Customer Reviews

Court Yard Hounds

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Content for several years with being in the background while the often fiery and feisty Natalie Maines was their lead vocalist, sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, having achieved a lot with Natalie as the Dixie Chicks, decided to do their own musical side project under a different moniker while Natalie decided to take time off from music following the Chicks' Grammy wins in 2007, and the controversies over Nat's Bushwhacking comments in London during the previous four years. So here Emily and Martie come into the mix as the Court Yard Hounds. And although it may be missing the intensity and the snarl that Nat bought to the Chicks, there is just as much bite as there is bark in these Hounds.

For one thing, having really grown well beyond what the Nashville or even mainstream Texas establishments pegged them as with the Chicks' TAKING THE LONG WAY, Emily and Martie have carried that album's songwriting style over onto this duo project, where breezy songs like "The Coast" and "Delight (Something New Under The Sun)" alternate with rootsy country-rock songs like "I Miss You" and "Fairytale", and rather stinging social commentary, the latter in the form of "Ain't No Son", which is a fiery attack against the redneck notion that homosexuals are inferior to everybody else. One would also be remiss in not mentioning the fact that their instrumental abilities make them rather peerless in a genre where independent women are still an anomaly, Martie doing her fine fiddle and mandolin work (and even lead vocal on her own composition "Gracefully"; the other songs being written by Emily, who does the lead singing on the rest of the album, and sounds, unintentionally, like Sheryl Crow), and Emily working things out on guitar, banjo, dobro and other sundry stringed instruments. They also get able help from highly reliable session vets, like Natalie's father Lloyd Maines, ex-Lone Justice drummer Don Heffington, and pedal steel wizard Greg Leisz, who worked on the Eagles' LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN, and Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris' 1999 "Everly Sisters" album WESTERN WALL: THE TUCSON SESSIONS. And on "See You In Spring", Emily and Martie get it on with Bob Dylan's son Jakob as guest vocalist.

COURT YARD HOUNDS almost certainly falls into that musically gray area known as Americana, what with its mix of rock, folk, pop, country, and bluegrass elements; like TAKING THE LONG WAY, it will likely succeed with that Americana crowd as well as an audience that was raised on the 1970s California country-rock sound pioneered by Linda, Emmylou, the Eagles, and Poco. But make no mistake, there is a huge audience out there that loves to hear something different from the same old Nashville assembly line. And though it hardly means that the Chicks themselves are through as a group, at the very least Emily and Martie have created something of their own as a sister duo that is eminently listenable and memorable.

I hadn't actually heard about this album and was shocked when I stopped in for my morning coffee at my local Starbucks and saw 2/3 of the Dixie Chicks staring back at me. I'm a big fan, so I bought it (which cost me 10 dollars more than if I had bought it on Amazon!) Despite the sting of overpayment, this a great collection. It is different than the Chicks music. Both styles are great, but this album feels more mature musically. I can relate to the lyrics like they came from my own heart. If you are a woman who is no longer a child, this music will speak to you. The songs are about love and loss and family and that's pretty universal stuff.

Listening to the Court Yard Hounds feels like catching up with a really good friend over a great glass of wine.

Well done ladies and thank you for not giving up.

Having never been a really big fan of the Dixie Chicks, I only picked up 2006's TAKING THE LONG WAY for two reasons...first, I thought the pairing of the group with producer Rick Rubin was an interesting one. Second, I felt I needed to support a group who took SO much heat (I mean, c'mon, DEATH THREATS?!?) just for voicing their opinions. The fact that I loved the album as much as I did was just a pleasant added bonus.
I was just as intrigued (and equally pleased!) when I read about sisters Emily Robison and Martie Mcguire's side project, COURT YARD HOUNDS. This infectious amalgamation should get under the skin ~ and stay there! ~ of anyone who loves pop, rock, country, bluegrass, Americana and, especially, Sheryl Crow.
Things open on a gentle, relaxed note with the subdued, albeit sublime, "Skyline." Anchored by an arrangement that literally floats out of the speakers, Robison's lead vocal is delicate, yet steely. Toss in some bittersweet lyrics ("What am I doin' here/In such a lonely place?/Birds fly below/I'm high up in my cage") and you have a powerhouse of an album opener.
"The Coast" is one of my favorite cuts off of CYH....there's just an exuberant joyfulness to the track that wins you over right from the first listen. Robison's lead vocal simply soars, while the arrangement bops along at a finger-popping gait. This track is pop music at it's finest, sheer aural perfection....and a WHOLE lot of fun!
There's a smooth, easy-going give and take vibe to "Delight (Something New Under The Sun)." When things amp up for the chorus, well, it feels natural and real. There's an overall ebb and flow to the cut that's just mesmerizing...by the time you get to that bridge...WOW! One of the disc's nicest moments.
Things take a 180 with "See You In The Spring", an aching duet with Jakob Dylan. This story of a doomed bi-coastal romance sports a stunning pair of vocals, a heartfelt arrangement and powerful lyrics ("Well, babe, can't you give it time?/I'll keep you warm at night/This town's all I know/And I could see you in my life"). Lovely.
And then there's "Ain't No Son." This bluegrass strummer soon morphs into a blistering rocker, as it tells the tale of a bitter father who can't accept who his son is. Great vocal, great instrumentation....but it's the lyrics that really hit hard here: "Stranger, stranger on the wall/When the neighbors come to call/I just don't know what to say/So I put you away/This time I won't leave a trace/I'll fill up the empty space." Another winner!
There's a striking similarity throughout much of COURT YARD HOUNDS to a lot of Sheryl Crow's work, and nowhere is that more evident than on "Fairytale." Simple, sincere, honest, real....Robinson's vocal just tugs at your heartstrings. And when she gets to the closing lines of "Every girl wants the fairytale/I guess I do too"...well, they just snap!
"I Miss You" is chock full of silly lyrics ("I miss you/I can't wait to kiss you"...really? REALLY??), but the arrangement is so melodic and tuneful that you can't help but forgive the track it's lyrical transgressions. Add in a lead vocal to the mix that is both sultry and sly and a throwaway cut becomes an enchanting winner.
Martie Mcguire takes center stage on the gauzy "Gracefully." Blessed with a strong lead vocal, haunting arrangement and mournful instrumentation, you're left wanting more from her. Here's hoping that, unlike Jean Millington and the work she's done with sister June since their days in Fanny, and Nancy Wilson with big sister Ann in Heart, Mcguire won't take such a back seat to Robison on future CYH projects.
"Delicate" is also the best way to describe the gorgeous "April's Love." With it's minimal arrangement (love the cello!) and feathery lead vocal, there's just something hypnotic about the cut. Pointed lyrics ("You didn't take a stand/You didn't hold my hand/You should have held on tight") round out another real gem.
"Then Again" is another one of my favorite cuts...there's just a quirky, clever edge to the track! The arrangement just kind of chugs along, while Robison's vocal has a nice little lilt to it, sort of coy, kind of playful. All of this (barely) masks the sardonic lyrics ("And just to keep the peace and quiet/I'd forfeit my peace of mind/Then again, I never did understand me"). A powerful blend of light...and dark.
However, the disc's true high point has to be the rollicking "It Didn't Make A Sound." Part bluegrass shuffle, part boogie-woogie stomper, this rave-up's fun from start to finish (I particularly love that juke-jammin' piano!!). Blend in another sexy lead vocal and you have one of the Top 25 recordings of the last decade. Mark my word, this is a mass appeal hit just waiting to happen! LOVE....IT!!!
Things wind down with the touching "Fear Of Wasted Time", an ode to evolution, change, quiet moments and not wasting one second once you realize how precious each one is. Ethereal vocals, muted, yet sweet, instrumentation and insightful lyrics ("Time might pass me by/If I close my eyes/So I'm on the next plane/Leavin' town") all meld together in a perfectly cohesive manner. The perfect way to end an already stunning effort!
And COURT YARD HOUNDS is just that, a stunning piece of work that proves Emily Robison and Martie Mcguire are true contenders. Any thoughts anyone may have that these two are simply that other Chick's back-up band have now, once and for all, been squashed like a bug on a Texas windshield. I, for one, can't wait to see what these sisters do next! (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics...a real rarity in releases this year!).

I have been a fan of the Chicks for a long time. But I had no idea how wonderful the voices of the 'backup singers' were. Seems to me, Natalie should have shared the mike a bit more and showcased the other talent in the band. I love this CD. Can't imagine ever getting tired of it. Emily's voice is so pure, and even though there are numerous comparisons to Sheryl Crow, Crow does not sound this good on her best day. (I am a fan of hers, too.) I hope this is not the only CD from these 2. Bravo!

Its not your old quasi-bluegrass group. There's some pop/rock influence mixed with true Texas flavor. Its really fun observing what these two do without the Nashville suits in control. Don't buy this for the Chicks; buy it for the Hounds. They're worth it. "The Coast" sticks in your head until you want to smack'em; "Then Again" is so insider Texan the whole world should love it. This cd is a new dimension for these girls; their fourth I think, and again they succeed.

I listened to this CD and it is decent . The sisters are good musicians and I especially love their violin playing on the cd,
But I have to say , that I really ,really miss natalie Maines superlative voice . Huge Natalie fan as I think she has one of the best female voices of the century .

I love the Dixie Chicks and hope there will be more albums by the three of them- I did read today that the CYH are in the studio collaborating on their second Cd so it does not look like Natalie is still in the picture - what a loss ! The Chicks were magic and had an amazing sound . I have to think that the sisters were advised to think of their own careers first - maybe they did not agree with Natalie's statements , but I admire her for her courage and taking a stand , personally , and of course I agree with her that the war is immoral and I applaud her for use of freedom of speech .

I did nto mean to make a political commentary here but I guess I just got off track and worked up a bit - the music is just lacking "IT" without the real lead singer that should be there .

The two sisters Emily and Martie has used the break, Dixie Chicks apparently have chosen to observe, to record and release an album as "Court Yard Hounds". The songs are generally good, but only in some cases really great. The edge that despite everything characterize Dixie Chicks, is somewhat missing and the album appears a little too neat.

Emily Robinson has written most songs, several together with Martin Strayer, and one song with sister Martie. Emily sings even lead-vocals on the songs, and it is amazing how much her voice and phrasing recalls Sheryl Crow. Some of the songs actually sound like Sheryl Crow songs, which is not so bad. Lyrically the songs seem very personal and honest.

As mentioned, the songs are generally good, and of course, some of them stand out from the rest. "The Coast" is an up-beat country pop song; commercial in the good way and a spreader of good humor.

"See You in Spring" is a nice ballad, performed as a duet between Jakob Dylan, and Emily Also the two quiet acoustic ballads "Fairytale" and "Fear of Wasted Time" stand out. My personal favorite, though, is Martie Maguire's "Gracefully", Which I find in the same league as "You Were Mine" from the "Wide Open Spaces" album. A very moving song.

No matter what, it's a great to have this album while waiting for Natalie Maines to join the sisters again.

I've been a fan of the Dixie Chicks from the very beginning, so when I heard of this Court Yard Hounds release, I was a bit worried. I was relieved to learn that this was a side project and that the Chicks were still together and making music. Natalie Maines has one of the best voices in music today, so I was concerned whether or not the sisters could go it alone without her. Once again, I shouldn't have worried. This isn't just a good CD, it's a great one. I've listened to it repeatedly for months now, and the vocals, the songwriting and the superb musicianship have stood up to the test. I'm looking forward to the next Dixie Chicks CD, but I also hope we hear a lot more from the Court Yard Hounds.

This CD is better than I expected, and I expected quite a bit. It didn't exactly strike me as fantastic on the first listen through, but it's one of those that only gets better the more you hear it. I knew how good this one really was, when after not listening to it for a few days I went backpacking for 5 days. Throughout the whole trip, it was songs from this CD that kept popping up into my head.

When I first played this, I wasn't sure if I liked it. After listening to it several times, I find myself thinking about the lyrics and the great musicianship throughout. Emily Robison does sound a bit like Sheryl Crow, but better. I especially like "The Coast," "Ain't No Son" (it really rocks!), "I Miss You," and "Fairytale." I hope people will take time to listen to this album. I miss Natalie Maines, but Marti and Emily have a lot to say and they do it so well.