Customer Reviews

Bandwagon (Reis) (Dig) (Rpkg)

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Playing Time - 49:49 -- Eleven Hundred Springs includes Steve Berg (bass, bajo sexto, vocals), Chris Claridy (guitars), Matt Hillyer (lead vocals, guitars), Mark Reznicek (drums, percussion), and Aaron Wynne (pedal steel, guitar, organ, vocals). "Bandwagon" appears on a record label, Palo Duro, that has a mission to promote country music and Texas spirit. With their classic country sound that incorporates original singer-songwriter fare, pedal steel and acoustic and electric instrumentation, 1100 Springs are part of a current semi-rebellious Texas music movement to "Take Country Back" from Nashville much like the Outlaw music movement did back in the 1970s. Influences of country rock, folk, classic country and bluegrass are apparent in the country music of groups like 1100 Springs. As the movement gains momentum, more and more radio stations are getting on the "bandwagon" to spread these alt-country and Americana sounds. The cover of this album shows a broken down 1950s-vintage truck stuck in some muddy ruts. Acknowledging that it's a tough and crooked road to success, let's hope that this band finds a less hazardous and circuitous path to get where they're going.

Matt Hillyer composed many of the pieces on "Bandwagon," and the band's humorous autobiographical sketch and their attitude towards country music is best captured in "Long Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks." His advice to detractors is to "close your eyes, open your ears, and let the music speak...to hear that good ol' country music." Another treatise on the current state of country music is Aaron Wynne's "Hank Williams Wouldn't Make it Now in Nashville Tennessee" in which the lyrics profess "that carbon copy music don't mean a damn to me." A number of other noteworthy originals including Northside Blues, If I Was A Candle, Swerving and A Straighter Line round out this album. Some of their songs speak to hard livin' on the road, while others tell stories of life in more general terms with a wish for a second chance and to "See You in the Next Life." A slow truckin' re-mastered cover (originally recorded in 1993) of Mickie Newberry's "Why You Been Gone So Long" is a tip of the hat to that great Texas songwriter, as well as to the late rockabilly legend Ronnie Dawson, "the Waxahachie Wildman," who joins in on vocals. The album closes with "The Rock Island Line," that clearly shows these guys also have deep respect for songs from the folk tradition.

A little fiddle might have enhanced this project, and I was even imagining a little hot banjo in the mix of the closing number. This Dallas-based quintet takes its name from a slogan for Pearl Beer ("from the land of 1,100 springs"). Together since 1992, they've evolved from being known as The Red Devils and Lone Star Trio to Eleven Hundred Springs when they landed a regular gig at Adair's Saloon in Dallas. This band is poised and ready for some greater attention in country music circles. Turn off those mainstream stations and spin your dial over to some real Texas country. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Eleven Hundred Springs has cultivated a significant following thanks to homegrown recordings and a constant touring schedule. Now signed to Palo Duro Records ("Country Music, Texas Spirit'"-yet still based in Tennessee), EHS has the distribution and backing to help the band reach the big-time.

Just because the band signed a new record deal doesn't mean that it has changed its style or abandoned its roots. Eleven Hundred Springs definitely delivers on Bandwagon. With a voice reminiscent of a young Rodney Crowell, lead vocalist and songwriter Matt Hillyer guides EHS through a potent country, blues, and rockabilly blend.

The anthemic "Long Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks" sets the stage: They call us long haired, tattooed, hippie freaks / You know they ain't all wrong / You'd think they never saw a bad outlaw / Singin' a country song / But if they'd close their eyes and open their ears / And let the music speak / They'd hear good old country music / Not just long haired, tattooed freaks.

While the band may have signed to a Nashville label, they're still Texas Music outlaws. That outlaw spirit shines through on cuts like the drinkin' and tokin' "Thunderbird Will Do Just Fine" and the anti-establishment "Hank Williams Wouldn't Make It Now In Nashville Tennessee."

The closing tracks provide the real highlights. Featuring the late Ronnie Dawson on vocals, "Why You Been Gone So Long" showcases the stellar pedal steel of EHS's Aaron Wynne while paying homage to one of the band's major influences. "See You In The Next Life" combines heartfelt lyrics with teriffic lead and backing vocals. The closing track, "The Rock Island Line," allows the band to demonstrate its playful side and instrumental skills.

While there may be a couple of missteps ("Gina From San Jose" and "Swerving" come to mind), Bandwagon is an excellent mid-label debut for one of Texas's best-kept secrets.

Eleven Hundred Springs are one of the best Texas music bands out there. Combining an old school Texas sound with rock and roll...creating music to drive by, dance to, play at a party...whatever you like to do. I highly recommend checking these guys out!

When I was in Poland this summer and didn't have access to a radio or the opportunity to go to concerts, this CD got lots of spins. It brought me back to I-35 and the hill country. May be they're right in the song "Nashville, Tennessee" when they say that "honest words and simple lines don't sell much anymore." But I'd like to think that they're wrong because this cd is full of honest words and simple lines that tell it how it is. The only pitfall is them not puting on two songs, "Run up tree," and "Omaha," the latter of which has been released on the Waylon Jennings Red River Tribute album.

I'm not a Country music fan per se. You will find no Garth, Toby, Alan, Carrie, Trisha etc... in my collection. Up until recently it was only Willie and Johnny, but now I'm thrilled to add 1100 Springs. This is DAMN good music! The CD has a wonderful atmosphere, excellent sound quality and is a joy to listen to. Modern music just got good again!

when tommy detamore is involved it can only be something good.. and it is.. great songs,there is a lot of steel,twang guitar and good time... the lead singer sounds a little like jason allen. i hope this band will make some more albums like this.. there is not so much more to say... great country!!!

This is one of my favorite albums of 2004! I've listened to these guys for years, and this is clearly their best CD ever!

My favorite tracks are the Rock Island Line, Why You Been Gone So Long (with Ronnie Dawson!) and A Straighter Line. The Dawson track is amazing!

This is a must-have CD for country music fans!

Awesome CD! I bought it for "Why you been gone so long?" but I love the other tracks. I saw 1100 in concert in Plano TX and they blew the other bands away.

This is my first 1100 Springs exposure. WOW, it has something for every listener! I have kept it my player for days now; each song has some small detail that I catch with repeated listening. There are some good hard core honky-tonk country rockers here, some thoughtful stuff too and a couple of really beautifully constructed & performed songs also. Don't miss this CD!