Customer Reviews

Empty House

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

 

 

This, to my knowledge, is the fourth release by Rex Hobart and The Misery Boys. The first, "Forever Always Ends," has a demo quality but does contain some promising songwriting. "The Spectacular Sadness Of...." is a well-rounded effort if a bit too tame. On their third, "Your Favorite Fool," Rex Hobart And The Misery Boys really hit their stride. This is nothing short of a hillbily magnum opus, full of kick-ass riffs and alternately heartbreaking and hilarious lyrics and singing that miraculously avoid caricature. "Your Favorite Fool" is a totally over the top piece of honky-tonk skronk.

The new one, "Empty House," is a more textured and focused collection that displays a relaxed, confident maturity. Rex Hobart's songwriting is solidly creative and The Misery Boys have become a powerful, sympathetic band. Their brand of country music resonates with influences from Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Gary Stewart (check out "I've Got A Heartache To Hide"). Who know, perhaps these guys will transcend their status as critics' darlings. I, for one, certainly hope so. This talent deserves widespread exposure. In a more just world, pop country bufoons like Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith would be hanging their heads in shame after listening to Rex Hobart And The Misery Boys.

Max Raines, aging raconteur/flat earth theorist

It has been a real pleasure watching this band develop over the last 8 or 9 years. I recall early shows in Kansas City with Hobart dressed in an absurd orange cowboy 'suit'. Apparently channeling James Brown and George Jones simultaneously, they came as close to being a novelty act as you can get without actually being a novelty act. But with each album, the song writing has grown in maturity and complexity. Now, with the album 'Empty House', Rex Hobart and the Misery Boys have acheived a sort of honky tonk apotheosis. It is certainly their most interesting release to date.

"...Deep, dark depression, excessive misery..."

Rex Hobart doesn't cover that old "Hee-Haw" tune on this album ('cause then he'd have to crack a smile...) but the message is pretty much the same. This record, a concept album if I'm not mistaken, kicks off with four mercilessly dark songs that chart the utter destruction of a love affair, and after our hero moves out and starts hittin' the bars, things really start to get bad. There are the late night phone calls, the suggestion of make-up and/or sympathy sex, and the long hours spent staring in the mirror, not liking what you see. Yeah, Hobart lays it on pretty thick, but this is hick music that's still got some bite. I'll take this over anything Kenny Chesney has to offer, any day.