ACL Fest Friday Reviews

Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin's albums are usually centered around her vocal and guitar performances – the anomalously loud Flaming Red aside – so a live disc with the same focus won't be a revelation. That said, Live From Artists Den, mostly comprising songs from 2007's Children Running Through, delivers an impressive variety, from the pseudo-gospel of "Love Throw a Line" and smoky Sam Cooke cover "Get Yourself Another Fool" to the chilly French spiritual "J'irai la Voir un Jour" to, naturally, the sincere Americana for which Griffin is known. Most of the songs here resemble their album versions more or less closely. However, some benefit subtly from the spare arrangements and echo of the live setting, notably "Burgundy Shoes" and "Top of the World." Moreover, a songwriter as boldly personal and unguarded as Austin's Griffin is at an advantage when she's right in front of you. Metaphorically speaking. (4:30pm, AMD stage.)