Customer Reviews

Bolsa De Agua

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

 

 

I've been a fan of the Gourds for since at least 1998 and they keep turning out amazing recordings. The addition of Max Johnson to the line-up really fills out there sound, which, in ways, defies being neatly slotted in one genre.

Yes, they are bluegrass and country and Texas rock and Americana but they have so much heart and soul. Try playing this CD loud when you are cooking up something interesting in your kitchen, something that involves homegrown peppers and herbs.

The CD is a complex array of musical flavors, from the foot-stompin' El Paso to the countrified Meat from the Bone to the hilarious advice in Pickles to the somewhat grunge High Highs Low Lows, these guys offer a great soundtrack. The band gets tighter and tighter, yet the music, pardoxically, comes across as loose as ever.

By the time you finish hearing this CD, you will feel like you have a mouth full of beans, jalapenos, beer, and olives. You may not be able to quite label the taste---it's an alchemical thing, anyway---but you can bet it is unique.

I always thought that Stadium Bitzer would be tough to top, but The Gourds did it with this gem. Part of the reason for this is the addition of Max Johnson whose musicianship really adds a new dimension to the songs. I do miss the horns from SB though, but the bluegrass instrumentation fills that gap nicely. Unlike most country/bluegrass/roots these songs have real personal meanings and shading that gives them more depth than their cheerful exteriors would indicate.

I highly recommend this CD. It is unique in sound and content, and really deserves larger audience. Go see them live if you can. You won't be disappointed.

The Gourds, who manage to incorporate every type of North American music into their own unique style, create a masterpiece with this record. From the pop rock "Pickles" to the evangelical "Jesus Christ" the Gourds make every song jump out of the speakers and dance around. The songwriting is their best yet and their musicianship is impeccable. While some of their early works had a sloppy drunk edge to them, Bolsa de Agua manages to stay out of the gutter and on the front porch. The Gourds are one of the most unique artists around and this album relfects and celebrates that uniqueness perfectly.

Intially I was underwhelmed by this album in the light of the shining Stadium Blitzer. However repeated plays have revealed an album with many strengths. I think I was thrown off by Max's songs, "Jesus" and "O Rings" which bring a decidely rural romantic aspect to the group. In a group as eclectic as the Gourds there is plenty of room for variety. Kev brings great tracks like El Paso, Receipts and Fevers, and Off The Bone to the shindig while Jimmy gives us the rural wisdom of Pickles (if you think it is just about pickling you are missing the point), the back porch boogie surrealism of Laying Around The House and the great folk poetry adaption Flamenco Cabaret.I can't think of a better musical take on Lorca anywhere else! So give it time and it will grow. This album consistent gives to the listener with its easy going manner and homegrown warmth.

I've been following the Gourds ... well, since before they were the Gourds. Each release has showcased Kevin Russell and Jimmy Smith's eclectic songwriting talents. This latest release is no different. With the addition of Max Johnston as a more integral part of the band (he only appeared on some of the tracks on their last CD), the band has evolved into fine form. The Gourds strength lies in their devotion to good music. Here's to hoping that they'll keep on rolling ...

I absolutely love the Gourds, but in all fairness this album is not one of their best. I think that's just due to the fact that there's fewer excellent tracks. Best tunes are El Paso, Hallelujah Shine, and Meat Off The Bone. However, I'd still highly recommend getting it.

Reviewers have invoked the protean era of The Band when contexturalizing The Gourds. I'd conceed that the familial zest & jubilant synthesis of so many musical influences starts the ears ticking; call & response, swing, barrel house, bluegrass, & jug that thumps along. It's not the sound of The Band. Despite the textures, you'd get closer to what a protracted halcyon Band might sound like on the 'Largo' project. And a limper quality on the Danko, Anderson, Fjeld effort,'Riding On The Blinds.' There's such a good time feeling in The Gourds, a swelling, toppling good time that feels almost out of control. Is this musical phenomena merely a regional thing? It's nigh impossible to obtain their CDs, including 'Bolsa' over or under the counter in Australia. How long is it since such zanily infectious music was recorded? Spider John Koerner's,'Music Is just A Bunch Of Notes,' maybe, from too long ago.