Customer Reviews

High Hat

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

 

 

I picked up this CD after seeing the band live in Athens, GA. In live performance the band sometimes wavered between glorious Replacements-style r'n'r slop and pristine country harmony. This CD, however, is unwaveringly brilliant. There is a unity of purpose and focus in all the songs that calls to mind the Band's masterpiece second album and Imperial Bedroom-era Elvis Costello, all wrapped up in Louvin Brothers/Stanley Brothers-style close-harmony singing. Production by the Twangtrust (Steve Earle/Ray Kennedy)is spot-on, giving the disc a timeless aura that places it in the same context as the above-mentioned artists/albums. Overall, this is a disc that is woefully underdiscovered, even in the "alt-country/No Depression" community. Once discovered, however, it will probably not leave your player.

I bought this CD after seeing Six String Drag a couple of times and being unable to get their songs out of my head. There is so much to love about this album. From the brilliant and heart felt lyrics to the infectious tempo right down to the happy clarinet, you won't be able to stop tapping your feet and singing along. I know that have another album out but so far have been unsuccessful getting my hands on it. If it is anything like this album (and I know it is) I would buy it in an instant!

I've listened to all sorts of alt-country but this is IT! Unfortunately this band has broken up but this CD belongs in your collection even if you don't like alt-country that much.

Trust me on this one. My tastes run from The Clash, London Calling to Jason and the Scorchers. Is this disc Alt country? Who cares. It's just simple, straightforward great music.

It's an ablum that seems good but normal at first, then grows on you in time and gets better and better...not quite a five star, but not a four star...it's sertanly a must have if you enjoy alt-country.

This disc is great on so many levels and years later sounds as good as it did the first couple of times I heard it. The songs are slice of life in the South stories sung to great, catchy music that at times rocks, swings, twangs and harmonizes its way into your brain so that soon enough you'll be singing along. Some of the turns of phrase recall Elvis Costello without at all sounding like that's the intention, and the addition of the horn section just nails everything down. The brilliant Cold Steel Brace and Keep on Pushin' are two of the slower songs on the disc but some of the best alt-country ever released. This was one of the finest offerings ever to come out of Steve Earle's E-Squared label.