Track Listing

1. Everette Helper's Song
2. Badlands
3. Trip to Little Big Horn
4. Old Man's Vision
5. Wounded Knee
6. Big Foot
7. Hotchkiss Gunner's Lament
8. Broken Promise Land
9. Casino
10. So You Want to Be an Indian
11. Walking Through the Prayers
12. Three Chiefs
13. Listen to the Children

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13824 in Music
• Released on: 2005-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .18 pounds

Amazon.com
With this concept album, Marty Stuart pays tribute to the Sioux culture of what is now South Dakota and to the inspiration of Johnny Cash, whose band once included Stuart and who also developed a strong affinity for American Indian traditions. Though it's hard to fault Badlands' good intentions and pointed social commentary, much of it is stronger thematically than musically. Spoken-word interludes that provide transitions might not bear repeated listenings, while the wordless "Hotchkiss Gunner's Lament" (with Stuart's wife, Connie Smith, providing atmospheric vocals) succumbs to new-age romanticism. Yet music and message achieve a powerful synthesis on "Broken Promise Land," where the urgency of the performance bristles with righteous indignation, and a revival of Cash's little-heard "Big Foot." From Custer and Crazy Horse through Sitting Bull and Wounded Knee, Stuart offers a musical history lesson of tragedy than cannot be ignored or denied and hope that still glimmers. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews

Music and History
While this album is not for everyone, Marty fans will appreciate it. Marty sounds great and, of course, the instrumental work is first rate (as always). It is the history of the American Indian (particulary the Sioux Nation) set to music with a little social commentary thrown in. Marty fans know of his love for the American Indian and his concern for their future and the sad living conditions they now find themselves in.

Very Enjoyable ... Great Musicianship ... Highly Recommended
Marty Stuart has always been an amazing musician, so any album of his (or featuring him as guest performer) will be appreciated. His forays into concept albums ("The Pigrim", "Badlands") allow him to stretch out into various shades of Americana. This album succeeds in many ways: songwriting, story-telling and strong performances. It is a very enjoyable listen, highly recommended.

A flawed Beauty, a gift from Marty
Today there the majority of lyrics express nothing more important then "shake your booty," or "I love you, I don't love you." There is nothing wrong with these lyrics but when they dominate radio, TV and CDs then it is evidence of the dumbing down of contemporary culture. This has been especially true in the genre of country music.
One of the musician's trying to reverse this trend is Marty Stuart, this cd is a prime example.
At their best, Marty's lyrics and new and fresh in describing the long term suffering of the Indian. At times, in their quest to speak plainly, they enter into the realm of the chiche and lost their power. This is often found in the readings and especially in the song "Three Chiefs." Yet, a flawed beauty and truth are found in these passages.
I hope he does a cd someday on the positive aspects of Indian life amidst the suffering.
It is important that we do not forget this suffering is still among us, and needs to be addressed. Many of us have a tendency to forget, and let others do the work of righting the wrongs. Marty won't let us forget, and we own him thanks.
By the way, the music is great and is in the Kick Butt Stuart Groove! :)