Customer Reviews

Haymaker!

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here I go again, trying to find the right words to shape into a review of a Gourd's recording, this time their 2009 "Haymaker." The temptation, as always, is pile on the adjectives and dig through the thesaurus, so I'm going to try to keep this one lean and mean.

If you have been keeping up with the Gourds for some time, the best surprise here is that the music seems tidier, more focused, and less divergent than on some of their previous forays. A strong Tex-Mex seasoning permeates many of the tunes, and most of the rest have a smoky country flavor. The ballads that dominated their last album, "Noble Creatures," are not in favor here, as the band tends to get wound up and keep things rocking. And that means Jimmy Smith's tracks overall are a bit stronger than Kevin Russell's contributions this time out---but Max Johnson has penned a pair of fine tunes as well.

The Gourds have always been a sort of musical jambalaya, and nothing has changed (fortunately) as banjo, guitar, keyboards, accordion, drums, mandolin, and more combine with those (by-now) well-recognized vocals and harmonies. (Figuring out the lyrics will have to be left to bonfire and beer scholars who can focus their energies on such matters---I just appreciate the writing for its oddball insights and imagery.)

If you are looking for surprises or odd-ball stuff, don't expect anything as overt as their cover of Gin `n Juice. "Haymaker" delivers a more subtle punch and requires some burn-in time before you realize what a very good recording it is.

I've read this is the best Gourds album yet. Upon listen 2, I think it may very well be - and that is quite a feat. I love the production - sounds very steady and even - like its played live and in a few takes. The fact that a Max Johnston track and the last one on the album (Tighter) is my top tune, really shows a strong, strong album is here.

As other reviewers have noted The Gourds of Austin, TX are kind of hard to pin down or label musically. Don't let that minor technicality worry you one bit. One reviewer used the term "musical jambalaya", and that comes pretty close to encompassing the sound of The Gourds.

These guys are the real deal when it comes to "good music", and this latest studio release from them is a fine effort in a long line of "fine efforts". Do yourself a favor; buy this album, and try to catch a live show. You will not be disappointed....be sure to bring your dancing shoes.

First of all, I'm glad this album is a significant step up from the disappointing "Noble Creatures." Nearly every song is solid. I've always been more of a fan of Kev's songs, and every one of his contributions is strong. Jimmy's "New Dues" and "Bridget" are great, and might be his best contributions since "Decline-O-Meter," "Illegal Oyster," and "Spanky." The rest of his songs are par for the last few albums, which is to say they're not very good.

I'll take back my wish for Max to write more songs. "Valentine," with maybe the exception of "Wired Ole Gal," is the worst Gourds song to ever make an album. I gave it three tries, but it got worse the more I listened to it. Unfortunately, "Tighter" isn't much better; neither song is even as good as "On Time" and nothing is even close to "Blankets" or "Omaha."

The problem I have with this album is, although there are many good songs, there aren't any stand-out excellent songs. No "Burn the Honeysuckle," "Pill Bug Blues," or "Cracklins." I'd have to say "Country Love" is the best song on the album, with "Shreveport" and "Tex-Mex Mile" coming in second and third. Overall, I would put this album just above "Noble Creatures" and right below "Heavy Ornamentals."

Unfortunately, this album reinforces my theory that The Gourds hit their peak at "Cow, Fish, Fowl or Pig," and they just haven't been able to muster another truly great album since.

These guys are great! Catch a listen to some rock, hillbilly, alternative, country. I love Jimmy's voice! Thurman!

By Haymaker. On about the third listen, you begin to get just how strong this one is. Kind of broken in half by the very traditional sounding Max Johnston song "Valentine", the second half really cooks from "Country Gal" through "Blanket Show" with Kevin and Jimmy trading off on tunes. My only wish is that some of Kevin's songs had been allowed to go on ("All the Way to Jericho", "Country Gal", "Shreveport"), but I'm sure they will live.

I have only recently been introduced to The Gourds, but "Haymaker" is one of my favorite albums of 2009. There is really not a bad tune on this album. All the tracks are quality and the lyrics are very interesting. My personal favorites are "Shreveport", a Cajun, rock/country melody with hilarious lyrics, "Country Love" with a catchy rhythm sing-a-long lyrics, and "All the Way to Jericho". But, how can you not like a song about Luddites? Then there is "Thurman", "Fossil Contender" and several others. The album plays like a live album even though it is not. You won't regret picking this one up, I will guarantee that.

The most underrated Texas band of the century, this one and last. I love Bridgett and want to meet her! Colorful powerful poetic music that is fun and easy to listen to.