship through their former bands, The Blue Sparks From Hell, and New Jersey rock outfit Kings in Disguise. Here are all of Railroad Earth albums ranked.

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7. Ashes & Dust

“If you were expecting Mule meets Railroad Earth you’ll be disappointed. This is the mellow country / folk side of Warren. I like the opening track “Is It Me or You” but much of this doesn’t connect with me which is kind of shame as I like both outfits. Cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Gold Dust Woman”.”

6. Railroad Earth

“If Bob Dylan had released this album it would be bolded. Railroad Earth’s most consistent album in awhile and just about every song is worth hearing, many of them multiple times. Big epics, instrumentals, stripped down folk songs, everything we love about this band and their Americana folkgrass. All time favorites “Lone Croft Farewell” and “On the Banks”.

5. The Good Life

“Surprise album of the year, less bluegrass than the previous efforts and more rock – a strange kind of southern/jam rock – strange since it is played with acoustic instruments: did you know that a mandolin can flame just like a guitar? listen to this record to believe it. Then Todd Sheaffer is a damned good songwriter: 11 tracks + an hidden track and no one of them is weak.”

4. The Black Bear Sessions

“Like most modern bluegrass albums this is a skip around affair but enough great stuff to make it worth sifting through. My favorites are “Railroad Earth”, “Colorado”, “Black Bear” and the classic “Seven Story Mountain”. While I’ll pass on the rest this was still an impressive debut album. And on they roll down the tracks.”

3. Amen Corner

“I listen to my old iPods at work pretty much all day and every time I hear a Railroad Earth song I get pumped too listen to more of their albums and find more great songs. After this album and _The Good Life_ I’m starting to think I already found most of them previously. I like this one better then the predecessor but the great song ratio is pretty low. Do like the Deadish “All Alone” and “Been Down This Road” but not enough to keep them. A great sounding album though.”

2. Last of the Outlaws

“No real bluegrass on this album but an enjoyable mellow folk rock that can still take you some incredible places. For instance the lengthy “All That’s Dead…” suite. “Hangtown Ball” is party song with a dark theme that’s quite brilliant. Opener “Chasin’ a Rainbow” is my favorite song and easy to get to. They were obviously shooting for a bigger crowd then the hippies at their shows with this album and by all rights they should be huge. A very talented outfit. This one however is not my favorite.”

1. Bird in a House

“I liked it. The songs are pretty melodic, and since i hadnt experience this genre yet it sounded pretty interesting to me. There is a rich variety of string instruments involved, and lyrically it is decent. Overal i dont hink the album is really special, but honestly i found it an enjoyable listen. More than good enough for background music.”