Customer Reviews

Alameda County Line

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up Alameda County Line based on an interview with it's producer, Dave Alvin. Now I am biased to love what Alvin touches, but I was more than delighted when I heard this CD; I am addicted! This San Franicisco-based sextet kicks it, leaning heavily on the Bakersfield sound with touches of Buck Owens heard lovingly throughout. Songwriter and co-front man Scott Young (who's also featured on guitar, fiddle and trombone) is clever with the phrase, at once bemoning the woes of loving a '64 Dodge Dart in "Under the Wrench," to the joys of jello and deep-fat fried fish in the swing infused "Catfish Fry." But this is not a novelty nor parody act; these folks love traditional country western and Young is equally deft on the side of the broken heart with such tracks as "Stay Away from Me" and "Mr. Heartache". Young shares songwriting credits with bandmates Jill Olson and Max Butler, whose tracks are likewise infectuous. There are also two live ghost tracks, showing that Red Meat stays fresh live and is not simply a stand out in the studio. I'm ready to go see a show, but until then, this CD will be in heavy rotation. One spin of "Lolita" and you'll be hooked too. Red Meat never tasted so good!

This is Red Meat's most recent album. The album manages to still sound authentic while reflecting the bands increasing skills in the studio. I guess Dave Alvin knows his stuff. As with all the Red Meat albums you get lovely harmonies, clever lyrics and a classic country sound.

This is Red Meat's most danceable album in my opinion. A few tracks like Catfish Fry and sure to get you two stepping.

Red Meat is country for people who like country. Amazingly they also appeal to people who think they don't like country.

This is not the low end CMT inspired video friendly pop country but rather real country played by really talented musicians.

Hello record companies. Wake up and smell the meat!

I'm a big fan of the first two cd's from this band, so I was excited to receive this one when it came out. This cd by far exceeded my expectations. From the opening snap of "That's What I'm Here For"'s drum intro to the closing applause of the two hidden live tracks, this is a first rate album from a first rate band. Red Meat has established itself as one of the finest honky-tonk bands out there, and this cd demonstrates a band firmly hitting its stride.

Nashville, are you listening?

I'm a big fan of the first two cd's from this band, so I was excited to receive this one when it came out. This cd by far exceeded my expectations. From the opening snap of "That's What I'm Here For"'s drum intro to the closing applause of the two hidden live tracks, this is a first rate album from a first rate band. Red Meat has established itself as one of the finest honky-tonk bands out there, and this cd demonstrates a band firmly hitting its stride.

Nashville, are you listening?

I was excited to pick up this album, being a big fan of the previous two albums. However, while good, this one is a little disappointing.

The overall sound is more polished than on previous efforts, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but tends to make Meat sound more "Nashville," something which they aren't (at least as it stands today). The songs also don't have the lyrical snap of previous works, something the band seemingly admits by including another recording of "Lolita," which is essentially unchanged from its previous incarnation on the excellent "Meet Red Meat."

There are many fine songs, though, and the inclusion of several live tracks at the end is a plus (which would have been a better way to include Lolita!). "Sweet Song" in particular stands out as nearly reason enough to by this album. Also, the band tinkers with swing sounds on several cuts, most notably "Catfish Fry." But if someone were looking to be introduced to the band, I'd likely steer them to 13 or Meet Red Meat.