Early Tracks

Old 97s

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 23, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 23, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bloodshot Records
• ASIN: B00004TCFS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,821 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
If you favor the more aggressive and reckless Old 97's of Wreck Your Life vintage as opposed to the more polished and poppy songsters of Fight Songs fame, this eight-song EP oughta do the trick. Bloodshot compiles four songs from two original seven-inch singles and adds four outtakes from the Wreck Your Life sessions--all were recorded at various points during 1995. The unrelenting rhythmic propulsion, the wild-eyed vocals, and the ferocious guitars that defined them in their salad days are all present and accounted for here. Rhett Miller's shrewd, half-sarcastic, half-soul-bearing lyrics make tracks like "Ray Charles," "Por Favor," and "W.I.F.E." both charming and chafing. Bassist Murry Hammond handles lead vocals on the two tamest tracks, the touching (really) acoustic train song "Sound of Running" and an appealing, straightforward cover of Johnny Cash's "Let the Train Blow the Whistle." Early Tracks reminds us that, at its best, alt country isn't a forced, heavy-handed combination of competing styles but a natural meld that works because punk rock and country music share the same urgency, honesty, and direct style of communication--whether it's punctuated by a lonesome fiddle or a crunching guitar. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Title Speaks For Itself, May 23, 2000

By	Brandon K May (Waco, TX) - See all my reviews

If you have just recently been turned on to Old 97's and prefer their new pop sound, then this CD is probably not for you. If, however, you have been a long time fan, or are a new fan that enjoys their earlier albums, "Early Tracks" is a great peek into the Old 97's archive. Only one song, "W-I-F-E," has been featured on a full CD, and four songs have never before been released. The CD is short, 8 songs, but it is entertaining. "Early Tracks" is further proof that Old 97's has yet to record a bad song.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars come enjoy harolds super service!, December 14, 2003

By A Customer

Love the old 97s and this is my overall favorite cd. How can you not sing along to crying drunk and w-i-f-e? If you are fan, you will most definetly want to get this cd. However if this is your first time hearing the boys, you may want to start off with one of their full length cds first. Here's to hoping they come touring near western, NY!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old 97's at it again!, June 15, 2000

By	Jill G. (Brinkley, AR) - See all my reviews

Just when you thought they couldn't do it again they did! This is yet another awesome example of the versitality and catchy tunes from the boys. Their songs make you think and laugh. When I'm feeling down I just pop a CD in and they brighten up my day. This album is great and I recomemd it to all true Old 97's fans!