Customer Reviews

The Band Of Heathens

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
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Having gravitated to one another's live sets at Momo's in Austin, Texas, songwriters Colin Brooks, Gordy Quist and Ed Jurdi (together with bassist Seth Whitney and drummer John Chipman) formed The Band of Heathens and released their 2006 debut as, unsurprisingly, "Live at Momo's." More unusually, their follow-up was also a live disc, and it wasn't until this 2008 release that the quintet settled down to record in a proper studio. Their combination of country, rock and blues has a distinctly southern flavor, venturing towards Southern Rock and stadium-sized energy of John Mellancamp's heartland singalongs, but remaining rootsy throughout. There are numerous antecedents here, including the bluesy melting pot of Little Feat, the 1970s rock-goes-country Rolling Stones, the eclecticism of Commander Cody and NRBQ, and the rustic sentiments of The Band.

Produced by the legendary Ray Wylie Hubbard, the disc's eleven songs cover a lot of ground, from multi-part harmony-laden country to electric blues rock. The Southern fried gospel blues of "Unsleeping Eye" nods vigorously to Little Feat, and the mandolin and pump organ (courtesy of Stephen Bruton and Gurf Morlix, respectively) of "Second Line" add a lazy New Orleans drawl. Patty Griffin adds her voice to "Maple Tears" sad story of cross-border broken hearts, and the oil-rigger's tale, "Nine Steps Down" has an irresistible radio-ready melody. Among the most successful productions are the album's simplest, such as the gentle arrangement of Ed Jurdi's love song, "40 Days," and the salacious backporch blues "Cornbread," featuring producer Hubbard on slide guitar.

The Band of Heathens mix of blues, rock, country and folk brings to mind the ground-breaking experiments of the late `60s and early `70s, as well as the more commercially-oriented efforts of acts like The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Eagles. The results neatly provide country music fans a respite from the pop productions of Nashville's mainstream without resorting to the archness of alt.country opposition. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]

I saw The Band of Heathens live recently, then bought the CD. While the live show was good, this CD is what really impresses me. Other reviewers mention that they remind one of Little Feat, and while I agree with that, I'd also say they have a bit more of a diverse sound. Three different band members share the song writing duties and lead vocals, and the differences play off each other very nicely. I'm really looking forward to their next release.

I caught The Band of Heathens by chance at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival last Sunday. What a great live band. I snatched up this, their first studio CD, right away. These guys are the real deal. Their sound may not be original or unique, but it's a great sound, and they nail it. The musicianship is excellent, they've got great songwriting chops, and it's music that makes you want to get up and move. Or crack a few beers and kick back.

I think the Amazon review comparing them to the Eagles is totally wide of the mark. This stuff is more in the vein of blues/roots/country rock/Southern Fried. And it's organic where the Eagles always seemed slick and canned to me. I'd say a bit of early Little Feat, a touch of The Band. Solid songs. And there are some big names gracing these tracks, too. Patty Griffin on a few, Gurf Morlix adding some texture.

As a heathen myself, I'm expecting some great things out of this band of songwriters. Check them out.

Austin band that wears its allegiance to Little Feat proudly. How can you miss when Ray Wylie Hubbard produces and Patty Griffin joins in for three songs?

While visiting in San Antonio over the summer, these guys were on a local morning news show. I liked them right away, even though I'm not a huge country listener. They have a good sound and most of the tracks on this CD are ones I really like. Of course, my favorite is "Heart on My Sleeve," the one I heard in the beginning.

Delivery and Condition were as promised. The music was very enjoyable. I also purchased "Top Hat Crown" and "One Foot in the Ether". Both are worth listening to over and over.

I saw them on Austin City Limits. A cross between The Band, and Little Feat. Great music, great vocals.
I will buy more music by them. I wish they would tour buy me.

So, not much country where I was growing up, down south, as in the southside of Newark NJ. But I got real turned on to Drive by Truckers, and have followed up with Band of Heathens (and Cross Canadian Ragweed), and they have not disappointed! Great sound, love Oklahoma!---give it a listen. Americana soul without the crystal.

I've seen these guys live since they used to back each other up when they each played individually at MoMo's a few years ago. It was only natural when they decided to form the band that is now The Band of Heathens. To this day, they continue to amaze me at how they continue to grow as a group with their distinct sound that seems to cover so much of the music not only from Austin, but also many of the surrounding areas in the south. All their albums are great and the songs never seem to get old but these guys' real appeal is in their live shows... check them out if you get a chance!

Love the CD, but was told it was backordered and would not be in until after Christmas. Actually received it 8 days later!