Customer Reviews

East Grand Blues

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A lot of folks will likely hear of this group when they open for the White Stripes on their 2005 tour and that's a good thing. Live, the Greenhornes kick up a tasty garage rock sound that is a good match for the Stripes, but a bit different from what you'll find here. This EP is a nice little gem that swings from Beatlesque pop to scruffy garage rock, sometimes in the space of the same song. The Greenhornes borrow from a lot of 60s influences (Byrds, Zombies, Animals, Yardbirds, Beatles) but still let plenty of their own personality through. Brendan Benson opens up their sound by adding subtle, sweet layers of psychedelia to some tracks and changing up pacing and structure to keep it lively. This disc gets better on each listen. A nice little disc at a great price. Check them out live and on tour, one of the sleeper discs of the year and worth your time for sure.
p.s. Although it's not included on this e.p, you can also hear The Greenhornes on the new Holly Golightly track that plays over the opening and closing of Bill Murray's new movie "Broken Flowers". Incredible tune.

The Greenhornes are a power trio from Cincinnati, Ohio. They have been together for ten years. They have done three previous albums. They have worked with Jack White and Loretta Lynn among others. The Yardbirds and The Kinks have inspired them. They definitely sound like the soundtrack to Easy Rider. "I'm Going Away" is an impressive vocal recording. They get more rocking on "Shelter Of Your Arms" and "At Night." Like the power chords of The Kinks, the song "Pattern Skies" hits you hard. You are wondering what happened. "Shine Like The Sun" has a cool guitar riff and a lovely vocal. It is much like the 1960s, but also right now. The Greenhornes are a cool band. Brendan Benson, who is a cool artist in his own right, produced this record.

It is with some pride that I write this review, given that the Greenhornes are from Cincinnati. Even though the Greenhornes have been around for about 10 years, they are now finally finding some national recognition (Rolling Stone recently wrote them up favorably, among others).

"East Grand Blues" (5 tracks, 15 min.) is not a full-fletched album, due to the fact that Brendan Benson, who produced this, had to quit midway through, due to other commitments. Rather than sitting on the recordings, the band decided to release what they had as an EP. Smart move. This is a great EP. The Greenhornes recreate the British 60s era quite beautifully on here, just listen to the opener "I'm Going Away", or "Pattern Skies", just beautiful, it sounds like the British invasion of 40 years ago.

That said, the Greenhornes are opening for the White Stripes on their current US tour. I saw them here in Cincinnati, and they delivered a 30 min. set of garage blues heavy sound that nothing short of blew the roof off of Music Hall, just amazing and awesome. But that set doesn't sound anything like this EP, so will the real Greenhornes stand up? Either way, they are making terrific music, and "East Grand Blues"", as mistitled as it is, is one great EP. Highly recommended!

East Grand Blues EP exhibits the full versatility that The Greenhornes have to offer. Their music is a mix of modern day pop and alternative rock with a `60s feel to it. Their songs are guitar-driven while also relying on the percussion to bring it all together and while throwing in a tambourine to really give it that mood of yesteryear. The melodic "I'm Going Away" gives off a vibe similar to that of The Beatles, showing their more pop-oriented side. "At Night" is a more alternative sounding song and is lyrically driven. "Shelter Of Your Arms" is a standout song on this EP; it has a darker feel with strong guitar riffs and a heavy beat showing that deep down, this band is all about the rock.

- Stephannie Depa
Synthesis.net

I saw the Greenhornes open for the White Stripes a few weeks ago and over the course of the 30 minute set I heard hints of Black Sabbath, Cream, The Byrds, even Blue Cheer. This three-piece outfit has a lot going on in a cool, retro sort of way.
East Grand Blues gives a taste of that. I hope this band gets some national recognition and puts out a full length record that showcases what they can really do.

As mentioned by the other reviewers on it's "60's sound", this is a great recording and I highly recommend it. And at just around five bucks, you really can't go wrong.

This release by these Cincinnati garage rockers has the distinction of being one of today's few records that don't induce either yawning or deafening.

Every song on this record is different and fascinating. The EP opens with "I'm Going Away", a track very reminiscent of the early Beatles. It's followed by "Shelter of Your Arms", a tribute to the avant-garde. "At Night" is a very garagey track, very Cincinnati. Then comes the record's best song, "Pattern Skies". A fast, distortion-laden track which leaves off with the same feeling as 'Fun House'. "Shine Like The Sun" pays tribute to early blues-rock. The rhythm on the final track is excellent.

Overall, one of the year's absolute strongest records. By far The Greenhornes' strongest release, and probably one of the best of the new millennium. Just one listen will bring you into the greenhornes fan club. Just one listen will do it.

After hearing the first cut on a local college station I had to order this cd. This song reminded me of the early BYRDS stuff. Can't wait for the new CD