• Record Label: Shout
  • Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Here, on Blood and Candle Smoke, he's perfected this method of songwriting and learned to record in a completely new way, to boot.
  2. Mojo
    60
    Russell sings with heartfelt authority, while Calexico's cool elegance balances the emotional ticket. [Oct 2009, p.106]
  3. It’s not a game-changer, career-wise--Russell doesn’t need one--but it’s perhaps a work that will gain him the broader recognition he has long deserved.
  4. That drive encapsulates Tom Russell and his artistic and spiritual sensibilities nicely, a drive whose end result places Blood and Candle Smoke head and shoulders above the songwriting rabble of today.
  5. His dark visions are overpowered by his colorful writing and pure humanity.
  6. Uncut
    60
    The backing are stately, most elegant on the trumpet and Wurlitzer of 'Mississippi River Running Backwards.' [Oct 2009, p.108]

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